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University of St Andrews

St. Andrews, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 15,804
  • Tuition Fee From£ 21,390
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength9,500
  • Global Diversity36%
  • Gender Ratio41:59

Overview

About

The University of St Andrews is a public university located in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. The university has its roots set up back in 1413 by Avignon Antipope Benedict XIII and it is among the four ancient universities of Scotland. There were three schools as part of the institute each dedicated to a different discipline; United College is responsible for art, science and medicine, St Mary's College is for studies of divinity and St Leonard's College is for postgraduate studies.

 

A diverse population of students from all over the world has set a benchmark for inclusive academia at the university. The university also hosts traditional and cultural exhibitions frequently which improve the community. Recreational events such as concerts, plays, and sports events are always part of the year 

 

Some of the university’s alumni include the royal family namely Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. There are also political leaders that are part of the alumni network of the university such as Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland and Richard Abbott. 

 

Ranking

The University of St Andrews, Scotland's oldest university founded in 1413, continues to uphold its prestigious reputation in global and national rankings. Looking ahead to 2025, The Complete University Guide places St Andrews 4th among UK universities, maintaining its consistent position from 2024 and 2023. However, the QS World University Rankings for 2025 show a slight decline to 104th globally, down from 95th in 2024 and 96th in 2023. The 2024 rankings paint a mixed picture: while THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings show improvement with St Andrews rising to 193rd globally from 201st in 2023 and 2022, the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings indicate a decrease to 394th from 352nd in 2023. Notably, The Guardian University Guide for 2024 reaffirms St Andrews' excellence, ranking it 1st among UK universities for the second consecutive year. Located in the picturesque coastal town of St Andrews, Fife, the university excels in disciplines such as International Relations, Physics and Astronomy, English, and Philosophy, offering a unique blend of medieval and modern campus architecture alongside renowned golf courses.

 

University of St Andrews - QS Ranking 2025

In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the University of St Andrews is ranked 104th globally, slightly decreasing from its position of 95th in 2024 and 96th in 2023. This ranking reflects St Andrews' consistent presence among the top global universities, known for its academic excellence and research contributions.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

38

-

World University

96

95

104

 

University of St Andrews - US News & World Report Ranking

In the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings for 2024, the University of St Andrews was ranked 394th globally, showing a slight decrease from its position of 352nd in 2023 and 342nd in 2022. These rankings reflect St Andrews' ongoing commitment to academic excellence and research impact on a global scale.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

342

352

394

 

University of St Andrews - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

In the THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings for 2024, the University of St Andrews improved its position to 193rd globally, maintaining its consistency from 201st in both 2022 and 2023. 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

201

201

193

 

Learn More About: University of St Andrews Admissions

 

University of St Andrews - The Guardian Ranking 2024

In The Guardian University Guide Ranking for 2024, the University of St Andrews maintained its prestigious position as 1st among UK universities, continuing its exceptional performance from 2023 when it also held the top spot. 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

3

1

1

 

University of St Andrews - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In The Complete University Guide Ranking for 2025, the University of St Andrews maintains its position as 4th among UK universities, consistent with its ranking in 2024 and 2023. 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

4

4

4

 

University of St Andrews - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

151

151

-

Biological Sciences

201

201

-

Engineering and Technology

401

-

-

Law and Legal Studies

-

201

-

Mathematics

201

201

-

Medicine

351

351

-

Physics and Astronomy

151

151

-

Politics

51

51

-

Sociology

-

151

-

 

University of St Andrews - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

36

46

45

Clinical and Health

301

301

251

Life Sciences

151

151

126

PG Business and Economics

151

176

251

PG Computer Science

501

601

601

Psychology

70

83

92

 

University of St Andrews - The Guardian Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Business and Management

4

2

1

Economics

3

1

2

Media and Film Studies

2

-

2

Medicine

8

5

3

Physics

2

4

5

Politics

1

-

-

 

University of St Andrews - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Biological Sciences

12

11

12

Business and Management Studies UK

7

8

6

Communication and Media Studies

15

13

12

Computer Science

5

10

4

Medicine

9

14

10

Physics and Astronomy

2

9

11

Psychology

6

4

3

 

Course Ranking

 

B.A.

