This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Increase in students graduating in Scotland
13/12/2001
Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Wendy Alexander today welcomed the latest statistics on graduates and diplomates from higher education in Scotland.
The figures which cover 1999-00 show that the number of graduates and diplomates who successfully complete courses in higher education at Scottish institutions exceeds 56,500. This is an increase of almost 4,000 on the previous year.
Ms Alexander said:
"The news that the number of graduates successfully completing courses of higher education in Scotland is up by over 7% on the 1998-99 figures is very encouraging indeed.
"This strong performance underlines the excellence and hard work of teaching staff in our colleges and universities guiding and supporting over 56,000 students to successfully complete their courses.
"With 74% of those who went into permanent employment on graduation doing so in Scotland, an increase of over 6% on last year, we are continuing to provide the skills required for the development of the knowledge economy in Scotland. And the proportion of Scots taking up permanent employment in Scotland after graduation also remains consistently high at over 80%.
"The link between learning and earning is clear. Nine in every ten graduates go onto further study or employment and, as in the previous two years, only 4% of graduates are believed to be unemployed six months after graduation. This can be taken as evidence that the skills and qualifications gained from higher education significantly enhance the employment prospects of graduates. I would hope that this will encourage more people to enter higher education.
"It is clear from the fact that over 50% of those who complete sub degree courses continue into full-time study that collaboration and co-operation between colleges and universities to provide stepping stones for people to progress is important. We continue to encourage and support this to help break down barriers and ensure people can benefit from the opportunities available.
" Higher education remains at the heart of our commitment to building a learning nation and securing Scotland's economic, social and cultural well-being. We continue to support the widening access agenda to enable and encourage those from under represented groups to enter higher education. "