Almost 40 per cent of the Scotland team at the Commonwealth Games studied for degrees in their homeland.
Universities Scotland, which represents the country's 19 higher education institutions, has produced figures showing that 114 out of the 310 athletes (36.7 per cent) have a higher education institution background.
They are either current students or graduates and have pursued a diverse range of academic subjects including accountancy, medicine, sport and recreation management, chemistry and broadcast production.
The new analysis follows a scholarship support scheme which has been awarded to 73 of the home-based athletes. The Winning Students scheme includes the entire badminton team.
Sixteen of Scotland's 19 higher education institutions can claim current students or graduates in Team Scotland.
Professor Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Stirling and convener of Universities Scotland's University Games Group, said: "Team Scotland has the backing of staff and students from every one of Scotland's universities and colleges as the Commonwealth Games get underway in Glasgow this week.
"That so many of our nation's top athletes have also pursued a Scottish higher education is testament to the quality of facilities and support on offer from our universities.
"Earlier this year we highlighted how our support for a successful Games goes beyond urging on our athletes during Games time and how it touches every aspect of the Games from the research behind physical endurance and performance, the management and organisation skills to encouraging people of all ages in Scotland to be healthier and more active."
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