Ranked by

2022

The Guardian - Politics

1

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

5

10

4

 

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

2

-

2

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

15

13

 

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

12

11

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

6

4

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

2

9

The Guardian - Physics

2

4

5

 

Learn More About: University of St Andrews Courses

 

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

4

2

1

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

7

8

The Guardian - Economics

3

1

2

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2021

2024

QS - Law and Legal Studies

-

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201

-

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Politics

-

51

51

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

201

201

201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

36

46

 

MBBS

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Medicine

8

5

3

The Complete University Guide - Medicine

-

9

14

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Accounting and Finance

101

151

151

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

151

176

251

 

MS

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

151

151

QS - Mathematics

-

201

201

QS - Biological Sciences

-

201

201

QS - Engineering and Technology

-

340

401

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301

401

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

301

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

151

151

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

-

501

601

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Medicine

401

351

351

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

70

83

92

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

301

301

251

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Accounting and Finance

101

151

151

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

36

46

45

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

4

2

1

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

7

8

The Guardian - Economics

3

1

2

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

151

176

251

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Engineering and Technology

340

401

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

501

601

601

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Politics

-

51

51

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

201

201

201

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

-

6

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

70

83

The Guardian - Politics

-

1

-

 

Law

Ranked by

2021

2024

QS - Law and Legal Studies

-

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201

-

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

2

-

2

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

15

13

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Medicine

401

351

351

The Guardian - Medicine

8

5

3

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

301

301

251

The Complete University Guide - Medicine

-

9

14

 

Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

151

151

QS - Mathematics

-

201

201

QS - Biological Sciences

-

201

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301

401

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

301

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

-

12

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

2

The Guardian - Physics

-

2

4

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

151

151

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

-

5

 

Biology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Biological Sciences

201

201

201

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

12

11

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

151

151

126

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Economics

3

1

2

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

151

176

251

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

5

10

4

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

501

601

601

 

Mathematics

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Mathematics

-

201

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301

401

-

 

Physics

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

151

151

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

301

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

2

The Guardian - Physics

-

2

4

 

Politics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Politics

51

51

51

The Guardian - Politics

1

-

-

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Accounting and Finance

101

151

151

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Politics

-

51

51

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

201

201

201

The Guardian - Politics

-

1

-

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

6

4

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

70

83

92

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2024

QS - Sociology

151

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#96

#352

2022

#91

#352

2021

#91

#342

Facilities

A prestigious university like St Andrews provides a plethora of facilities on campus. Apart from the classic British architecture and decorum the university exhibits it also takes pride in providing the best to the students. An all-around development is what St Andrew’s strives for and hence from sports to theatres to academia, there will be facilities accommodating adequately. Students will find an abundance of the usual well-furnished student halls, gymnasiums, cafeterias, lounging areas, etc. Aside from them some of the University of St Andrews facilities are -

 

  • The Museum of the University of St Andrews has nearly 100,000 artefacts that are on display.
  • The university has a main library which comprises over 1 million books and more than 400,000 books. Besides this, there are numerous other libraries on campus too.
  • Renewable energy sources like The Guardbridge Biomass Energy Centre are present on campus.
  • The Byre Theatre has hosted numerous plays, events, musicals and a lot more. It has regular shows and can accommodate a large audience comfortably. 
  • Saints Sport encompasses numerous sporting activities and even fitness centres. Saints sports include sporting clubs, sports events, and fitness classes to name a few.
  • The Laidlaw Music Centre is dedicated to the musical arts and has won awards for the same. The centre has the best equipment supporting every musical talent.

 

Notable Alumni

Andrew Bell
Andrew Bell
Founder of Madras College
Robert Balfour
Robert Balfour
Philosopher
James Black
James Black
Physician

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The University of St Andrews, located in Scotland, has an acceptance rate of 41%. This means that out of all the applications received by the university, approximately 41% are successful and result in an offer of admission. This acceptance rate indicates that St Andrews is a competitive institution, with many applicants vying for admission each year. Applicants who meet the university's academic standards and other admission criteria have a reasonable chance of gaining entry.

