Applying to college and university: what to do when
- S3–S4Choose subjects that keep doors open. Check the required subjects for courses you like, e.g. most engineering degrees need Higher Maths and Engineering Science or Physics. Ask about LEAPS if you might be eligible: support runs from S3.
- S5Get Highers. Go to open days. Look at Foundation Apprenticeships for S6. Start a portfolio if you're thinking of art school or architecture. Build up experience: work placements, STEM clubs, competitions.
- May–Aug before S6UCAS opens. Research courses on Planit and UCAS. Draft your personal statement over the summer.
- Sep–Dec of S6Finalise your personal statement with your guidance teacher. Your school adds a reference and predicted grades. Prepare portfolios: art school deadlines and requirements vary.
- 13 January 2027UCAS main equal consideration deadline (6pm). Apply well before: schools set an earlier internal deadline.
- Jan–Mar of S6Search Graduate and Modern Apprenticeship vacancies on apprenticeships.scot. Apply for college courses. Interviews and portfolio reviews happen.
- By early JuneReply to university offers. Apply to SAAS for funding as soon as you have an offer.
- Early AugustSQA / QS results day. Confirm your place, or find one through UCAS Clearing.
Getting in: help and fairer offers
Widening access offers
Most Scottish universities make lower offers to pupils from SIMD20/40 postcodes, care-experienced applicants, young carers, or those on access programmes. The course tables show both standard and widening access grades.
LEAPS (Lothians)
The Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools supports eligible pupils at Lothian schools from S3: workshops, campus visits and application advice. Ask your guidance teacher whether you're eligible.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Several universities, including Strathclyde, accept an FA in place of a non-essential Higher.
Pre-entry programmes
Some courses (e.g. Glasgow) need a summer school or pre-entry programme for widening access offers.
Tuition and funding
Eligible Scottish-domiciled students don't pay tuition fees at Scottish universities. Apply to SAAS every year for tuition, bursaries and loans.