University of St Andrews
Fife, United Kingdom
University of St Andrews
St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
Founded
1413
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
10,350+
UK Ranking (Times 2026)
#2
Discover the University of St Andrews: Scotland's First University
Discover the University of St Andrews: Scotland's First University
Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and the third-oldest in the English-speaking world, after Oxford and Cambridge. Established through a papal bull issued by Pope Benedict XIII, the university has over six centuries of academic heritage and remains one of the most respected institutions in the United Kingdom.
St Andrews is organised across four faculties — Arts, Divinity, Medicine, and Science — offering over 900 degree courses. With students from more than 140 countries making up nearly half of its student body, it is one of the most international universities in the UK, providing a truly global academic community in a uniquely intimate setting.
Ranked second in the UK by both The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and The Guardian University Guide 2026, St Andrews has even topped Oxford and Cambridge in recent UK league tables. The university is renowned for its exceptional student satisfaction, research excellence, and strong graduate outcomes.
Key Milestones
- 1413: University formally established by papal bull from Pope Benedict XIII, making it Scotland's first university.
- 1450: St Salvator's College founded, becoming one of the university's most iconic buildings and academic centres.
- 1897: University College Dundee affiliated with St Andrews, expanding the university's reach in medical and applied sciences.
- 2022: St Andrews ranked first in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times, the first university to ever top both Oxford and Cambridge in a British ranking.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of St Andrews organises its teaching and research across four faculties encompassing 19 academic schools. The flexible undergraduate degree structure allows students to explore multiple subjects in their first two years before specialising, fostering interdisciplinary learning and intellectual breadth.
Faculty of Arts
The largest faculty at St Andrews, covering the humanities, social sciences, and languages. It includes top-ranked departments in International Relations, History, English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages.
- International Relations (MA Hons)
- English (MA Hons)
- History (MA Hons)
Faculty of Science
Offers rigorous programmes in the physical, biological, and computational sciences. The faculty is home to leading research in physics, chemistry, computer science, and marine biology.
- Physics (BSc / MPhys)
- Computer Science (BSc / MSci)
- Chemistry (BSc / MChem)
Faculty of Medicine
Provides pre-clinical medical education and postgraduate research in medical sciences. St Andrews partners with the University of Dundee through the ScotGEM programme for clinical training.
- Medicine (BSc Hons)
- ScotGEM Graduate Entry Medicine (MBChB)
- Neuroscience (BSc Hons)
Faculty of Divinity
One of the oldest faculties at the university, St Mary's College offers programmes in theology, biblical studies, and religious studies. It is the only remaining faculty housed in its original medieval college.
- Theology (MA Hons)
- Biblical Studies (MA Hons)
- MLitt in Theology and the Arts
School of Management
Part of the Faculty of Arts, the School of Management offers highly regarded undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, management, finance, and marketing.
- Management (MA Hons)
- MLitt in Marketing
- MLitt in Finance
School of International Relations
Consistently ranked first in the UK, this school is home to the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, one of the oldest academic research centres of its kind in Europe.
- International Relations (MA Hons)
- MLitt in Terrorism and Political Violence
- MLitt in Strategic Studies
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- A-LevelsAAA to A*A*A depending on programme
- IB Diploma38–45 points (varies by course)
- English LanguageIELTS 7.0 overall (or equivalent)
- Application SystemUCAS or Common Application
- Personal StatementRequired, with strong academic references
Postgraduate Admissions
- Degree ClassificationMinimum 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent
- English LanguageIELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (programme dependent)
- ReferencesTwo academic references typically required
- Statement of PurposeRequired for all postgraduate applications
- GRE/GMATNot required for most programmes
Deadline for all undergraduate Medicine applications through UCAS.
Equal consideration deadline for all other undergraduate programmes via UCAS.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is recommended for competitive programmes.
