The University of St Andrews, Scotland's oldest university, boasts a competitive admissions process that prospective students should understand. Over the last five years, acceptance rates have fluctuated significantly. For instance, in 2018, only 17.7% of applicants secured a place, while by 2019 this rose to about 36%. Each application year brings varying numbers of hopefuls and available spots. Entry requirements demand strong academic records across various qualifications like A Levels and the International Baccalaureate. Deadlines are crucial too; notably for Medicine applications closing early in October. Seeking expert guidance may enhance one’s chances significantly amid this challenging landscape.
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, holds the distinction of being Scotland's first university and is celebrated for its rigorous academic standards. Nestled in a picturesque coastal town, it offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern scholarship. St Andrews has cultivated a strong reputation over the centuries, attracting students from around the globe who seek an exceptional educational experience. The university prides itself on small class sizes, fostering close relationships between students and faculty, which enhances the learning environment. Its diverse range of courses, from humanities to the sciences, ensures that students receive a well-rounded education. As a research-intensive institution, St Andrews is also at the forefront of innovative studies, contributing significantly to various fields. This prestigious status makes the admissions process highly competitive, with many aspiring students keenly vying for a place.
The acceptance rate at the University of St Andrews has shown notable fluctuations over the years from 2014 to 2019.
In 2014, the university received 15,504 applications, resulting in an acceptance rate of 23.3% with 3,608 offers made. This rate gradually decreased over the next few years; by 2015, the acceptance rate had dropped to 20.1% despite a slight increase in applications to 15,973. Continuing this trend, 2016 saw a further decline to an 18.9% acceptance rate from 17,701 applications, followed by 18.1% in 2017 with 18,696 applications. The year 2018 marked a significant low, where the acceptance rate fell to 17.7% amidst a surge in applications, totalling 20,310.
The trend is shown best below;
| Year | Applications | Acceptance Rate |
| 2014 | 15,504 | 3,608 |
| 2015 | 15,973 | 3,209 |
| 2016 | 17,701 | 3,345 |
| 2017 | 18,696 | 3,386 |
| 2018 | 20,310 | 3,596 |
| 2019 | 23,676 | 8,494(number of applications sent) |
The University of St Andrews has set specific entry requirements for UK qualifications, which are crucial for prospective students to understand. For those taking SQA Highers, the typical requirements range from AAAAB to BBBB, depending on the chosen course.
A Levels are similarly varied, with expectations spanning from AAA to ABB. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is also accepted, requiring a score between 38 and 36, depending on the subject specifics. Other UK qualifications like the Baccalauréat Général from France demand a minimum overall score of 16, with particular emphasis on achieving 17 in core subjects.
For students from Germany presenting the Abitur, a score of 1.5 overall is necessary, including a minimum of 13 in key subjects. Indian students following the Standard XII curriculum must achieve an average of 90%, ensuring at least 90% in any subjects required for their course. For those with other international qualifications, it's advisable to consult the complete list provided by the university to confirm eligibility.
|
Qualification |
Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
|
SQA Higher |
AAAAB to BBBB, depending on the course. |
|
A Levels |
A*A*A to ABB, depending on the course. |
|
International Baccalaureate (IB) |
38 (6,6,6 at Higher Level, plus SL 6,6,6) to 36 (6,5,5 at Higher Level), depending on the course. |
|
Baccalauréat Général (France) |
Minimum overall score of 16 with scores of 17 in required subjects. |
|
Arbitur (Germany) |
1.5 overall, with 13 or above at Higher Level in required subjects. |
|
Indian Standard XII (CBSE/ISC) |
Minimum average of 90% (with 90% or higher in any required subjects). |
|
Other International Qualifications |
Check the full list of international qualifications accepted by St Andrews. |
The University of St Andrews welcomes international students and recognises a variety of qualifications from around the globe. Each qualification has specific entry requirements that can differ based on the course of study.
