University Profile
University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews Classics Building
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1413, and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. Set in a small coastal town in Fife, it offers an intimate, traditional academic experience that feels distinctly different from any large research university.
St Andrews consistently ranks in the UK top 5 and is known for exceptionally high student satisfaction. Its strength lies in the quality of teaching rather than sheer research scale — class sizes are small, tutorial-style teaching is common, and the relationship between students and academics is closer than at larger institutions.
For North American students, St Andrews has a particular draw. Around 15% of its student body comes from North America (the highest proportion of any UK university), giving it a vibrant transatlantic community. Prince William and Catherine Middleton famously met here, which raised the university's global profile significantly.
Key Highlights
- 1Scotland's oldest university (founded 1413) — third oldest in the English-speaking world
- 2Consistently ranked #1 in Scotland and top 5 in the UK
- 3Highest student satisfaction scores of any UK university
- 415% of students are from North America — largest NA community in the UK
- 5The home of golf — the Old Course is adjacent to the university
- 6Prince William and Catherine Middleton both graduated from here
Campus & Student Life
St Andrews is a tiny town of 17,000 people — the university essentially is the town. Student traditions are unique and cherished: the academic family system (where older students 'adopt' freshers), Raisin Weekend (a raucous celebration in November), and the May Dip (running into the freezing North Sea at dawn to mark the end of exams). The social scene is intimate and close-knit. Everyone knows everyone. The town has excellent pubs, a beautiful beach and, of course, the world's most famous golf course.
For North American Students
Min. GPA (indicative)
Not specified
SAT/ACT Accepted
Not typically required
Application Route
Via UCAS
English Requirement
Check university website
St Andrews is exceptionally well set up for North American students. Around 15% of the student body is American or Canadian, and the university has a dedicated US and Canadian admissions team. Standard North American qualifications are accepted: AP scores of 5 in three subjects, IB diploma (typically 38+ points), or strong Canadian Grade 12 results. The September start aligns with North American academic calendars. Many North American students describe St Andrews as having the close community feel of a liberal arts college with the research depth of a major university.
Research Strengths
Notable Alumni
Prince William
Prince of Wales, future King of the United Kingdom
Catherine, Princess of Wales
Princess of Wales
John Knox
Leader of the Scottish Reformation
James Wilson
Founding Father and signatory of US Declaration of Independence
Key Facts
- Founded
- 1413
- Total Students
- 10,000+
- International Students
- 45%
- Tuition (Int'l UG)
- £22,800 – £29,500/yr
- Campus Setting
- Town campus
📍 About St Andrews
St Andrews is a small, picturesque town on the Fife coast in eastern Scotland. Edinburgh is about 80 minutes away by bus. The town revolves around the university, the golf courses and the beaches. It's not for everyone — there's no big city nightlife — but those who thrive here love the close community and stunning natural setting. Living costs are lower than London, Edinburgh or the English south.
Ready to Apply?
UK undergraduate applications are made through UCAS. Postgraduate applications go direct to the university.
Visit University Website →Check UCAS Points →📍 St Andrews City Guide
Find out what it's really like to study and live in St Andrews.
Read the guide →