University of St Andrews logo

University of St Andrews

St Andrews, UK · Ranking #93

The University of St Andrews, located in the historic coastal town of St Andrews in Scotland, is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English‑speaking world, with teaching beginning in 1410 and formal foundation in 1413. It is a prestigious public research university especially renowned for excellence in arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. St Andrews combines small‑group teaching and high student satisfaction with world‑class research quality and a strong international outlook, attracting students from over 120 countries. Students benefit from a close‑knit academic community, rich traditions, extensive extracurricular activities and high graduate outcomes. The university’s beautiful town centre campus, with historic buildings and modern facilities, fosters a distinctive academic environment that emphasises critical thinking, research engagement and personal development.

University of St Andrews logo

University of St Andrews

About the university

The University of St Andrews, located in the historic coastal town of St Andrews in Scotland, is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English‑speaking world, with teaching beginning in 1410 and formal foundation in 1413. It is a prestigious public research university especially renowned for excellence in arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. St Andrews combines small‑group teaching and high student satisfaction with world‑class research quality and a strong international outlook, attracting students from over 120 countries. Students benefit from a close‑knit academic community, rich traditions, extensive extracurricular activities and high graduate outcomes. The university’s beautiful town centre campus, with historic buildings and modern facilities, fosters a distinctive academic environment that emphasises critical thinking, research engagement and personal development.

Key information

  • Location: St Andrews, UK
  • Ranking #93
  • QS #104
  • THE #185
  • US News #217
  • National ranking #2
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Arts & Humanities
  • International Relations
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Biology & Marine Science
  • Economics
  • Computer Science — strong subject areas

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 10,300
  • Undergraduate: 8,380
  • Graduate: 2,700
  • International students: 40%

Campus life

Campus life in St Andrews is defined by a strong sense of community, tradition and engagement. Students participate in more than 150 societies and over 50 sports clubs, enjoy formal events and celebrations, and benefit from personalised academic support and a historic yet lively town environment. The Students’ Association, one of the UK’s most active, organises social, cultural and leadership activities, while the compact campus promotes close connections among students and faculty. The coastal setting and nearby beaches offer recreational opportunities, and annual traditions such as May Dip and Raisin Weekend enrich the social experience.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £720 - £1,300 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus halls
  • Shared flats
  • Private rental housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Over 150 student societies
  • sports clubs
  • cultural organisations

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Hockey
  • Athletics
  • Rowing

Career & internships

Employment rate: 96%

Partner companies

  • PwC
  • Deloitte
  • KPMG
  • EY
  • Microsoft
  • NHS
  • Bloomberg

Internships: St Andrews emphasises career development through placements, internships, and employer events. Its Careers Centre offers personalised guidance, workshops and networking opportunities to connect students with graduate roles, internships and postgraduate study pathways.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • High School Diploma/Equivalent
  • Academic Transcripts
  • English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Personal Statement
  • References

Minimum GPA: 3.7

Tuition costs

  • £30,000 - £40,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 18.00%
  • Scholarships available: St Andrews offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including merit‑based awards, international excellence scholarships and support for postgraduate research. Funding may cover partial or full tuition and is competitive; details on eligibility, amounts and deadlines are published on the official university funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1413
  • Teaching languages: english
  • Study formats: offline

Contact