Study at University of St Andrews
Study at Scotland's oldest university and one of the world's most prestigious institutions, internationally recognised for arts, sciences, international relations, economics, computer science, philosophy, and research excellence.
Over Six Centuries of Academic Excellence
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is Scotland's oldest university and the third-oldest in the English-speaking world. Consistently ranked as one of the UK's top three universities and among the world's top 100, St Andrews combines over six centuries of academic tradition with world-class teaching and research in an intimate, collegial setting on Scotland's stunning east coast.
Home to around 10,000 students from over 140 countries, St Andrews offers an exceptionally international and close-knit academic community. With one of the highest student satisfaction rates in the UK, the university is renowned for small-group teaching, personal attention, and a distinctive student experience enriched by centuries-old traditions β from academic gowns to the Pier Walk.
St Andrews is internationally recognised for its strengths across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences β particularly in international relations, philosophy, economics, computer science, physics, and sustainable development. Research at St Andrews shapes global policy, advances scientific understanding, and drives innovation across disciplines.
Academic Programmes
2 faculties with world-leading International Relations, Computer Science & Philosophy
Faculty of Science
North Haugh / St Andrews
Faculty of Arts
North Street / South Street / The Scores
Faculty of Divinity / Medicine (joint)
St Andrews / Dundee (clinical)
Investment in Your Future
Indicative fees for international students (2024-2025)
Undergraduate
- sciences: GBP 30,160β33,570/year
- computer science: GBP 30,160/year
- medicine preclinical: GBP 33,570/year
- arts humanities: GBP 27,120β28,960/year
- social sciences: GBP 27,120β30,160/year
- economics management: GBP 28,960β30,160/year
Postgraduate
- taught masters arts: GBP 25,440β28,960/year
- taught masters science: GBP 30,160β33,570/year
- management finance msc: GBP 30,160β33,000/year
- research phd: GBP 25,440β30,160/year
Living in St Andrews
- accommodation: GBP 130β200/week (university halls and residences)
- meals: GBP 40β60/week
- health surcharge ihs: GBP 1,035/year (Immigration Health Surcharge)
- transport: GBP 5β15/week (small walking town; buses to Dundee/Edinburgh)
- books supplies: GBP 300β500/year
- personal expenses: GBP 40β65/week
- total living estimate: GBP 10,500β14,000/year
Tuition fees are indicative for international students (2024β2025 academic year) and are subject to annual review. The University of St Andrews operates on a two-semester system (SeptemberβDecember, JanuaryβMay). Scottish undergraduate degrees are typically 4 years (MA/BSc Honours). Always verify current fees on the official University of St Andrews website.
Funding Your St Andrews Education
From International Excellence Awards to fully-funded PhD studentships
International Excellence Award
GBP 5,000β10,000 tuition fee reduction per year
Eligibility: Outstanding international students applying for undergraduate programmes who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and wider contributions
Competitive. Separate application required. Renewable annually subject to academic performance. Limited places.
St Andrews Scholarships for International Students
Various awards β GBP 3,000β10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International postgraduate taught students demonstrating academic excellence and potential to contribute to the university community
Merit-based. Some automatically assessed; others require separate application. Check school-specific pages for postgraduate awards.
GREAT Scholarships (Study UK)
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reduction for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries (check British Council list) applying to specific postgraduate programmes at St Andrews
Funded jointly by UK Government GREAT Britain Campaign and the University of St Andrews. Separate application required. Limited places annually.
St Andrews Access Scholarships
Full tuition fees + maintenance support for undergraduate students
Eligibility: Students from underrepresented backgrounds demonstrating exceptional potential and financial need
Separate application required. Assessed on academic potential, personal circumstances, and financial need. Renewable for duration of degree.
Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
Full tuition fees + living costs + flights + additional allowances for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from Chevening-eligible countries with 2+ years work experience and demonstrated leadership
UK Government's global scholarship programme. Applications open AugustβNovember annually. St Andrews is a popular Chevening destination.
PhD Scholarships & UKRI DTP
Full tuition fees + maintenance stipend (approx. GBP 18,622/year) for 3.5β4 years
Eligibility: Outstanding international PhD applicants with exceptional academic records. St Andrews participates in multiple UKRI and Scottish-funded Doctoral Training Partnerships.
