University of Edinburgh has places for disadvantaged students

The University of Edinburgh has entered Clearing to help bright students from disadvantaged areas in Scotland secure a place to study. 

A limited number of places at Edinburgh are available to applicants who – in the light of their exam results – are seeking to apply to university or to change where, or what, they study.

The places are available in UCAS Clearing and Adjustment to applicants from the least affluent 20 per cent of postcodes in Scotland – defined using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD20).

The places are also open to those who do not live within SIMD20 areas, but have spent time in local authority care.

The places are available to students who have achieved the minimum entry standards for the main UCAS admissions cycle for 2017/18. The majority of degree programmes will be offering places under the scheme.

The Scottish Government has funded the additional places as part of its commitment to widen access to higher education and to increase the proportion of university students from the most disadvantaged 20 per cent of households to 20 per cent by 2030.

Successful applicants from outside the city of Edinburgh will also be eligible for a guaranteed offer of University accommodation. They may be eligible for one of the University of Edinburgh’s Scotland Scholarships which, dependent on household income, are worth up to £2,000 each year.

Students are free to use the Scholarship for accommodation or other expenses. Successful applicants from LEAPS Group 1 schools – which typically have a below average rate of progression to higher education – are also guaranteed an offer of accommodation.

Ian Sutherland, Head of Admissions at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We believe that coming from an area of disadvantage should never be a barrier to success at university. Offering access places through Clearing and Adjustment provides an opportunity to help highly qualified applicants consider their options, particularly if they have not thought about applying to the University of Edinburgh before.”

Places on the widening access clearing scheme will be advertised on the day of Scottish clearing: 8 August 2017.

A clearing helpline number is available for applicants on 0131 322 2898. The helpline is open from 9am on Tuesday, 8 August.

The University’s website details comprehensive information for prospective applicants, detailing programmes with vacancies and entry requirements.

Clearing Information