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Last modified: 2026-09-24

# University of St Andrews: Admission for International Students

St Andrews is Scotland's oldest university: teaching began in the town in 1410 and the papal bull of foundation followed in 1413. It is ranked first in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027, joint 115th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and joint 162nd in THE 2026. A Russian, Kazakh or Uzbek school certificate does not give direct entry to a degree: you need the University's own International Foundation Programme, A-levels or the IB. International students starting an arts, divinity or science degree in 2027 pay $46,150 (£34,910) a year.

The United College building on St Salvator's Quad at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Photo: Oliverkeenan / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:United_College_University_of_St_Andrews.jpg), [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Location | St Andrews, Fife, on Scotland's east coast |
| Founded | 1413 (teaching from 1410) |
| Students (2024/25) | 10,356, including 8,381 undergraduates; more than 120 countries |
| Rankings | Times/Sunday Times GUG 2027: 1st in UK; QS 2027: =115; THE 2026: =162; ARWU 2026: 301–400 |
| Faculties | Arts, Divinity, Medicine, Science |
| Route after a school in Russia or Central Asia | International Year Zero (Attestat 4.5/5) or International Year One (Attestat 5.0) |
| International undergraduate fee | $46,150 (£34,910) a year for 2027 entrants; medicine in 2026/27: $52,380 (£39,620) |
| UCAS deadline for international applicants | 30 June 2027; medicine 15 October 2026 |
| Full-tuition scholarship | International Excellence Scholarship, one award; apply by 27 January 2027 |
| Accommodation | guaranteed for first-years who apply by 30 June; catered halls from $11,510 (£8,709) for 34 weeks |

## Who St Andrews suits and when to look elsewhere {#section-1}

| Strengths | Limitations |
| --- | --- |
| First in the UK in the Sunday Times GUG 2027 and second in the Guardian 2026 | Global rankings are more modest: QS 2027 =115, THE 2026 =162 |
| In-house foundation taught by University staff, with a room in University accommodation | Year Zero needs an Attestat of 4.5/5; Year One needs 5.0 |
| Four-year Scottish degree with the flexibility to change subject after the early years | One year longer than an English degree, so more expensive overall |
| Top in the UK for history, international relations, English and several sciences (Times 2026) | Small town: few part-time jobs and a trip to Edinburgh for the nearest major airport |
| One scholarship covers full tuition for the whole degree | Every high-achieving international applicant competes for it |

St Andrews suits students who want strong humanities or science schools, a small close-knit community and the Scottish system of studying several subjects in the first years. If you want a big city and more engineering, look at the [University of Edinburgh](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-edinburgh). Other options are covered in our guide to [universities in Scotland](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-scotland), and the overall route is on our [study in the UK](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-great_britain) page.

## Faculties and programmes {#section-2}

St Andrews is small and organised into four faculties:

- Arts: history, art history, classics, English, philosophy, international relations, economics and finance, management, social anthropology, modern languages (including Russian), film studies.
- Science: physics and astronomy, chemistry, biology, computer science, mathematics and statistics, earth sciences, geography, psychology and neuroscience.
- Medicine: the BSc Medicine, which requires the UCAT and the October deadline, plus postgraduate programmes.
- Divinity: theology and religious studies.

Most arts degrees lead to an MA (Hons), which in Scotland is a four-year undergraduate degree, not a master's. Science offers four-year BSc degrees and five-year integrated master's degrees such as the MChem, MPhys and MMath. Well-qualified A-level or IB students can enter Year 2 directly in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, biology and earth sciences. The BA International Honours is a joint degree: two years at St Andrews and two at William & Mary in the United States.

The Times Good University Guide 2026 ranked St Andrews first in the UK for art history, chemistry, English (joint with Oxford), French, history, international relations, physics and social anthropology. In the Guardian 2026 it led the UK in mathematics, history, art history and international relations.

## Undergraduate entry with a Russian, Kazakh or Uzbek school certificate {#section-3}

### What the University says about these certificates

For all three countries the rule is the same: after a national school certificate you need the University's International Foundation Programme certificate, the IB with 36 to 38 points (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6 at the top; the minimum is HL 6,6,5 on the Russia and Kazakhstan pages and HL 6,5,5 on the Uzbekistan page), A-levels from AAB to A\*A\*A, or Scottish Highers from AAAB to AAAAB. Kazakhstan has one exception: the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate with AAA in three higher-level subjects is accepted for all subjects except medicine.