Funded by UKRI research councils, Scottish Funding Council, and university. Apply to specific advertised projects. Contact potential supervisors first.
How to Get In
Deadlines: UCAS deadline: 31 January (equal consideration). Medicine: 15 October. St Andrews does not typically accept late applications due to high demand.
- Apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- A-Level equivalents: typically AAAβA*A*A depending on programme (highly competitive)
- Scottish Highers: typically AAAABβAAAAA (with Advanced Highers)
- International Baccalaureate: typically 36β40 points with specific Higher Level requirements
- Meet programme-specific subject prerequisites
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5β7.0 overall (most programmes require 7.0)
- Personal statement demonstrating genuine intellectual curiosity and academic engagement
- Strong academic reference from school/college
- Interview not typically required (except Medicine)
- UCAT required for Medicine
- Note: Scottish undergraduate degrees are 4 years (MA/BSc Honours). Direct entry to Year 2 possible for some qualifications.
St Andrews is one of the UK's most selective universities with very high entry standards. The university does not offer foundation programmes β applicants must meet direct entry requirements. St Andrews values genuine academic passion, intellectual curiosity, and breadth alongside depth. Always check the admissions pages for programme-specific requirements.
Life at St Andrews
A medieval coastal campus in Scotland's most iconic university town
St Salvator's Quad
The iconic heart of the university β a beautiful medieval quadrangle surrounded by St Salvator's Chapel, the United College, and historic academic buildings. The setting for academic traditions, graduation ceremonies, and daily student life.
University Library
A major research library with over a million volumes, extensive digital resources, rare book collections, special archives, and modern study spaces. The library sits at the heart of academic life with extended hours during term.
North Haugh Science Campus
The science campus houses state-of-the-art laboratories, the School of Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics β with modern research facilities and teaching spaces.
Students' Association
A vibrant students' association with over 140 societies and 50+ sports clubs, events, debates, performing arts, student media, and social spaces. The hub of extracurricular life.
Sports Centre
Comprehensive sports facilities including fitness suites, swimming pool, sports halls, all-weather pitches, and tennis courts. Strong competitive and recreational programmes across 50+ sports.
Accommodation
University halls guaranteed for first-year students. Options range from historic residences (St Salvator's Hall) to modern self-catered flats β all within walking distance of everything in town.
Academic Traditions
Unique traditions including academic gowns (red for undergraduates), the Pier Walk on Sundays, Raisin Weekend, May Dip, and the academic family system β creating a distinctive, close-knit community experience.
St Andrews Town
A beautiful, safe, medieval coastal town β famous for its castle ruins, cathedral, stunning beaches (West Sands), world-renowned golf, charming streets, and tight-knit community. Everything is walkable.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science
The School of Computer Science is a UK leader in AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and computational biology β with research shaping technology policy and digital innovation globally.
Physics & Astronomy
World-leading research in photonics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and quantum information β supported by major EPSRC and international funding and state-of-the-art laboratories.
International Relations & Politics
St Andrews is one of the world's top centres for International Relations β research spans conflict resolution, terrorism studies, diplomacy, global governance, and security. Home to distinguished think tanks and policy institutes.
Marine Science & Environment
The Scottish Oceans Institute drives research in marine biology, ocean conservation, climate change, and environmental sustainability β leveraging St Andrews' unique coastal location.
Philosophy & Ethics
The School of Philosophy is ranked among the world's best β with strengths in logic, ethics, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy.
Sustainable Development
Research in sustainability science, environmental policy, geography, and earth sciences β addressing climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development through interdisciplinary approaches.
International Student Support
Over 45% international students from 140+ countries
- International Education team with dedicated support and guidance
- Pre-departure webinars and comprehensive orientation programme
- Airport meet-and-greet service (Edinburgh Airport)
- Orientation Week programme for international students
- English language and academic skills support (ELT Centre)
- Personal tutoring system (Academic Advisor for every student)
- Student Services β counselling, disability, wellbeing, chaplaincy
- Careers Centre with dedicated international careers guidance
- Student visa (Student Route) compliance and renewal support
- Study abroad and exchange at 100+ global partner universities
- International Student Ambassador programme and peer support
- Multi-faith chaplaincy, cultural societies, and community events
Your Path to St Andrews
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate St Andrews' faculties and schools β from world-leading International Relations and CS/AI to Economics, Philosophy, Physics, and Sustainable Development β identifying the best programme for your background and ambitions.
