Minister visits QMU as Clearing opens opportunities for prospective students
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus today (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process.
The Minister visited QMU's dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University's Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September.
While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants.
Missing a university offer doesn't have to mean missing out on going to university. Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that's right for them, and it's been great to see Queen Margaret University's dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students. Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don't hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support.
During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar.
In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an 'Ask a Student' service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University.
Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we're proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process. It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we're helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates. We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we're committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.
Prospective students can contact QMU's friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process. They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University's Clearing webpages.
Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university. Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses. As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information.
We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.
For further media information contact Emma Reekie, Media and Content Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: ereekie@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