### The International Foundation Programme: three formats

The foundation is run by the University itself, not by a partner college. It is taught at the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute in the Kinnessburn Buildings, and students use the libraries and join societies from day one.

- International Year Zero: nine months, leading to Year 1. Routes in business (management, economics and finance), social sciences and humanities, and science.
- International Year One: nine months, leading straight to Year 2 of a four-year degree in chemistry, computer science, environmental or molecular biology, geography, geology, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, or psychology.
- International Pre-Med: preparation for medicine; besides grades you need a competitive UCAT score and, before moving to medicine, IELTS 7.0 in every component.

| Format | Russia and Kazakhstan | Uzbekistan | English (UKVI SELT) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| International Year Zero (September) | 4.5/5 overall and 4.5 in relevant subjects | 4.0 overall and in relevant subjects | IELTS for UKVI 5.5, at least 5.0 in each component |
| International Year One, computer science | 5.0 overall and 5.0 in two sciences including mathematics | 5.0 overall and in two sciences including mathematics | IELTS for UKVI 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component |

Other Year One routes have similar requirements; check the page of your chosen course. You must have left school within the last three years, and students who have already studied at university are not usually eligible. Conversely, applicants who hold or are taking a qualification recognised for degree entry (A-levels, the full IB, or a foundation at another UK university) must apply directly to a degree.

### How to apply for the foundation

Applications go directly to the University, not through UCAS; they are free and there is no entrance test. You upload your passport, your latest school transcript and a personal statement; the final transcript, a reference on school letterhead and an IELTS for UKVI result can follow later. Decisions arrive within one to ten working days, sometimes after a 20-minute online interview.

| Stage | September 2027 start | January 2027 (intensive Year Zero) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Application deadline | 19 July 2027 | 27 November 2026 |
| $5,290 (£4,000) pre-payment | within two weeks of the offer | within two weeks of the offer |
| Documents for an unconditional offer | by 15 August | by 5 December |
| Accommodation application (for the guarantee) | by 30 June | by 30 November |
| Teaching starts | 6 September 2027 | January 2027 |

Places are limited and offers are made as applications arrive, so apply early in the cycle. Fees for September 2027 programmes have not yet been published. As a guide, Year Zero and Year One starting in September 2026 cost $36,620 (£27,700), and the intensive Year Zero starting in January 2027 costs $27,460 (£20,775). The pre-payment is deducted from the total, and the University advises visa applicants not to pay more than the pre-payment before the visa is granted. Fees include a transfer from Edinburgh or Glasgow airport or Leuchars station on arrival.

Year Zero leads to Year 1 and Year One to Year 2, provided you achieve the required final grade. The foundation certificate is also accepted by other UK universities; according to St Andrews, graduates have gone on to Warwick, Southampton, Leeds, UCL and Manchester. More on the format in our guide to [foundation years in the UK](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-foundation-year-in-the-uk).

### With A-levels or the IB: applying through UCAS

| Stage | Date |
| --- | --- |
| UCAS accepts completed applications | from 1 September 2026 |
| Medicine | 15 October 2026 |
| International Excellence Scholarship application window | 17 August 2026 to 27 January 2027 |
| International applicants, other courses | 30 June 2027 |

The UCAS deadline for international applicants is 30 June, but waiting is a mistake: you can only apply for the full-tuition scholarship after submitting your course application, and only until 27 January. Standard 2027 requirements for economics, for example, are AAA at A-level or IB 38 (HL 6,6,6). The University also weighs your personal statement and reference. See our guide to [applying to UK universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-uk-universities).

### English requirements

- Arts and Divinity (except English): IELTS Academic 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component.
- English: IELTS 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each component.
- Science: IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.
- Foundation: a UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) taken in person.

Scores are normally accepted if taken within two years of the programme start. An offer may require a 4- or 10-week pre-sessional English course. See our guide to [English tests for the UK Student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-english-tests-for-uk-student-visa).

## Master's and PhD admission {#section-4}

Taught postgraduate applications open in early August, and each programme has its own deadline; for example, the MLitt International Security Studies for 2027 entry closes on 23 April 2027. The application fee is $66 (£50), with waivers in some cases.

- Russia: a Diplom bakalavra with a GPA of at least 4.0/5.0.
- Kazakhstan: a Specialist Diploma or bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.33 (B+).
- Uzbekistan: a Magistr or Specialist Diploma with at least 4.5/5.0 (or 80%).
- Documents: transcripts and certificates with official translations, a personal statement, a CV, one or two academic references and, for some programmes, a writing sample of about 2,000 words.

