Scottish University Graduates: Latest Statistics

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Scottish higher education institutions awarded 42,655 first-degree qualifications in the 2019/20 academic year. This figure encompasses both full-time and part-time graduates across all Scottish universities and higher education colleges.

Context & Trends

• Population context: With ~5.5 million residents, Scotland produces a high per-capita graduate output
• Subject distribution: STEM, business, health, and creative arts lead; exact breakdowns vary annually
• International dimension: A significant proportion are non-UK students (EU and overseas), reflecting Scotland's global university appeal
• Post-study outcomes: Graduate employment/positive destination rates typically exceed 90% within 15 months

Data Notes

HESA rounds figures to nearest 5. "First degree" includes bachelor's degrees (ordinary and honours) but excludes postgraduate, sub-degree, and professional qualifications. For the most current data, consult HESA's official releases.