Founded in 1413, the University of Saint Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its famous alumni include Prince William – Duke of Cambridge, Catherine – Duchess of Cambridge, 6 Nobel laureates, former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, one of the fathers of the US Constitution – James Wilson, and many others. The university has a student body of about 9,700. The University of Saint Andrews ranks 5th in the UK and 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/2016. It is the best university in the UK for African and Middle Eastern studies, and is in the top 10 for anthropology, biological sciences, business management, chemistry, classics and ancient history, computer science, geographical sciences, history, geology, art history, mathematics, philosophy, politics, psychology, theology and a number of languages. The University of Saint Andrews ranks 14th in the UK for research quality, with 81% of its research considered “world-leading” and “internationally excellent” by the Research Excellence Framework 2014. The university offers internship and Erasmus opportunities abroad.
St Andrews is a small town in eastern Scotland, located on the North Sea coast, about 40 km from Edinburgh. Once the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, it is now home to Scotland's oldest university. Other interesting sights in the town include the ruins of what was once Scotland's largest cathedral, built in 1158 and located on the seashore, St Andrews Castle, built in the 13th century, and St Rule's Tower, built in the 12th century. St Andrews is also known as the home of golf, with the “Royal and Ancient Golf Club” founded in 1754. The town's population is about 17,000.
Main programs and majors (For a detailed list, ask one of our consultants)
- Art History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Classics
- Computer Science
- Divinity
- Economics and finance
- English
- English language teaching
- Film studies
- Geography and geosciences
- History
- International relations
- Management
- Mathematics & statistics
- Medicine
- Modern languages
- Philosophical, anthropological & film studies
- Physics & Astronomy
- Psychology & neuroscience
- Royal conservatoire of Scotland
- Social anthropology
- Theology
Key information
Program length:
3-5 years for bachelor's programs
1-2 years for master's programs
Academic year:
2 semesters - September and January
Start of the year:
September and January (for some master's programs only)
Application deadline:
October 15 for medicine.
January 15 is the recommended deadline for most majors. The final cutoff is June 30, but those applications will not be given priority.
There is no deadline for master's and PhD/doctoral programs, but the university advises applying as early as possible.
Admission requirements:
High school diploma with a minimum GPA of 5.5, depending on the major. For master's programs, a minimum of 5.0.
IELTS
For bachelor's programs, between 6.5 and 8.0, depending on the major. For master's programs, a minimum of 7.0, depending on the major.
TOEFL
For bachelor's programs, between 92 and 120, depending on the major. For master's programs, a minimum of 100, depending on the major.
Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency
For bachelor's programs, between 176 and 200, depending on the major. For master's programs, a minimum of C, depending on the major.
Scholarships and loans
The tuition fee in Scotland is £1820 for EU and Scottish citizens. Students can apply to have their fees paid by the Scottish government and, if certain conditions are met, they will not have to repay anything after graduation.
Master's programs cost between £5500 and £9340, doctoral programs £4052.
Accommodation:
University residence halls cost between £3514 and £7810 per year, depending on the residence and room type. Private accommodation in a house or apartment outside the university residence halls costs £4300-£5350 per year.