The University of St Andrews was founded in 1413. It is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world.

Over six centuries it has established a reputation as one of Europe’s leading and most distinctive centres for teaching and research. It is highly ranked across league tables and combines historic buildings with modern facilities.

Courses and students

A wide variety of academic courses are taught through four faculties:

• Arts
• Divinity
• Medicine
• Science.

Courses are modular, so the degree structure is flexible, with some subjects being offered across the two faculties of Arts and Science.

The BSc Medicine is the only course which is not modular. Students complete their studies and clinical training in a partner medical school, either in Manchester or London, or one of the four Scottish Medical Schools: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The university teaches a wide range of subjects to around 10,000 students, including 8,381 full time undergraduates. Over half of undergraduate students come from the UK. There are over 120 countries represented in the student population.

Depending on the subject you study, you may be able to complete part of your undergraduate course abroad, in countries including Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the USA.

Facilities and services

The university is a major part of the town of St Andrews and accounts for nearly half of its population. There is a diverse range of social activities including over 140 student afflicated societies and networks, 50 sports clubs and 100 competitive sports teams.

Nearly half of students live in halls, with a range of catered and self-catered accommodation available. The university has over 3,400 beds across 10 halls of residence and first year students are guaranteed accommodation.

Saints Sport is the body that delivers a range of physical activity and exercise programmes across the university, including sport, fitness classes, and health services. It has more than 50 sports at all levels and the centre now includes a 120-station gym, technical climbing wall and range of indoor and outdoor courts.

The new award-winning Laidlaw Music Centre offers state of the art facilities for performance, rehearsal, practice and recording.

Ranking

Number 1 Scottish University of the Year and 2nd in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

In the same guide, ranked top in the UK for eight subjects: Art History, Chemistry, English (joint top with Oxford), French, History, International Relations, Physics, and Social Anthropology.

Top university in Scotland in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

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