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UNITED KINGDOM · ST ANDREWS

University of St Andrews

public · Founded 1413 · Languages: en

In short

The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is Scotland's first and a top-ranked UK university. It offers research-intensive programs in an intimate academic setting and provides support and scholarships for international students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1413
Students: 8,000
International students: 4,000
Acceptance rate: 8%
Tuition (intl): €30–38k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: St Andrews, United Kingdom

The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is Scotland's first and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. Located in a unique and captivating town, the University has a rich history spanning seven centuries, deeply intertwined with the local community. St Andrews offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including taught Masters degrees and flexible online courses. The University is known for its strong research focus, with staff actively involved in world-leading research across various fields. This research activity directly feeds into the teaching, allowing postgraduate students to evolve as researchers and work with peer groups. St Andrews aims to attract top students globally, offering a supportive and intimate academic environment that punches above its weight in terms of research and student caliber. Committed to attracting diverse talent, St Andrews provides various flexible entry options and a wide array of scholarships and funding opportunities based on financial need, academic excellence, or other achievements. The university also supports international students with visa advice for working in the UK post-graduation and offers comprehensive accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Why study here

Access world-leading research facilities and cutting-edge resources.
Benefit from a strong research-active faculty whose interests feed into teaching.
Join a close-knit and welcoming postgraduate community in a small town.
Receive an academically challenging and stimulating education with a captivating community.
Choose from a variety of flexible entry options and degree programs, including joint Honours and international foundation programs.
Explore diverse funding opportunities, including scholarships for academic excellence and financial need.

Student life

St Andrews offers a comprehensive student experience, including a variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. The University encourages prospective students to visit the town, attend talks and tours to learn about courses and meet current students, or participate in virtual events. The town provides a vibrant environment with a deep historical connection to the university.

Fees

InternationalTuition fees are charged annually and may vary. A one-off Digital Documentation Registration Fee of £20 provides access to University-verified academic documents.

HomeScottish-domiciled and eligible EU students may have fees covered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS); Rest-of-UK undergraduates pay regulated UK fees.

LivingBudget roughly £10,000–£13,000 per year for accommodation, food and personal expenses in St Andrews, in line with UKVI maintenance requirements.

Specific undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fee details are available on dedicated University pages, along with information on payment methods, terms and conditions, liability policy, and refund procedures.

Admissions

Academic performanceGrades (achieved and predicted) are the primary consideration. Applicants should check specific entry requirements on individual course pages.

Contextual dataThe context of qualifications (location, resit exams, extenuating factors) is considered, particularly for Home Funded and Rest of the UK (RUK) fee status applicants.

Personal statementGuidance is provided on what the University looks for in a personal statement.

Academic referenceAn academic reference is required.

InterviewRequired for Medicine, Gateway, and Pathway programmes.

Work or other experienceRelevant experience is considered where appropriate.

IELTS AcademicTypically 6.5–7.0 overall with no individual component below 6.0 (programme dependent)

General requirementApplicants must provide evidence of effective English speaking and writing ability, with specific requirements varying for pre-degree, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.

Rankings

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 20262nd in UK, Top in Scotland

The Guardian University Guide 20262nd in UK, Top in Scotland

QS World University Rankings113

University scholarships

International ScholarshipsFull or partial tuition fees

School of History-University of St Andrews tuition fee scholarships (handsels)Covers tuition fees

MLitt and MSc Awards (School of History)Cash equivalent of one year's home fees

Berenike Walburg Travel ScholarshipVaries

Accreditation

Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world, indicating a long-standing and recognized academic institution.

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

This joint honours degree combines the study of Biology and Mathematics, offering a unique interdisciplinary approach. You will gain a strong foundation in both scientific disciplines, with the flexibility to tailor your studies. The program structure and modules are consistent with the individual Biology BSc and Mathematics BSc degrees, allowing you to explore specific areas of interest within each field. This course is ideal for students who are passionate about both the life sciences and quantitative reasoning and wish to understand the complex interplay between them.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the University of St Andrews known for?

Founded in 1413, it is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. It is recognized for its strong research focus, intimate academic environment, and high rankings in the UK.

What are the tuition fees for international students?

Tuition fees are charged annually and may vary, with specific details available on dedicated University pages. A one-off Digital Documentation Registration Fee of £20 is also required.

What is the estimated cost of living in St Andrews?

It is recommended to budget approximately £10,000–£13,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses, which aligns with UKVI maintenance requirements.

Does the University of St Andrews offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, St Andrews offers various flexible entry options and a wide array of scholarships and funding opportunities. These can be based on financial need, academic excellence, or other achievements.

What are the English language requirements for international applicants?

For IELTS Academic, typically a score of 6.5–7.0 overall is required, with no individual component below 6.0, though this can vary by program. Applicants must demonstrate effective English speaking and writing abilities.

Last updated 3 July 2026