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
- Student population: approximately ~ 10,000 students
- City: St Andrews
- UK Ranking: 4th (2027)
- Global Ranking: 117th (2027)
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 2027
Key Institutional Rankings
Complete University Guide 2027 (UK): Ranked 4th nationwide
QS World University Rankings 2027 (Global): Ranked 117th in the world
Beyond its institutional success, the University of St Andrews demonstrates exceptional academic strength across a vast array of disciplines, with 24 subjects ranked in the UK’s top ten by the Complete University Guide 2027. While the university excels across the board, it is particularly renowned for its world-class research and teaching in highly competitive fields, including Philosophy, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, and Physics & Astronomy. These consistently high rankings reflect the university’s commitment to rigorous academic standards and its ability to provide a distinguished education across both the arts and the sciences.
University of St Andrews Courses
University of St Andrews International Relations (BA)
Programme Essentials
Standard A-Level Offer: AAA
Subject Requirements: Must include A in English or English Literature.
Course Duration: 4 years (Full-time).
Why St Andrews: Offers a unique international perspective, often involving joint degrees (such as the International Honours programme with the College of William & Mary) that combine different academic cultures.
University of St Andrews Computer Science (BSc Honours)
Programme Essentials
Standard A-Level Offer: AAA
Subject Requirements: Must include Mathematics and a pass in one of: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Physics, or Psychology.
Course Duration: 4 years (Full-time).
Why St Andrews: Combines strong theoretical foundations with practical application, allowing for specialization in cutting-edge areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering in a research-intensive environment.
University of St Andrews Economics (BA)
Programme Essentials
Standard A-Level Offer: AAA
Subject Requirements: No specific A-Level subjects are mandatory; however, strong performance in mathematics is expected, and advanced school mathematics is highly recommended.
Course Duration: 4 years (Full-time).
Why St Andrews: Provides a rigorous analytical education with a global outlook, often linked to international joint degree pathways that offer diverse economic perspectives.
University of St Andrews Entry Deadline
| Date | Deadline Description |
| 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
Projected Fees for 2026/27
Band A: £25,900
Schools of Art History; Classics; Divinity; English; History; Mathematics and Statistics; Modern Languages; Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies
Band B: £29,990
Schools of Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth and Environmental Sciences; International Relations; Medicine; Physics and Astronomy; Psychology and Neuroscience; Departments of Management; Economics; Finance
Medicine: £37,730
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 Graduate Employment Rate
Over 96% of their undergraduate first-degree level graduates are in full-time employment or further study within six months of graduating.
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
Here’s an updated 2026/27 estimated monthly living cost for a student at the University of St Andrews, based on the latest available cost data and student budget trends for Scotland:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (£/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared flat) | £450 – £850 | Shared private housing close to town; can be higher closer to campus |
| University halls | ~£620 – £790 | Based on 2025–26 hall fees converted to monthly equivalents (£4,365–£5,295 per semester); may change slightly for 2026/27 |
| Food and groceries | £120 – £300 | Mix of grocery shopping and occasional meals out |
| Utilities & internet | £70 – £140 | If not included in rent (often included in halls) |
| Mobile phone | £10 – £15 | Basic SIM plan |
| Transport | £10 – £50 | Most students walk or cycle; some bus travel depending on lifestyle |
| Social & leisure | £30 – £200 | Includes nights out, clubs, events and leisure activities |
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: £790 – £1,550
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
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