A RECORD number of students went into higher education in Scotland last year, new figures reveal.

There were 296,695 higher education students in Scottish universities and colleges in 2017-18, up by 4075 on the previous year.

The 1.4% increase was largely due to a rise in the number of students going to university, which reached a record high of 104,520.

However, the number of new entrants to colleges was down by 1195 (3.1%) since 2016-17.

In 2017-18, females made up 57.4% of the total number of higher education students, with the proportion increasing every year since 2010-11.

The new figures from the Scottish Funding Council also show a record 37,410 Scottish-domiciled students entering the system last year at first-degree level.

The report, which looks at the provision of higher education and student attainment over a 10-year period, found that the number of students gaining a qualification reached an all-time high. Of the 104,160 students leaving university or college with a higher education qualification, almost 67% achieved graduate-level qualifications.

Scottish Funding Council chief executive Karen Watt said: “The good news from these figures is that more students living in Scotland are benefitting from higher education courses than ever before. For students, this means better life chances and career prospects. For Scotland’s economy it means a more highly skilled and adaptable workforce.”

Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead added: “From Ucas data, we know the number of Scots winning a place at university is at a record high, as is those winning a place at university from the most deprived areas. This is testament to our commitment to maintain free education and widen access to university.

“Scotland has the most highly qualified population in Europe and people come from around the world to learn here.

“We want to attract talent to study – and stay – here for decades to come, so we need the UK Government to give Scotland a post-study work route that allows universities and colleges to continue to retain talent.”