An apology has been issued to hundreds of prospective students told in error they had been accepted to study at the University of St Andrews.
An email intended for a small group already offered places at the 600-year-old institution was also sent to 760 people still anxiously waiting for news.
The invitation to an open day began with the words: “Congratulations on your offer of a place to study here at the University of St Andrews.”
Less than half an hour later a second message was sent rectifying the mistake.
The university has apologised to those affected, who are still waiting to learn the outcome of their applications.
A statement issued said: “We’re very sorry that we wrongly sent an email to some of our Scottish applicants which may have given the impression that we had made a decision on their applications.
“The email should have gone only to a very small group of people already in receipt of offers from us to invite them to attend visiting days in St Andrews.
“In total, 760 of 3,456 applicants received this email in error.”
The correction email, rushed out on Thursday afternoon, said that the initial message had been sent in error due to a “technical issue”.
It added: “We are still considering applications and hope to let you know of our decision as soon as possible.
“We apologise wholeheartedly for this mistake and for any confusions which it may have caused.”
A spokesman said decisions were still to be finalised on many applications but it aimed to issue these in the coming week though UCAS.
Some of those who received the email in error took to Twitter to voice their disappointment.
Alastair Couttie, of Dufftown, wrote: “Wow St Andrews just sent me a uni offer and then told me I don’t actually have an offer. Good job.”