About University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is Scotland's oldest university, combining college-style communities, rigorous liberal arts teaching and cutting-edge marine, data and medical research on a coastal campus.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 10,875 total students
- • 5,200 international students
- • 150 student societies
Location
- • Located in St Andrews
- • Public university
- • Established 1413
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Integrated Master, Pre-Med Foundation
Popular Subjects
International RelationsEconomicsMarine BiologyComputer ScienceMedicine
Student-Staff Ratio
10 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Arts
History, Art History, Philosophy, Modern Languages, International Relations
Faculty of Science
Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy, Earth Sciences
Faculty of Medicine
Medicine, Population & Behavioural Science, Medical Education
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: Typical offers AAA at A level or 38 points with 666 at Higher Level in the IB
Alternatives: Scottish Highers AAAA plus Advanced Highers AA, Gaokao 80% with recognised foundation year, AP score of 4+ in three subjects
IELTS: 6.5
R 6.5 / W 6.5 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 92
Personal statement emphasising academic curiosity and independent study • Medicine applicants must sit UCAT and attend a multiple mini interview
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK 2:1 honours degree or overseas equivalent
GPA: 3.2
IELTS: 7
R 6.5 / W 6.5 / L 6.5 / S 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 100
Research proposals for MRes and PhD applicants • Two academic references and CV detailing research experience
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £26,000
- Postgraduate: £25,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £0
- Food: £0
- Transport: £0
- Entertainment: £0
- Other: £0
- Total: £12,000
Scholarships
St Andrews International Excellence Scholarship
Merit-based tuition reduction for high-achieving non-EU students
Value: £10,000
Saltire Scholarships
Scottish Government award for students from Canada, India, Japan, China and the USA
Value: £8,000
Sanctuary Scholarship
Fee waiver and living stipend for displaced students
Value: £6,000
Campus & Facilities
Facilities
Accommodation
St Salvator's Hall
On-campusHistoric hall in the heart of St Andrews with traditional collegiate dining
Cost: £180 - £250 (per week)
Catered • Historic setting • Formal dining • Common room
Contract:
David Russell Apartments
On-campusModern self-catered flats with sea views
Cost: £140 - £180 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchen • Near beach • Bus service
Contract:
Apply through the Residential Services website
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 150
Teams: 50
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: N/A
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
5
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 94%
Further study: 4%
Unemployed: 1%
Average Salary
£35,000
per year
Top Employers
CitiGooglePwCScottish GovernmentUnited Nations
Career Services
- Work-related learning: Credit-bearing work placements and consulting projects with Scottish SMEs
- Saints Accelerate: Entrepreneurial bootcamp and pre-incubator housed at Eden Campus
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Edinburgh Airport
80 km • 1 hour 45 minutes via Leuchars station
Public Transport
- Train: Leuchars station links to Edinburgh (60 min) and London (5h30) with shuttle buses to campus • Student railcard reduces fares by 30%
- Bus: Stagecoach services connect St Andrews to Dundee, Cupar and Edinburgh • Under 22 Scottish residents travel free
Local Area
St Andrews is a safe seaside town with medieval streets, golf courses and a vibrant café culture, popular with both students and tourists.
Cost of Living: Medium-High
Attractions: Old Course and West Sands Beach, St Andrews Cathedral ruins, Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve
Shopping: Market Street independents, Fisher & Donaldson bakery, St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese
Entertainment: Byre Theatre, Reeling balls and May Dip traditions, Student-run Bop nights
Additional Information
Accreditation
AMBA, Athena SWAN Gold, Royal Society of Chemistry
Partnerships
- Research: Scottish Oceans Alliance — Joint marine science projects with government agencies on North Sea biodiversity
- Academic: University of Bonn — Transnational strategic alliance enabling joint degrees and staff mobility
Research Highlights
- Quantum Photonics Centre — Developed single-photon sources for secure communications adopted by UK industry (2023)
- Blue Carbon Initiative — Interdisciplinary research quantifying carbon capture in seagrass meadows feeding COP28 policy (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Catherine, Princess of Wales — Studied Art History and remains an active patron of the university (2005)
- Sir Ian McDiarmid — Tony and Olivier award-winning actor (1969)
Metadata
Source: University of St Andrews prospectus 2024, HESA 2023/24, QS 2025
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: content@ukuni.io