Scottish students and UCAS gearing up for Highers results

1 August 2008

UCAS is now processing the exam results of approximately 30,000 Scottish students hoping to secure a place at university or college this year.

Students across Scotland will receive their results by post on Tuesday 5 August.

The results sent to UCAS by the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) are now being matched to applicants, with details then forwarded to universities and colleges. This allows the universities and colleges to make decisions on offers and places. Most students will find out if they have been successful in securing their place on 5 August.

Overall 27,218 Scots were accepted by universities and colleges last year, 25,395 at institutions in Scotland.

For those students that don't get the grades that they need all is not lost

1,935 Scottish students found a place through Clearing last year, 1,799 at universities and colleges in Scotland. Clearing is used by applicants who have not managed to secure a place at university or college for the current year.

What should students do?

  • First of all don't panic, but do be prepared to be flexible on your options.
  • Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works and for helpful advice.
  • Look on Track at ucas.com to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing number if you become eligible - you will also be sent a Clearing Passport.
  • Make sure that you're available to speak to universities and colleges - treat your Clearing application like a job application - deal with it yourself! Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.
  • Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. A university or college that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing number and your application number. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results.
  • Vacancies will be listed at ucas.com and also in the Scottish edition of the Independent on 5 August. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check the entry requirements.
  • If you are accepted onto a course, the university or college will contact us and the offer will be displayed on Track.
  • If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468 - 8.30am to 6pm.
  • For expert, independent advice on applying for university or college, taking time out or choosing to enter employment speak to a specially trained advisor on the Exam Results Helpline - just call 0808 100 8000. Lines open on Tuesday 7 August until 23 August with extended hours on 5 August of 8am to 8pm.

Media contacts

Byron Price, Communications Executive
Darren Barker, Communications Officer
Telephone: 01242 544987 or 01242 545723
Email: communications@ucas.ac.uk
Out of hours: 07768 740461