ALMOST nine out of 10 university graduates in Scotland had a job or were in further training within six months of completing their course, according to official statistics.

In all, about 70% of leavers from higher education had a job in the UK or abroad while just over 6% were believed to be unemployed, the figures for leavers in 2011/12 show.

About three-quarters were working in managerial and professional occupations while 8.3% were in sales and customer service and 6% in administrative and secretarial work.

Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, said the figures showed the continuing value of a university education.

He said: "They show that our universities are leading the way, with graduates more likely to go on to further study or work than graduates from the UK as a whole. We will continue to work with universities and businesses to help make sure Scottish graduates get access to the opportunities they need to make the most of their degree and play their role in Scotland's economic future."

Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, which represents university principals, welcomed the figures.

"The figures published today show yet again that Scotland's graduates have the best prospects in the UK. Our graduates outperform the UK overall for rate of positive destinations, have the lowest unemployment rate and can command higher starting salaries," he said.

"These results reflect the immense work and care that Scotland's universities dedicate to employability in all their students."