College and university entry requirements

University and college websites and prospectuses provide information on course entry requirements. Make sure to read the small print though, which will detail essential qualifications such as National 5s. Universities and colleges accept most Higher subjects and many universities look for a good range of Higher subjects. If there are any specific Highers requirements for a course, the website or prospectus will list them. Universities may ask that you have completed a certain number of your Highers in one sitting (either in S5 or S6), or ask for more Highers if you sit them over two years. Sometimes universities will ask for a higher grade than those listed in the prospectus if you sit Highers over two sittings.

All universities will make contextual offers to students who are considered to be widening access applicants. A contextual offer means that a student’s application may receive extra consideration if they fulfil certain criteria. This may mean you receive offers at the minimum entry requirements, rather than the typical or standard entry requirements, or you may receive offers somewhere in between the minimum and the standard or typical entry requirements.

What makes you a widening access student can vary from university to university. In some Scottish universities, simply being a LEAPS-eligible student makes you able to be considered for a contextual offer. However, in some universities it will depend on other factors and simply qualifying for LEAPS support won’t change the grades being asked for.

All universities are different and LEAPS staff will be able to help you understand which offers you will receive from the institutions you are interested in. However, all applicants do need to meet the stated requirements, and this can include specific subjects at National 5 as well as Highers.

If you’re not sure about something, it’s a good idea to get in touch with university or college direct to discuss your subjects and ask them what they think their entry requirements would be based on your qualifications and situation. Check out our blog post on How to contact a university or college.

Admissions departments are happy to receive enquiries about entry requirements, as they like to receive carefully considered applications.

LEAPS staff or your teachers can also talk through entry qualifications with you, so please get in touch if you want any advice.