Learn More About: University of St Andrews Acceptance Rate

 

University of St Andrews Entry Requirements

The University of St Andrews every year has approximately 10,000 applicants and less than half of them get selected. It is important to have an overall development and a strong application when applying to the university. The university has two primary intakes, the Candlemas semester from January to May and the Martinmas semester from September to December. Students have to also pay an application fee of 50 GPB for undergraduate and graduate courses. Below is the University of St Andrews entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate programmes -

 

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

  • Official transcripts (Minimum of 90% in class XII)
  • English proficiency tests (Minimum scores for TOEFL - 92, IELTS - 6.5)
  • Certificate to show completion of school
  • Letter of Recommendations
  • Standardized exams scores (Minimum scores SAT - 1320, ACT - 28)
  • Resume/CV
  • Passport and Visa

 

Graduate Entry Requirements

  • Academic transcripts (Minimum score of 60% to 69% depending on the course)
  • English proficiency tests (Minimum scores for TOEFL - 100, IELTS - 6.5 to 7.0)
  • Two separate Letter Of Recommendation
  • Passport Copy
  • GMAT (Minimum score - 590)
  • SOP or Personal essay of 500 words
  • Proof of work experience
  • CV/Resume

 

University Of Saint Andrews English Proficiency Requirements 

To apply for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at Saint Andrew's University, applicants must often demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized language tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Degree Level

TOEFL Score

IELTS Score Range

Undergraduate

92

6.5

Postgraduate

100

6.5-7.0 

 

The University of St Andrews Fees

The University of St Andrews is a reputable university and hence many students from far and near seek admissions here. Therefore the university does not have exuberant tuition and can be managed with adequate finances. The tuition fee can either be paid in full online or on an instalment plan. Some of the scholarships provided by the university are the Saints Aboard scholarship, McEuen scholarship, International graduate scholarship, etc. Below is a list that shows the University of St Andrews fees for some popular courses.

  • Master of Science [M.S] Computing and Information Technology - 25,450 GPB/Yr
  • Master of Arts [M.A] International Relations - 25,450 GPB/Yr
  • Bachelor of Science [B.S] Marine Biology - 23,650 GPB/Yr
  • Master of Science [M.S] Banking and Finance - 25,450 GPB/Yr

 

University of St Andrews Placements

At the University of St Andrews students have the benefit of the career centre which is focused on catering to students career needs. The career centre has direct or indirect involvement with a student’s career path. There are regular job fairs conducted, workshops and presentations, networking sessions, etc all of which are crucial to a student. University of St Andrews Placement is bound to aid a student right from the get-go and assure a secure future. 

Scholarship

nternational students starting their studies at the University of St Andrews have access to various scholarships to cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other living expenses. The university also provides scholarships specifically designed to support students experiencing financial challenges. Several scholarships offered by the University of St Andrews for international students include:

 

Scholarship

Study Level

Award Value

Application Deadline

The McEuen Scholarship

Undergraduate

Tuition fees, residence fees and includes a book allowance of GBP 200

N/A

International Excellence Scholarship

Undergraduate

Full tuition fees

31 January 2024 (Closed)

International Undergraduate Scholarship

Undergraduate

Up to GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees

2 February 2024 (Closed)

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

 

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Edinburgh near University of St Andrews that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near University Of St Andrews offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

St.Andrews is a place which suits every level, from expensive to cheap. If the student has good financial backing then they can live comfortably in St.Andrews. It is also a student-populated city and therefore most of the city will have affordable options. During their stay there students must consider factors such as accommodation, food, entertainment, clothing, transportation, and more as part of their cost of living in St.Andrews. The table below comprises a breakdown of the average monthly expenses of an overseas student in St.Andrews -
 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£‎880

On-Campus Accommodation

£‎800

Transportation

£‎72

Food Cost

£‎405

Utility Cost

£172

Entertainment

£36

Groceries

£26

Clothes

£‎74

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£1,665

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£1,585

Annual Cost of Living

£‎19,980

FAQs