AIRR-NA Member Institution
University of St Andrews
St Andrews, Scotland, UK
Institution at a Glance
- Year founded
- 1413
- Institution type
- Public International University
- Campus setting
- Rural
- Population category
- Medium (5,000–14,999 students)
- Degree levels
- Postgraduate, Undergraduate
- Undergraduate length
- 4-year
- Undergraduate students
- 8,300
- Postgraduate students
- 1,800
- International students
- 4,000
About the Institution
The University of St Andrews offers an unforgettable higher education experience. Founded in 1413, Scotland’s oldest university is a mix of the dynamically modern and the evocatively historical. Small by UK standards, we have 10,000 students, 40% of which are international and come from over 130 countries.
North American Representatives
John Wells
Regional Admissions Manager, US
Region: +1 215-601-3115
Based in: Pennsylvania
Academics and Programs
Undergraduate study
We offer a 4-year degree programme with over 900 degree combinations and a flexible degree structure that allows students to try different subjects before deciding their degree course.
Popular majors include:
International Relations
Psychology
Management
Economics
Biology.
Learn more about our flexible degree structure here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/flexible/
Postgraduate study
We offer 12-month taught masters degrees and a variety of research degrees, with over 120 course options for graduate studies.
Popular courses include:
Marine Biology
International Relations
Public Policy
Psychology
Neuroscience
Interdisciplinary degrees
Areas represented: Artificial Intelligence, Arts, Business & Management Studies, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Humanities, Marine Science, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Psychology & Clinical Sciences, Social Sciences
Admissions and Applications
Application type
Common App, Direct, UCAS
Entry requirements
Our undergraduate admissions requirements vary by subject and also depend on what curriculum is offered at your school. We are looking for high grades and a rigorous courseload. You can learn more here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/
Our graduate admissions requirements also vary by subject. Some require undergraduate coursework, while our conversion courses such as Psychology, Computer Science and Management, do not require prerequisites.
Applications, dates and deadlines
We operate on rolling admission so applying early is advantageous. Our deadline for undergraduate is mid-January and graduate varies by subject.
How to apply
We accept Common App, UCAS and direct application for undergraduate and direct application only for graduate studies. Requirements and documentation vary based on level of study and subject.
How to Apply, Undergraduate: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/
How to Apply, Graduate: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/
Standardized testing
We are test optional but not test blind. Our mid-range score for the SAT is 1410 and the ACT is 31. If a student has taken AP tests, we will ask for AP scores. We do not require a student to self-study if their school does not have AP classes. We do not require GRE or any other testing for graduate admissions.
Costs, Scholarships, and Funding
Tuition and fees
Overseas undergraduate fees: £34,910 / $46,637 USD
Overseas graduate taught degrees: £27,750-£32,700 / $37,072 - $43,685 USD
Overseas graduate research degrees £23,100-£28,140 / $30,860 - $37,593 USD
Estimated cost of living
£18,000 / $24,000 USD approximate cost per year
Scholarships and funding
We are Title IV accredited and accept FAFSA, GI Bill, 529 savings plans and outside scholarships.
Our institutional scholarships and awards for international students are very competitive. In most cases a separate application is needed, but a student does not have to wait for their admission decision to apply. https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Student Life and Support
Student life and location
Life as a student at the University of St Andrews is a unique experience. From the bonding experience of the student traditions to the numerous sports clubs, societies and volunteering activities, there really is an activity for everyone. We have over 150 clubs and societies, over 50 sports, and a robust performative arts community. With a large city just a bus or train ride away, students enjoy the small community of St Andrews where you always run into people you know walking down the street. The traditions start from the moment you arrive for the fresher pier walk and your adoption into an academic family, until you receive your degree in a graduation ceremony unlike any other. It's no surprise we are consistently ranked at the top of the national student satisfaction survey in the UK. Life is good at St Andrews!
Housing and support
We guarantee first year housing for our undergraduate students and it is not first-come, first-serve, but students do need to apply by the deadline. They do not choose their preferred hall, but rather they type of hall: shared or single room, shared or ensuite bathroom, and catered or self-catered.
We guarantee housing for international graduate students and they are encouraged to apply early in the process to get their preferred type of accommodation.
All housing options and costs can be found here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/
We have an international team to support students with pre-matriculation issues, such as visas and health insurance. Once arrived, students have access to a variety of student services, including mental and physical health, financial, and academic. https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/support/
Careers and Outcomes
The Careers Centre is available to help find part-time work, build CVs, develop skills employers value, explore career options, and connect with employers and alumni.
We have a designated Career Opportunities Manager for our US students and because we have so many international students, we also have a large alumni association across the US and the world. Over 96% of our graduates are either employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation. We offer "Career Treks" in the US over winter break to give students insight and connections with visits to a variety of different industries, including banking and finance, government, film, tech and consulting.
Information for Counselors
The two most important pieces of information when assisting students in applying to St Andrews are to apply early in the cycle and to focus on the subject they are applying for. We do not read the Common App essay, but rather focus on the supplemental questions that tell us why a student has an interest in a particular field of study. We offer webinars for US students to help them learn about our application process, degree structure and what life is like as a St Andrews student. These sessions can be found on the Meet Us pages on our website, https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/meet-us/, as well as other ways to engage, including a counselor fly-in.