About University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is ranked second in the UK, after the University of Cambridge and is in the world’s top 100 in the QS rankings. 22 of our subjects are ranked in the top 5 in the UK in 2021. Students experience world-class teaching, cutting edge research and the flexible degree structure of Scotland’s first university. St Andrews is also ranked Number One mainstream university in the UK for student satisfaction. The University is an internationally Scottish university with staff and students from over 140 nationalities. Over one third of our students are international, making St Andrews a comfortable place for students from all over the world to study. The University has 4 faculties: Science, Medicine, Arts and Divinity with programmes from foundation to PhD.


Why the University?
• ranked 2nd in the UK after University of Cambridge
• 22 subjects ranked in the UK’s top 5
• a top UK university for research
• ranked top in Scotland for the quality of research publications
• voted Number One in the UK for Teaching Quality and for Student Experience 2020
• ranked in world’s top 100 by QS
• highly international, with staff and students from all over the world. Over 40% of students and 33% of staff are from outside the UK.
• we offer foundation programmes, undergraduate and Master’s degrees, and PhDs
• wide range of accommodation options to suit different student lifestyles
• over 150 student societies ranging from artistic and musical through to religious and cultural
• over 50 sports clubs and 100 competitive sports teams, offering sport for everyone at all levels
• lots of distinctive student traditions including academic families, a tradition where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’, and red gowns

The City/Campuses
St Andrews is a unique place to study and live, and the University is integrated into the town itself. It is situated on the east coast of Scotland, close to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. The friendly and cosmopolitan town is located beside long sandy beaches and it has a mixture of beautiful medieval and modern architecture. St Andrews is also known as 'the Home of Golf', with many international standard golf courses nearby. Historic buildings are juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St Andrews an unforgettable experience. St Andrews was awarded the 2012 Creative Place Award – Scotland’s highest arts award – because of its remarkable selection of festivals, cultural events, and community participation. It is a safe, welcoming and peaceful environment to study in.

Popular Courses:

University of St Andrews Rankings

World University Ranking 2019: 165
University League Tables 2020: 3rd

The University Shield

The different elements of the University shield are representative of the insignia of the founders of the University.

The crescent moon represents Peter de Luna, the given name of Pope Benedict XIII who issued the bulls of foundation of the University in 1413.

The lion rampant is taken from the royal arms of Scotland and represents the royal authority of King James I (1406–1437) who was associated with the foundation.

The gold diamonds (mascles or) are taken from the personal arms of Henry Wardlaw, Bishop of St Andrews 1404–1440 who issued the original charter which incorporated the Studium Generale in 1411 or 1412.

The open book with the red page edges represents learning.

The blue and silver cross represents the saltire of Scotland.