Tucked away in a small town on the east coast of Scotland, St. Andrews is a special place. Its size and location ensure that students form close bonds with their peers and faculty, and are justifiably proud to call this their home.
The annual calendar celebrates a host of quirky traditions and students enjoy being just minutes from an expansive beach and the famous Royal and Ancient Golf Course.
These factors could make St. Andrews feel secluded from the rest of the world; however, the extremely diverse and international population ensure that the university nurtures its modern and global outlook.
Academics are rigorous and students are expected to be independent and resourceful learners.
- Public, research
- Scotland’s oldest university – founded 1413
- Coastal town location.
- 1 in 3 people in St. Andrews are connected to the university.
- Compact and walkable. University is intertwined with the town.
- Good transport links to Edinburgh by bus and train. Internal UK and international flights from Edinburgh airport.
- Small university, but global vision with a diverse and close knit international community
- 9,100 students from 130+ countries (16% North American)
- Welcoming and safe environment
- 4 Faculties: Arts, Science, Medicine and Divinity
- 30:1 admit rates (25:1 in some subjects)
- Most popular subjects by application: International Relations, Mathematics, Computer Science.
- New interdisciplinary degree in Sustainable Development is also very popular
- Rolling admissions
- 1st Student Satisfaction in UK (2019 National Student Survey)
- 96% in employment or further study after graduation
- 12:1 student to staff ratio
- 4 years modular degree system – breadth and flexibility in the first two years + depth and specialism in the final two years.
- Students apply for a specific subject but have freedom to explore other subjects in the first two years before deciding what to major in for the final two years.
- Most students take three subjects in Year 1 and Year 2 (two for scientists)
- A few subjects, such as Maths, Statistics and Psychology, can be taken through with the Science or the Arts faculties. The course content is exactly the same.
- Faculty of Arts graduates are awarded a Master of Arts degree – M.A. (Honours). Equivalent to a bachelor degree.
- 12-24 hours of class per week depending on subject area
- Lots of independent learning and group work is expected outside of class – students should come to class well read and prepared to debate their ideas
- Mixture of continuous assessment and exams
- Joint 2+2 programme with the College of William and Mary. Students receive a Bachelor of Arts (international Honours) from both institutions. Offered in six areas: Classical Studies, Economics, English, Film Studies, History, and International Relations.
- Teaching is in lectures, seminars (2-20 students), small group tutorials and lab sessions
- Applicants must demonstrate that they can thrive in a competitive academic environment
- Admissions are looking for high academic achievement and a passion for the subject
- IB 36-38 / A Level ABB to A*A*A / 3.6 GPA, 3 APs with 4s and 5s / SAT 1340+ / ACT 28+
- They do look closely at HS profile – availability of rigorous classes is taken into account.
- Holistic review.
- Personal statement: strong emphasis on academic content – min. 75%, passion for subject, personal experience, co-curricular and extra curricular activities. Reference further reading. Reflect on learning from activities in the context of what applicable skills have been developed.
- Will also look at academic reference and academic qualifications: gained and predicted.
- Do offer unconditional places to US students – unlike many UK universities.
- Medicine: students graduate after 3 years with a BSc Honours and then move to a partner university for their clinical training. St. Andrews doesn’t have a teaching hospital so students can go to Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh or Manchester. Overseas students all go to Manchester. Separate programme for Canadian students who go to The University of Edinburgh after 3 years and are given support finding a residency in Canada after gaining their MBCHb.
- Integrated year abroad for all language students – 5 year degree pathway.
- Many opportunities for non-language students to spend a semester or year abroad at leading universities.
- Integrated Masters – 5 years – available in some science subjects
- Accommodation is guaranteed to all 1st year students (if applied before 30th June)
- 12 contemporary and traditional Halls of Residence spread throughout the town.
- New students complete a questionnaire and great care is given to matching up students with a suitable roommate
- ‘Halls’ is at the centre of the 1st year student experience – close knit communities. Many students stay in Halls beyond 1st year.
- Student-run hall committees organise events: formal balls, wine & cheese evenings, garden parties, Burns Supper, movie nights, etc.
- Single or shared rooms / catering or self catering / share or en suite bathrooms – choice of all.
- A Warden team in each hall supports students
- 150+ students run clubs and societies. Full events calendar. Lots to do despite being a small town.
- Multiple performance spaces, including the new £12 million Laidlaw Music Centre
- A very broad range of interests is catered for.
- Chance to play on the Royal and Ancient Golf Course
- Lots of quirky traditions: Academic Families, Raisin Weekend, Pier Walks
- Full service student support – academic, welfare, careers, financial.
- ASK: one stop shop for all student needs
- Night Bus to take you home if studying late
- Careers service is available for up to 3 years after graduation
- 2 Full ride International Excellent Scholarships each year + others that vary each year. Check the website for details.
- FAFSA accepted
- International tuition fees £26, 350 (2022/23) / Medicine £33,570 (2022/23)
Applications to St Andrews can be made through UCAS or the Common App.
Do accept a small number of direct applications for students who are not applying to any other UK universities – check eligibility on their website.
Visit the University of St. Andrews website.
@uniofstandrews
