UK University · Ranked #18
University of St Andrews: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of St Andrews, located in St Andrews, Scotland, is a selective UK university with an acceptance rate of about 30%. Ranked #18 in the UK in our dataset, it offers a realistic target for well-prepared applicants: strong-but-not-perfect profiles are regularly admitted, and a thoughtful application can meaningfully move the needle.
The University of St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world, with an intimate, international academic community on the Fife coast.
This guide breaks down University of St Andrews's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of St Andrews admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Home fees
- $11,500
- International fees
- $33,750
- Enrollment
- 8,400
- Type
- Public
- Location
- St Andrews, Scotland
How hard is it to get into University of St Andrews?
University of St Andrews's 30% acceptance rate makes it selective but realistically attainable for well-prepared students. Unlike the most elite schools, applicants who clearly meet the academic profile have a solid chance, and a strong application — coherent essays, relevant activities, a clear narrative — can be decisive rather than merely a tiebreaker.
For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of St Andrews is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
Academic profile of admitted students
As a UK university, University of St Andrews does not use the SAT or US-style GPA. Admission is driven primarily by predicted and achieved grades in school-leaving qualifications (such as A-levels or the IB), subject-specific entry requirements for the chosen course, and — for many courses — an admissions test and/or interview. Applicants should research the exact grade requirements for their specific course rather than a single university-wide threshold.
University of St Andrewsapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Regular Decision: Jan 25
University of St Andrews operates on a single Regular Decision deadline of Jan 25, with no early round in our dataset. Without an early option, the practical advice is to treat Jan 25 as a hard target, finalize essays and recommendations well in advance, and submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 25.
Notable programs at University of St Andrews
- International Relations — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Philosophy — a flagship humanities strength here.
- Physics — a research-intensive area well-supported by the institution's faculty.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Art History — a flagship humanities strength here.
University of St Andrews is particularly known for International Relations, Philosophy, Physics, Computer Science, and Art History.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of St Andrews
Tuition at University of St Andrews depends heavily on fee status. Home (UK) students pay around £11,500 per year, while international students pay approximately £33,750 — a difference of about £22,250 annually. International applicants should factor this gap, plus living costs in St Andrews, into their planning, and verify the exact fee for their specific course since rates vary by subject.
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University of St Andrews: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of St Andrews?
- University of St Andrews has an acceptance rate of 30%, which makes it selective. For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of St Andrews is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
- What is the application deadline for University of St Andrews?
- University of St Andrews's application deadlines: Regular Decision is Jan 25. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of St Andrews affordable for international students?
- University of St Andrews is a UK university. Home (UK) students pay about £11,500 per year while international students pay roughly £33,750; budget for living costs in St Andrews on top of tuition.
- How much does it cost to attend University of St Andrews?
- Tuition at University of St Andrews depends heavily on fee status. Home (UK) students pay around £11,500 per year, while international students pay approximately £33,750 — a difference of about £22,250 annually. International applicants should factor this gap, plus living costs in St Andrews, into their planning, and verify the exact fee for their specific course since rates vary by subject.