For instance, students with A Levels may need to achieve grades ranging from AAA to ABB, while those presenting the International Baccalaureate are typically expected to secure a total score between 36 and 38, depending on their chosen programme. French Baccalauréat holders should aim for a minimum overall score of 16, with at least 17 in the relevant subjects.
Similarly, students from India completing the Standard XII (CBSE/ISC) should have an average of 90%, with 90% or above in any required subjects. It's essential for international applicants to check the full list of accepted qualifications as well as specific course requirements, ensuring they meet St Andrews' rigorous standards.
For those aspiring to join the University of St Andrews in 2025, it’s vital to be aware of the application deadlines. For Medicine, all applications must be submitted by 15 October 2024. UK students applying through UCAS have until 26 January 2025 to submit their applications. International students have different deadlines depending on their application method: those using the Common Application need to apply by 1 May 2025, while those applying via UCAS or directly must do so by 30 June 2025. Meeting these deadlines is crucial, as late submissions can jeopardise an applicant's chance of securing a place.
The Degree Gap is an educational consultancy that plays a significant role in guiding students aiming for prestigious institutions like the University of St Andrews. With a focus on tailored support, The Degree Gap helps students navigate the complexities of university admissions, from understanding entry requirements to preparing application materials. For instance, Harry, one of the co-founders, has personal experience studying Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE), which enriches the consultancy's insights into competitive applications.
The consultancy understands that meeting the specific entry qualifications, such as achieving top grades in A Levels or International Baccalaureate, can be daunting. Therefore, they provide resources and mentoring to boost students’ confidence and readiness. By analysing past admissions data, The Degree Gap equips applicants with strategies to enhance their profiles, ensuring they stand out in a pool of highly qualified candidates. Their expertise can be invaluable in addressing the challenges posed by fluctuating acceptance rates and rigorous academic standards at St Andrews.
The University of St Andrews has high expectations for its applicants, reflecting its prestigious status. To stand a chance of admission, students must meet specific academic requirements, which can vary by course and country. For instance, if you're applying with A Levels, achieving a score between AAA and ABB is necessary, while those with Scottish Highers need to aim for grades ranging from AAAAB to BBBB, depending on their chosen field of study.
International students aren't left out; the International Baccalaureate requires scores of 38 to 36, with specific subject demands at Higher Level. Similarly, students presenting the Indian Standard XII qualifications must have an average of 90%. It's crucial for applicants to research their specific qualifications thoroughly.
Moreover, beyond academics, potential candidates should consider additional aspects that can strengthen their applications. This might include personal statements, references, and relevant extracurricular activities. Engaging with educational consultants can provide tailored strategies that align with St Andrews' expectations, which enhances the likelihood of acceptance.
A-levels or equivalent qualifications
Minimum grades typically required
Personal statement significance
Reference letters from teachers or professionals
Relevant extracurricular activities
Admissions test requirements for certain courses
Interviews for competitive programmes
The acceptance rate for the University of St Andrews in 2025 has not yet been officially released, but past trends suggest it typically hovers around 8-10%. This can vary each year depending on the number of applications and available spots.
Getting into the University of St Andrews is quite competitive, as it attracts a large number of high-quality applicants. Candidates are often required to have strong academic records and relevant qualifications.
Admission decisions at St Andrews are influenced by various factors, including academic performance, personal statements, reference letters, and sometimes interviews, depending on the programme.
Yes, international students applying to St Andrews must meet specific requirements, which usually include proficiency in English, and may also require particular academic qualifications equivalent to UK standards.
To improve your chances of acceptance at St Andrews, focus on achieving excellent academic results, crafting a strong personal statement, obtaining good references, and demonstrating genuine interest in your chosen programme.
TL;DR The University of St Andrews, Scotland's first university, is known for its rigorous admissions process. The acceptance rate has fluctuated over recent years, with 2019 seeing a rise to approximately 36%. Entry requirements vary, with specific qualifications needed for UK and international students. Key application deadlines for 2025 include 15 October 2024 for Medicine and 26 January 2025 for UK students via UCAS. The Degree Gap consultancy offers tailored support for prospective applicants, enhancing their chances in this competitive environment.
