The University of St Andrews, located in St Andrews, Scotland, is the oldest university in Scotland and one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. Known for academic excellence, high student satisfaction and a strong global reputation, St Andrews attracts students from more than 140 countries.
It is best known for subjects such as International Relations, Computer Science, Psychology, Biology, Business, and Arts & Humanities. The university is also consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK, often competing closely with Oxford and Cambridge for top positions.
Why Study at the University of St Andrews?
High global and UK rankings
St Andrews often ranks #1 or Top 3 in the UK for teaching and student satisfaction.
Strong academic environment
A research-intensive institution with expert faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
Beautiful and historic campus
A stunning coastal town with a peaceful, student-friendly environment.
Excellent career prospects
St Andrews graduates secure top jobs in consulting, finance, tech, government and research.
International student support
The university provides strong visa support, accommodation assistance, and global career guidance.
University of St Andrews Ranking 2026
The University of St Andrews consistently ranks among the top universities globally and nationally.
UK Rankings
- #1 in the UK – Guardian University Guide
- Top 3 UK University – Complete University Guide
- Competes closely with Oxford and Cambridge (“the new Oxbridge competitor”)
Global Rankings
- Top 100 Worldwide – QS World University Rankings
- Top 250 – Times Higher Education (THE)
- Excellent reputation in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and STEM
St Andrews is regarded as one of the most selective and academically strong universities in Europe.
University of St Andrews Acceptance Rate
The university of St Andrews acceptance rate ranges between 8% and 11%, making it one of the most selective universities in the UK.
Why the acceptance rate is low:
- High competition
- Small class sizes
- International demand
- Strong academic reputation
A strong academic profile, personal statement and references are crucial.
Popular Courses at the University of St Andrews
St Andrews offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple schools.
Top Undergraduate Courses
- International Relations
- Computer Science
- Economics & Management
- Psychology
- English
- Biology
- Maths & Statistics
- History
- Chemistry
- Medicine (ScotGEM for postgraduates)
Popular Postgraduate Courses (Master’s)
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Finance and Economics
- MSc Management
- MSc International Relations
- MSc Psychology
- MSc Global Health
- MSc Computing & IT
- MLitt Literature and Arts
- MLitt History
St Andrews is globally known for Humanities, Social Sciences, Science and Medicine.
University of St Andrews Fees for International Students (2026)
Fees depend on the program and level of study.
Undergraduate Fees (UG)
- £28,000 – £37,000 per year
Science and medical programs cost more.
Postgraduate Fees (PG / MSc)
- £23,000 – £34,000 per year
Business school programs and specialised STEM courses are on the higher end.
Living Costs in St Andrews
- Accommodation: £500–£900 per month
- Food & groceries: £150–£250 per month
- Total estimated living cost: £10,000 – £14,000 per year
St Andrews is safe, peaceful and moderately affordable compared to major UK cities.
University of St Andrews Eligibility Requirements (2026)
Requirements vary depending on the level of study.
Undergraduate (UG) Requirements
- 12th Grade with 85%+ for competitive courses
- Strong grades in relevant subjects
- IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent
- Personal statement
- Academic reference
- Sometimes interview (course-dependent)
Postgraduate (PG) Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 60–70% minimum
- IELTS 7.0 (some courses accept 6.5)
- CV / Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 1–2 academic references
- Portfolio (for design/arts courses)
St Andrews is more selective than most UK universities, so strong academic grades are important.
Scholarships at the University of St Andrews (2026)
The university offers several funding options:
1. Global Merit Scholarship
£5,000 – £10,000 for high-achieving students.
2. St Andrews International Excellence Scholarship
Award for outstanding undergraduate applicants.
3. Masters Scholarships
Various faculty-specific awards for postgraduate students.
4. Chevening Scholarship
Fully funded master’s program for eligible countries.
5. Commonwealth Scholarships
Available for postgraduate research students.
Scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden for international students.
Admission Process for the University of St Andrews
Step 1: Choose your program
Research course details, fees and eligibility.
