According to official figures released in January 2010, applications to Scottish universities have risen by an unprecedented 31% over the last year to 38,763 with the majority, 28,000, coming from school leavers. The remaining 10,763 applicants came mainly from older people seeking opportunities outwith the decreasing jobs market.

Universities will retain the right to recruit as many overseas students as they wish but the number of domestic students will be capped. Without further funding to enable expansion, Scottish universities will have no choice but to reject suitably qualified students.