The number of Scottish domiciled students being offered a place at Scottish universities is the second highest on record, up 1% to 28,240.
UCAS data published yesterday also shows the number of acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland to UK universities increased to a record high of 4,360.
However, Nicola Sturgeon and Education Secretary John Swinney came under fire during the First Minister's daily coronavirus briefing on Tuesday amid controversy surrounding the publication this year's results.
Almost 125,000 pupils' results were downgraded - despite no exams being sat on account of the Covid-19 crisis - however overall pass rates across the country increased.
Exams were cancelled for the first time, leading to the body having to devise an alternate method of awarding grades based on prelims and coursework assessment.
The SQA said it would "moderate" the results, based on historical performances of the school, not the pupil.
Several students and parents of schoolkids who received their results took to Twitter to take aim at the SQA.
Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: "Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place at university. The increase in acceptances for Scottish students from all backgrounds gaining a place at a Scottish university is very encouraging, especially given the past few difficult months.
"The figures also show that the number of people from the most deprived areas being accepted to university is at a record high.
"We want every young person in Scotland to have an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstances, and I am pleased we continue to make steady progress here.
"For anyone disappointed with their results, the SQA’s appeals process is now open. The clearing process is also now live and places are still available for those who want to study in Scotland.
"It is, however, no surprise that the combination of coronavirus and a looming Brexit has led to a drop in EU students, who are still eligible to apply for tuition fees. EU students enrich our campus life and I hope we can still welcome many of them to our world-leading institutions."
