SQA Results Day 2026: Key Dates & What To Expect

SQA Results Day is one of the biggest moments of the year for students across Scotland. Whether you’re waiting on National 5s, Highers or Advanced Highers, the day can bring excitement, nerves and plenty of questions. Knowing when results arrive, how to read them and what to do next can make the day feel much more manageable.

This guide explains all you need to know about SQA Results Day 2026: how you’ll receive your results, what they mean, and what to do if your grades are better, worse or simply different from what you expected. You’ll also find practical advice on appeals, university and college offers, and alternative next steps.

Key Takeaways

• SQA Results Day 2026 is Tuesday 4 August. Results arrive by text/email (if registered for MySQA) and by post.

• MySQA gives you results from 8 am, usually before the paper certificate arrives.

• If your results are not what you expected, you may be able to appeal, speak to teachers, or explore alternative routes such as college or apprenticeships.

• Your SQA results affect university and college offers, including UCAS Clearing, so it is important to know what to do if you miss a condition.

When Is SQA Results Day 2026?

SQA Results Day 2026 is Tuesday 4 August 2026.

On this date, students across Scotland receive their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results.

You will receive your results:

• By post – your results certificate should arrive on the morning of Results Day

• By text or email (optional) – if you register for MySQA (opens in a new tab), you will also receive your results digitally from 8 am on the same day

Your school or college may also contact you if any follow-up is needed, such as checking course entries or discussing next steps.

How Will I Get My SQA Results?

You will receive your SQA results in two main ways, depending on whether you register for MySQA.

1. By Post

All students receive an official results certificate by post. It includes:

• Your grades for each subject

• The SCQF level of each qualification

• A summary of your achievements

Most students receive this on the morning of Results Day, although delivery can vary slightly depending on where you live.

2. By Text or Email (MySQA)

If you register for MySQA, you will also receive your results by text and/or email from 8 am.
This is usually the fastest way to see your grades.

How Do I Register for MySQA?

You can sign up for MySQA on the SQA website. You’ll need:

• your Scottish Candidate Number (SCN)

• an email address

• a mobile number

You must complete registration and verify your account before the deadline, which is usually a few days before Results Day. If you miss this, you will still receive your certificate by post, but not the early text/email.

How to Prepare For SQA Results Day

It’s perfectly natural to feel anxious on results day. The whole exams process can be a very stressful time, with 85% of students experiencing exam anxiety. 

Here are some simple steps to help.

1. Register for MySQA

Make sure your MySQA account is fully set up and verified, with the correct mobile number and email.

2. Check Your UCAS Details (Higher / Advanced Higher Students)

If you have conditional offers, make sure UCAS has your current phone number and email and that you know how to log in. Keep the contact details for your firm and insurance choices handy.

3. Refresh your understanding of grades

Before Results Day, remind yourself how National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher grades work so you can interpret your certificate quickly.

4. Plan Your Day

Decide where you want to be when results arrive and who you might want nearby. Having a plan can reduce last-minute anxiety. Try to get a decent night’s sleep and keep your morning as calm as possible.

Save My Exams has an exam anxiety relief pack that can help you manage results day nerves.

5. Prepare for Different Outcomes

Consider in advance what you would do if:

• A grade looks surprising

• You miss a university or college offer

• You want to appeal

• You decide to explore college, apprenticeships or work instead

Understanding Your SQA Results

Your certificate will list each subject and the grade achieved. The grading structure is similar across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, with some differences in level and depth.

National 5 Grades

At National 5, the main course grades are: A, B, C, D and No Award.

• Grades A–D all sit at SCQF Level 5, with A–C counting as full course passes.

• “No Award” means the minimum standard for the course was not met.

Some subjects also include added value or coursework components that contribute to your final grade.

Higher Grades

Highers use the same grade letters (A–D, No Award) at SCQF Level 6. These qualifications are especially important if you are applying to university, since many offers are based on Higher results.

Advanced Higher Grades

Advanced Highers also use A–D and No Award, at SCQF Level 7. They involve more specialised, in-depth work and can:

• Strengthen applications for competitive courses

• Contribute additional UCAS tariff points

Your certificate may also show:

• SCQF Levels and Credit Points – indicating difficulty and volume of learning

• Course assessment information where relevant (for example, performance or practical components)

What If I Don’t Get the Results I Expected?

If your results are lower (or higher) than expected, take a moment before reacting. It is completely normal to feel shocked or upset, but you still have options.

Talk to a Teacher or Adviser

Your teachers know your work and predicted performance. They can help you understand:

• Whether your result fits your class and assessment performance

• How close you may have been to a higher grade

• Whether an appeal might be appropriate

• Which next steps make the most sense for your goals.

Try to speak to them as soon as you can, as appeal windows are short.

Check Your University or College Options

If you have conditional offers based on SQA results:

• Do not assume you have lost your place if you miss a grade by a small margin.

• Universities may still accept you, offer an alternative course, or suggest Clearing.

Always check UCAS and speak to admissions before changing your plans.

Look After Yourself

Results Day can be intense. If you feel overwhelmed, talk it out. Parents or carers, friends, your school guidance team, helplines or local youth services: you’re not alone. And one set of grades does not define your future.

Appeals: Can I Challenge My SQA Results?

If your SQA results don’t seem right or you expected a higher grade, you may be able to appeal. The SQA Appeals Service (opens in a new tab) is free and allows your school or college to ask the SQA to review your marked assessment material.

