University of St Andrews Review: A Complete Guide
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is Scotland’s oldest university and one of the most respected institutions in the UK. Located in a small coastal town in Fife, it offers a rigorous academic environment, a strong sense of community, and distinctive traditions. This university excels in plenty of subjects and consistently ranks among the best universities in the world!
University of St Andrews Summary
- City: St Andrews
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Graduate Employment Rate：
96% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of the University of St Andrews
St Andrews has around 10,000 students, with undergraduates making up the majority. About 45% come from outside the UK, creating a highly international atmosphere. The university offers a broad range of subjects, but is especially strong in arts, humanities, international relations, and sciences.
Teaching follows a flexible degree structure, similar to the US liberal arts model. Students can try subjects in their first two years before specialising. The academic calendar is divided into two semesters: Martinmas (autumn) and Candlemas (spring).
The town itself is small, safe, and student-focused. Most places are within walking distance. Despite its size, there’s a strong student culture, with over 150 societies, regular events, and long-standing traditions like academic dress and the May Dip.
University of St Andrews Rankings 2026
The University of St Andrews ranks 4th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and 113th in the QS World University Ranking 2026.
University of St Andrews Courses
This is a strong course for students interested in law, legal history, or constitutional theory, but not seeking a qualifying law degree. Offered jointly by the Schools of History and International Relations, it allows you to tailor your focus across legal and political themes.
Teaching is seminar-based, with no exams, just coursework and a 15,000-word dissertation. You’ll work closely with leading academics and take part in events hosted by the Institute of Legal and Constitutional Research.
The course suits those aiming for PhD study, policy work, or further legal education. St Andrews provides a focused, research-driven environment that supports this path well.
Fees:
- UK: £12,030
- International: £25,900
St Andrews is consistently ranked among the best places to study Philosophy in the UK. It came 1st in the UK for research output in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) and regularly tops league tables such as the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and The Guardian.
The department is large, well-resourced, and internationally respected. It offers a wide range of modules and has strong research activity across fields like logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, ancient philosophy, and political theory.
Research centres such as Arché, CEPPA, and StAIGS support specialist seminars and public events, and the department hosts regular talks, workshops, and student-led presentations. The Philosophical Quarterly, one of the field’s top journals, is edited from St Andrews and helps fund scholarships for postgraduates.
The postgraduate programme (SASP), jointly run with the University of Stirling, is among the best in the UK and attracts top students from around the world.
Doctoral programmes here are designed to give you control over your research path. You’ll work closely with experienced supervisors and have access to dedicated research facilities, private study areas, and specialist libraries. Research students are fully integrated into the academic life of their departments and can attend seminars, present work, and collaborate across disciplines.
The postgraduate research community is diverse and welcoming, with students from around the world. Beyond academic work, PhD students can join a wide range of societies, events, and sports clubs. Support services include skills training, career development workshops, and funding for conference travel and fieldwork.
According to the Graduate Outcomes survey (2020–21), 97% of St Andrews PhD graduates were in employment or further study within months of finishing. Many secure academic posts worldwide; others move into policy, publishing, consulting, and other high-level professional roles.
University of St Andrews Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of St Andrews Entry Requirements
| Level | Qualification | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | A-levels | ABB to A* A* A (varies by course) |
| Scottish Highers | AABB to AAAAB | |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 36–38 points (with 6,6,6 at Higher Level for competitive subjects) | |
| BTEC National Diploma | DDD or equivalent (accepted for some subjects) | |
| Other UK qualifications | HNC/HND, Access to HE, Open University credits (subject to review) | |
| Postgraduate Taught | UK Honours Degree | 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) |
| International Qualifications | Equivalent to UK 2:1 (varies by country and course) | |
| All Applicants | English Language | IELTS 6.5–8.0, TOEFL, or other accepted test (varies by course) |
University of St Andrews Fees 2025/26
Band A: Schools of Art History; Classics; Divinity; English; History; Mathematics and Statistics; Modern Languages; Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies
UK
International
Band B: Schools of Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth and Environmental Sciences; International Relations; Medicine; Physics and Astronomy; Psychology and Neuroscience; Departments of Management; Economics; Finance
UK
International
University of St Andrews Facilities
The University of St Andrews offers excellent facilities that support both academic and student life.
Library
The Main Library holds a wide range of modern and historic books. Students can also use several smaller libraries across town. The University Collections include over 210,000 rare printed books, which are accessible for research and study.
Sport
Sport is a core part of student life. There are over 50 sports clubs and 100 teams. The University also runs regular fitness classes and has a modern sports centre at University Park.
Theatre
St Andrews has an active performing arts scene. Student-led shows are supported by the Mermaids Performing Arts Fund. Performances take place at various venues, including the Byre Theatre.
Cafés
University cafés are open to students, staff, and the public. They offer a range of drinks, snacks, and meals across campus. Options are available for both quick takeaways and sit-down lunches.
Shop
The University shop sells branded clothing, stationery, gifts, and souvenirs. It’s a popular stop for students, visitors, and alumni.
Commuter Lounges
Students who travel in daily can use dedicated commuter lounges. These are open from 7am to 11.30pm on regular days, and until 2am during revision and exam periods.
University of St Andrews Notable Alumni
- Prince William, Prince of Wales – Studied Art History and Geography; met Catherine Middleton at St Andrews.
- Catherine, Princess of Wales (née Middleton) – Studied Art History; met Prince William during their time at university.
- Alex Salmond – Former First Minister of Scotland and former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
- Sir Malcolm Rifkind – Former UK Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Defence.
- Michael Fallon – Former UK Secretary of State for Defence.
- Sir D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson – Biologist and mathematician; known for his work On Growth and Form.
- John Napier – Mathematician and physicist; credited with the invention of logarithms (studied briefly at St Andrews).
- Chris Hoy (Honorary Graduate) – Six-time Olympic cycling champion.
- Siobhan Redmond – Scottish actress known for TV and theatre.
- Jojo Moyes – Journalist and bestselling author of Me Before You.
Experience the City of St Andrews as a Student
St Andrews is a small town with a strong student presence. Around a third of the local population are students, which makes the town highly student-focused and welcoming.
Everything is within walking distance: lecture halls, cafes, beaches, shops, and student housing. There’s no need for public transport. This creates a close-knit and accessible environment.
The town offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. You’ll find independent bookshops, cosy cafes, charity shops, and supermarkets alongside medieval ruins and three beaches.
Despite its size, there’s always something happening. Student-run societies, weekly events, traditions like Raisin Weekend and May Dip, and a buzzing nightlife keep things lively year-round.
You’re never far from nature either. Whether it’s walking along West Sands beach or exploring the Fife Coastal Path, outdoor space is easy to access.
Living in St Andrews means studying in a quiet, safe town with a strong sense of community. For you, it just might be ideal for focused study and a well-rounded student life.
How Much does it Cost to Live in St Andrews as a Student
Accommodation
£400 – £800 (per month)
Food and Groceries
£120 – £300
Transport
£10 – £50
Social and Leisure
£20 – £200
Total estimate: £1,200 – £1,400 per month
University of St Andrews Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
- Address: St Andrews KY16 9AJ, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 1334 476161
