Entry requirements and routes to university
There are plenty of ways you can land a spot on your dream college or university course. We've broken down what you need to know.
Entry requirements for college and university
Our course search lets you explore thousands of college and university courses across Scotland!
The 'entry requirements' section will let you know what qualifications you need to apply.
You'll also find this information by searching for courses on college or university websites.
You can compare qualifications in Scotland based on their SCQF Level. This can be handy when applying for a course as you might have qualifications at the same level as those in the entry requirements.
Find out how qualifications compare on the SCQF website.
Use your college qualification to progress to university
If university is your goal, you might be able to get there by going to college first. Many colleges and universities have agreed pathways to degree courses by studying a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) first.
Learn about 'articulation routes' and why they might be the right option for you.
Widening access
Colleges and universities also offer routes in for students who have faced challenges which affected their learning.
They'll accept lower grades for entry to courses, this is sometimes called 'adjusted entry' or 'widening access'.
You might meet the criteria for this if you:
- have been in care
- are a carer
- have been in a university preparation programme, such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or ASPIRE North
- come from an area where few people go to university or you're the first in your family to do so
- experienced disruptions in home and family life that affected your learning
- are a refugee or asylum seeker