Deadlines vary by department and funding availability. Check individual programme pages for details.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition fees at the University of St Andrews vary based on your fee status (Scottish/EU, Rest of UK, or International). The university is committed to attracting talented students regardless of financial background and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries.
| Fee Category | Scottish / EU Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (Arts/Science) | Contact SAAS for current rates | GBP 33,250 per year |
| Undergraduate Tuition (Medicine) | Contact SAAS for current rates | GBP 39,620 per year |
| Accommodation (estimated) | GBP 5,000–8,500 per year | GBP 5,000–8,500 per year |
| Living Expenses (estimated) | GBP 10,000–12,000 per year | GBP 10,000–12,000 per year |
| Total | Contact the university for total costs | Approx. GBP 48,250–59,620 per year |
St Andrews International Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing awards of up to GBP 10,000 per year towards tuition fees.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 10,000 per year
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students with strong academic records
- Application: Apply through My Application after receiving a course offer
BA International Honours Scholarship
Available to students on the joint BA International Honours programme with the College of William and Mary, contributing towards tuition fees each year of study.
- Award Value: USD 6,000 or USD 12,000 per year
- Eligibility: First-year BA International Honours entrants
- Duration: Renewable annually for the duration of the programme
Campus and Facilities in Historic St Andrews
Campus and Facilities in Historic St Andrews
The University of St Andrews has an open campus integrated throughout the medieval town, with historic buildings dating back to the 15th century alongside modern research facilities. Its departments are spread across the town, offering students a unique experience where academic life and town life are deeply intertwined.
The heart of the university since 1450, featuring the iconic chapel tower and traditional stone archway.
A modern research library holding over one million volumes, with extensive digital resources and study spaces.
State-of-the-art sports facilities including fitness suites, swimming pool, and indoor courts for over 50 sports clubs.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
St Andrews guarantees accommodation for all first-year students in university halls of residence. Options range from traditional catered halls to modern self-catered flats.
- Guaranteed first-year housing in university halls
- Catered and self-catered options available
- Postgraduate-specific accommodation offered
Dining and Social Spaces
The university offers a variety of dining options across campus, from traditional hall dining to cafes and the Students' Association venues.
- Traditional catered hall dining experience
- Multiple campus cafes and coffee shops
- Students' Association social and event spaces
Student Life at St Andrews
Student Life at St Andrews
Student life at St Andrews is defined by centuries-old traditions, a close-knit community, and a vibrant array of extracurricular opportunities. With over 150 societies and 50 sports clubs, students enjoy a rich social and cultural experience in one of Scotland's most iconic coastal towns.
Location: The Historic Town of St Andrews
Location: The Historic Town of St Andrews
Life in St Andrews, Fife
St Andrews is a charming medieval town on the east coast of Fife, Scotland, famous worldwide as the Home of Golf. With its dramatic coastal scenery, historic ruins, independent shops, and vibrant student population, it offers a safe, walkable, and culturally rich environment for study.
Home of Golf
St Andrews is home to the Old Course, the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.
Historic Landmarks
Explore the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, medieval streets, and centuries-old academic buildings throughout the town.
Coastal Beauty
Stunning beaches including West Sands and East Sands offer scenic walks along the Fife Coastal Path, perfect for outdoor recreation.
Travel Connections
Edinburgh is approximately 50 miles south, accessible by bus in around 90 minutes. Dundee and its railway station are just 14 miles away.
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Where St Andrews Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The university's International Student Advisory Service provides guidance on UK Student Visa applications, CAS issuance, and immigration compliance throughout your studies.
Pre-sessional and in-sessional English language courses are available to help international students meet language requirements and develop academic writing skills.
St Andrews is a Title IV accredited institution, allowing US students to access federal direct loans and VA benefits for their studies.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of St Andrews: Worldwide Rankings
University of St Andrews: Worldwide Rankings
The University of St Andrews consistently ranks among the top universities in the United Kingdom and is highly regarded internationally. It has been named Scottish University of the Year multiple times and has topped major UK league tables, even surpassing Oxford and Cambridge in recent years.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | The Guardian / The Times | #1 in UK |
| Philosophy | QS World Subject Rankings | Top 100 Globally |
| English Language & Literature | Complete University Guide | #1 in UK |
| Arts & Humanities | Times Higher Education | #35 Globally |
Features
Located in a coastal town where the medieval meets the cosmopolitan, St Andrews provides a truly diverse and vibrant student community with a global outlook.
Accommodation
Accommodation service is available\n
Work While Studying
Students can work while studying\n
Co-op/Internship Participation
There is an internship service
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
University of St Andrews\nCollege Gate\nSt Andrews\nKY16 9AJ
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