How the SQA Appeals Process Works

The appeals process for 2026 is likely to follow the same structure as recent years (always check the latest SQA advice). You can appeal if:

• Your final grade is lower than expected

• You believe there has been an error in marking

• You have exceptional circumstances (for example, illness or serious disruption)

There are two types of appeal:

1. School-submitted appeal

Your school or college submits the appeal on your behalf. They will usually only do this if they feel it is justified.

2. Direct student appeal

Available to private candidates or in cases where a candidate believes their school has not acted properly.

What the SQA Looks At

When an appeal is submitted, SQA markers and senior examiners will:

• Re-mark your exam script or coursework

• Check that marking instructions were applied correctly

• Consider any evidence submitted for exceptional circumstances

They do not consider class tests, prelims or teacher estimates – only SQA-marked assessment materials.

Can My Grade Go Up or Down?

Yes. During an appeal, your reviewed grade can:

• Stay the same

• Go up

• Go down

Your school should explain this clearly before submitting. You must confirm that you understand the risk.

Evidence and Deadlines

• Marking review appeals usually do not require extra evidence. The script is simply reviewed again.

• Exceptional circumstances appeals need supporting evidence such as medical notes or guidance records.

Appeal deadlines are strict and usually fall:

• Around one week after Results Day for priority (university/college) appeals

• Within 2–3 weeks for standard appeals

For 2026, always check the latest dates on the SQA website and with your school.

How Do SQA Results Affect University Offers?

If you have applied through UCAS, your SQA results are used to decide whether you meet the conditions of your university offers.

If You Meet Your Conditions

• The UCAS Hub (opens in a new tab) normally updates your application automatically on Results Day.

• Your status should change from Conditional to Unconditional once the results are processed.

• You usually do not need to contact the university unless they request it.

If You Miss Your Conditions

Missing a grade does not always mean you lose your place. Universities may:

• Accept you anyway if you were only slightly below the offer

• Offer an alternative course (for example, a foundation or access year)

• Ask if you would like to be considered for another programme

If your UCAS status is slow to update, don’t panic – some universities wait until all results are available before making final decisions.

What Should I Do If I Miss My Offer?

If your status still shows as Conditional or Unsuccessful after a few hours:

1. Contact the university admissions office.
   Explain your results and ask whether they can still accept you or offer an alternative.

2. Speak to a teacher or adviser at school/college.
   They can help you understand your options and support conversations with universities.

3. Ask about a priority appeal.
   If your school believes a marking error has affected your place, they can consider a priority appeal.

Clearing: Your Next Opportunity

If you have no confirmed place, you can use UCAS Clearing:

• Clearing opens in early July, but many Scottish students use it from Results Day.

• Use the UCAS Clearing Search Tool (opens in a new tab) to find courses with spaces and contact universities directly.

Many students find great degrees through Clearing, so try to see it as another opportunity rather than a “last resort”.

Next Steps After Results

Whatever your results look like, there are several positive routes forward.

University

If your place is confirmed:

• Congratulations! Check your university emails for information about accommodation, enrolment and induction.

• Make note of any deadlines for forms or deposits.

College

Colleges across Scotland offer a wide range of routes, including:

• NCs

• HNCs and HNDs

• Access to Higher Education programmes

• Vocational or industry-focused qualifications

These can be great options if you prefer practical learning or want a different route into university later.

Apprenticeships

If you want to earn while you learn, apprenticeships are a strong option. Look into:

• Foundation Apprenticeships

• Modern Apprenticeships

• Graduate Apprenticeships

These are available in areas like engineering, business, digital skills, construction, and childcare.

Resits or Taking Another Year

If a particular grade is blocking your plans, you might:

• Resit National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher subjects

• Take a college course that lets you rebuild key qualifications

Discuss your options with teachers or advisers so you understand what is realistic. And if you’re resitting any of your subjects, use Save My Exams’ Higher revision resources to help you.

Gap Year or Work

Some students:

• Take a gap year to work, travel or gain experience

• Go straight into employment or trainee programmes

You can still return to education later through college, apprenticeships or part-time and online study.

Find further advice on careers and university options in our Learning Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Do SQA Results Come Out?

If you have signed up for MySQA, your results will be sent by text and email from 8 am on SQA Results Day.

Everyone will also receive a printed certificate by post, which usually arrives later that morning.

Can I Get My SQA Results Online?

Yes. If you register for MySQA before the deadline, you can choose to receive your results by text and email. This is the fastest way to see your grades.

Your official SQA certificate will still arrive by post even if you receive them digitally.

What Happens If I Miss My University Offer?

If your results don’t meet the conditions of your offer, the university might still accept you, especially if you were only a grade or two short. Each university handles missed offers differently, so always check your UCAS Hub and contact them directly.

UCAS Clearing may uncover alternative courses. 

Final Thoughts

SQA Results Day can feel intense, but having clear information and a simple plan makes everything easier. Whatever appears on your certificate, remember two things: your results reflect real hard work, and you always have options.

If you achieved the grades you hoped for, enjoy the moment and look ahead to your next steps, whether that’s university, college, an apprenticeship or something else entirely.

If your results were unexpected, try to stay calm. Support is available, and you still have many routes forward, including appeals, Clearing, college pathways, gap years, and resits.

Most importantly, Results Day is one step in a much bigger journey. With the right guidance and a bit of perspective, you’ll be able to move confidently into whatever comes next.

References:

• Exam timetable and learner apps - SQA (opens in a new tab)

• MySQA get exam results by text or email - SQA (opens in a new tab)

• SQA | Your National Qualifications 2025-26 (opens in a new tab)

• UCAS Hub (opens in a new tab)

• Clearing and results day | UCAS (opens in a new tab)

• SQA | Appeals service (opens in a new tab)