UCAS Application Strategy
Expert guidance on UCAS applications for one of the UK's most selective universities β crucial personal statement guidance, meeting deadlines, and crafting a compelling application that demonstrates genuine intellectual curiosity.
Scholarship Guidance
Support with International Excellence Awards, GREAT Scholarships, Access Scholarships, school-specific postgraduate awards, PhD studentships through UKRI DTPs, and external funding like Chevening.
Research & Supervisor Matching
For PhD applicants, we help identify potential supervisors at St Andrews and craft research proposals aligned with strengths in AI, international relations/politics, marine science, physics, philosophy, and sustainability.
Visa & Accommodation
UK Student Route visa guidance, CAS support, university halls applications (guaranteed for first years), and practical advice for living in a small Scottish coastal town β Edinburgh Airport meet-and-greet coordination.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing including Edinburgh Airport meet-and-greet, Scottish student visa specifics, bank account setup, GP registration, orientation guidance, and ongoing support throughout your time at St Andrews.
Apply to St Andrews
Free expert guidance β no hidden fees
Hear From St Andrews Students
βSt Andrews' Computer Science is exceptional β small cohorts, world-class AI research, and academics who genuinely invest in your development. The town is magical, the traditions are unforgettable, and walking to West Sands Beach after lectures is the perfect way to decompress.β
βStudying International Relations at St Andrews is a world-class experience β leading academics, brilliant peers from 140+ countries, and access to policy networks that shaped my career. The intimate academic community and Scottish coastline create something truly special.β
βThe teaching quality at St Andrews is unlike anywhere else β small seminars, personal attention, and genuine academic mentorship. The traditions, the gowns, the community β it's a four-year experience that changes you profoundly.β
Frequently Asked Questions
St Andrews is ranked #95 globally (QS 2025), #1 in the Guardian, and #2 in the Complete University Guide. Founded in 1413, it's Scotland's oldest university with world-class teaching, 97% graduate employment, exceptional student satisfaction, and a unique intimate community. Over 45% of students are international from 140+ countries.
Undergraduate fees range from GBP 27,120β33,570/year (sciences ~GBP 30,160; arts ~GBP 27,120β28,960; medicine pre-clinical GBP 33,570). Note Scottish degrees are typically 4 years. Postgraduate taught fees range from GBP 25,440β33,570/year. Fees are reviewed annually β always verify on the official St Andrews website.
St Andrews offers International Excellence Awards (GBP 5,000β10,000/year), various postgraduate scholarships (GBP 3,000β10,000), Access Scholarships (full fees + maintenance), GREAT Scholarships (GBP 10,000), and PhD studentships through UKRI DTPs. Competition is high β early application recommended.
Most programmes require IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each component. Some science programmes accept 6.5 overall. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are also accepted. Pre-sessional courses available through the ELT Centre. St Andrews has higher English requirements than many UK universities.
St Andrews is one of the UK's most selective universities β typical offers are AAAβA*A*A at A-Level or 36β40 IB points. The acceptance rate is approximately 8β10% for popular programmes. The university values genuine intellectual curiosity and academic engagement over grades alone.
St Andrews has unique traditions β academic gowns, the Pier Walk, Raisin Weekend, May Dip, and the academic family system. With 45%+ international students, 140+ societies, and a compact walkable town, the community is exceptionally close-knit. The beaches, golf, and Scottish coastline add to the experience.
St Andrews is a beautiful, safe, medieval coastal town in Fife, Scotland. Famous for its castle ruins, cathedral, stunning beaches (West Sands), world-renowned golf courses, charming streets, and welcoming community. Edinburgh is 1.5 hours by bus. Everything in town is walkable.
Educational Hub provides free expert guidance including programme selection, UCAS application strategy, personal statement writing (crucial for St Andrews), scholarship applications, visa guidance, accommodation support, and comprehensive pre-departure briefing. We support you from initial enquiry through to arrival.