Step 2: Prepare documents
Academic transcripts, English tests, SOP, CV, references.
Step 3: Apply
- UG: Apply via UCAS
- PG: Apply through the University of St Andrews portal
Step 4: Receive an offer letter
You may receive a conditional or unconditional offer.
Step 5: Pay your deposit
Required to secure your seat.
Step 6: Apply for visa
Prepare CAS statement, financial proof, and health surcharge.
Step 7: Travel to the UK
Attend orientation and complete registration on campus.
Job Opportunities After Studying at St Andrews
St Andrews graduates are highly employable and well-respected globally.
Popular job sectors
- Banking & Finance
- Consulting
- Technology & AI
- Research & Academia
- Government & Policy
- Healthcare
- Marketing & Communication
Average Salary
Graduates earn £30,000 – £45,000 depending on the degree and industry.
St Andrews’ Career Centre helps students find internships and placements globally.
Conclusion
The University of St Andrews is one of the best universities in the UK for international students. With world-class academics, strong global rankings, excellent research output and a safe, beautiful campus environment, St Andrews offers an outstanding study experience. Whether you choose undergraduate or postgraduate programs, the university provides strong academic growth and excellent career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of St Andrews hard to get into?
Yes. With an acceptance rate of 8–11%, St Andrews is one of the most selective universities in the UK.
What is the ranking of the University of St Andrews?
St Andrews is ranked #1 in the UK by major national guides and consistently ranks in the top 100 globally.
Does the University of St Andrews offer scholarships?
Yes. It offers merit-based scholarships, postgraduate awards, Chevening, and Commonwealth scholarships.
How much does it cost to study at the University of St Andrews?
International fees range from £23,000 to £37,000 per year, depending on the program.
What IELTS score is required for St Andrews?
Most programs require IELTS 6.5–7.0 for international applicants.
Is St Andrews good for international students?
Yes. St Andrews provides excellent teaching, strong support services, a safe community and high student satisfaction.
Which courses is St Andrews best known for?
The university is famous for International Relations, Computer Science, Psychology, Biology, History, English and Economics.
Can international students work while studying at St Andrews?
Yes. Students on a UK student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Is the University of St Andrews expensive for international students?
St Andrews is one of the more expensive UK universities, with tuition fees between £23,000 and £37,000 per year. Living costs range from £10,000 to £14,000 annually.
What GPA is required for the University of St Andrews?
St Andrews typically requires a GPA equivalent to 3.3–3.7 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate programs and slightly lower for postgraduate degrees.
Does St Andrews require SAT or ACT scores?
For some international applicants, St Andrews may accept SAT (minimum 1300+) or ACT (minimum 29+), but these are not mandatory for all students.
Is St Andrews better than Oxford or Cambridge?
St Andrews ranks #1 in the UK for student satisfaction and often ranks above Oxford and Cambridge in some league tables. However, Oxbridge remains stronger globally in research scale.
Do I need work experience for a master’s at St Andrews?
Most taught master’s programs do not require work experience, except for certain business or professional degrees where experience is recommended.
Is St Andrews a safe place for students?
St Andrews is one of the safest towns in the UK, known for its peaceful environment, low crime rate, and supportive student community.
What is student life like at the University of St Andrews?
Student life includes academic clubs, sports, cultural events, traditional balls, societies and a close-knit community. St Andrews is known for its friendly and inclusive student culture.
How hard is it to get a scholarship at St Andrews?
Scholarships are competitive. High academic performance, strong personal statements and excellent references increase your chances.
Can international students apply without IELTS?
Yes, if they meet alternative English requirements, such as:
English-medium schooling
TOEFL
PTE
Cambridge English
However, many programs still prefer IELTS.When should I apply for St Andrews 2026 intake?
Undergraduate applications via UCAS close in January, while postgraduate applications accept rolling submissions—early applications receive priority.
Does St Andrews have medical programs?
Yes. It offers a Bachelor of Medicine (ScotGEM program) and several postgraduate pathways in medical sciences.