SCOTLAND’S universities are bucking the trend compared to the UK as a whole, with an increase in numbers applying to study north of the border in the next academic year.

The number of applicants to Scottish universities at the January 15 deadline was up one per cent compared with last year, in contrast with a one per cent fall in applicants applying to UK institutions.

The latest Ucas figures show a drop in applications from 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas of Scotland – from 17 per cent to 16.7 per cent – but this is still higher than any year bar 2017. There was also an increase in overall applications from people of all ages from disadvantaged areas.

There was a one per cent rise in the number of Scottish residents applying to a Scottish university and a 13 per cent rise in the number of non-EU international students. Of concern will be a drop of 780 in the number of school leavers going into sciences and engineering.

Further and Higher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said the figures were a “significant indicator of the strength of Scotland’s global reputation as a welcoming and world-class study destination”.

She added: “While it is good to see Scotland’s universities outperforming those across the UK, it is also vitally important that we continue to drive forward our ambition to widen access to university for people from our most deprived communities.

“In 2017, we saw a 13 per cent increase in the number of people from the most deprived communities getting places to study at university. Today’s application rate shows that there is more work to do if we are to see a similar increase in 2018. Universities must do all they can to promote the opportunities available for learners from our most deprived backgrounds and to make them aware where there is still a chance to apply before the June 30 deadline. It is equally important that universities push ahead with the implementation of minimum entry thresholds so that the potential of those who do apply is recognised fairly within the application process.”

A spokesman for Universities Scotland said: “Today’s figures show that demand for Scottish higher education remains very high. This means that there will be no let-up in the fierce competition for places.

“All our institutions are working hard to ensure that the diversity of Scottish society is reflected at our institutions,” he added.