MORE than 15% of students entering university in Scotland last year were from the country’s most deprived areas, new figures show.
The percentage applies to full-time students who embarked on their first degree in 2017-18.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency said 15.6% were from the 20% most deprived areas. The previous year’s figure was closer to 14%. The Scottish Government hailed the “positive progress” on equal access to higher education.
Last year also saw an increase in the total number of Scottish students enrolling in Scottish universities.
Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “I’m pleased to see more Scots going to university here and a record increase in entrants from our most deprived areas. Combined with recent Ucas statistics, this shows demonstrable progress towards giving every young person in Scotland an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance.”
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