International taught fees for 2026/27 depend on the band: $35,960 (£27,200) for subjects such as history, classics, philosophy, languages, mathematics and economics, and $41,580 (£31,450) for biology, chemistry, computer science, international relations, management, finance, psychology and medicine. For 2027 entry, the MLitt International Security Studies costs $43,230 (£32,700). Offer conditions must be met by 21 August of the year of entry. Overseas taught postgraduates have an accommodation guarantee if they apply on time (31 May in 2026).

## Tuition fees {#section-5}

| Who and when | International fee per year |
| --- | --- |
| Arts, Divinity, Science: 2027 entrants | $46,150 (£34,910) |
| Arts, Divinity, Science: 2026 entrants | $43,960 (£33,250) |
| Medicine: 2026 entrants | $52,380 (£39,620) |
| International Year Zero / Year One, September 2026 | $36,620 (£27,700) |
| International Pre-Med, September 2026 | $37,870 (£28,650) |

Fees are reviewed every year, typically by 3–5%. The medicine fee includes a mandatory Scottish Government levy on international medical students to fund NHS clinical teaching. A one-off $26 (£20) digital documentation fee applies. You can pay in full or by the University's instalment plan; international bank transfers go through Convera. See the [cost of studying in the UK](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-the-uk) for comparison.

## Accommodation {#section-6}

First-year undergraduates, including international students, are offered University accommodation if they come alone, study full time for the whole year, apply by 30 June of the year of entry, accept an unconditional offer by 31 August and accept the room offer within seven days.

| Option | Cost per year | Contract |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Traditional catered hall (19 meals a week), shared room | $11,510 (£8,709) | 34 weeks |
| Traditional catered hall, single room | $12,650 (£9,570) | 34 weeks |
| Self-catered standard room | $8,260–9,590 (£6,246–7,256) | 34–38 weeks |
| Self-catered en-suite, single | $12,280 (£9,286) | 38 weeks |
| Studio | $15,330 (£11,598) | 38 weeks |

Fees include utilities, internet, contents insurance and a $130 (£100) hall committee subscription. Rents rose by 5% for 2026/27, and future changes are linked to inflation with a 6% annual cap. Students on low incomes can apply for a Student Accommodation Award of $2,510 (£1,900). Private housing in St Andrews is expensive and scarce, so book halls for the first year as early as possible. More in our guide to [student housing in the UK](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-uk).

## Living costs {#section-7}

For US federal loans the University publishes a 2026/27 undergraduate budget for 38 weeks: catered residence $16,140 (£12,208), two trips home $2,640 (£2,000), computer and books $1,060 (£800) and personal expenses $5,020 (£3,800). Without tuition that is about $24,860 (£18,808) a year. In the first year add the $740 (£558) visa fee and the $1,030 (£776) Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of leave.

The visa has its own funds rule: $1,550 (£1,171) per month of study for no more than nine months, up to $13,960 (£10,539) in total, plus any tuition not yet paid for the first year. If money comes from Russia, use legal transfer routes only; the options are in [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Scholarships and funding {#section-8}

- International Excellence Scholarship: full tuition for the whole undergraduate degree, one award for 2027 entry, open to international students in all subjects except medicine and the William & Mary joint degree. Apply through My Application between 17 August 2026 and 27 January 2027 with one academic and one personal reference and a statement of up to 2,000 characters. The scholar joins the Student Ambassador scheme.
- Global Merit Award: a partial tuition discount for offer holders on International Year Zero or Year One, awarded first come, first served while funds last.
- Kinnessburn Scholarship: two awards a year for foundation graduates who achieve the required merit grade and progress to a St Andrews degree; a partial fee waiver for each year.
- Chevening: for master's study. In the 2027/28 cycle Russian citizens are eligible only if they live outside Russia; the last day to apply is 6 October 2026 (11:00 UTC).

Awards are decided by the University or the funder. See our overview of [scholarships in the UK](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-the-uk).

## Visa and work after graduation {#section-9}

After an unconditional offer the University issues a CAS, and you can apply for a Student visa up to six months before your course starts. UK Visas and Immigration makes the decision. Limited term-time work is allowed; in a small town most jobs are on campus. After graduating you can apply for the Graduate visa, which lasts 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. More in our guides to the [UK Student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-uk-student-visa) and the [Graduate route](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-and-graduate-route-uk).

## Pros and cons for applicants from Russia and Central Asia {#section-10}

What helps:

- the foundation belongs to the University, and exact grade thresholds for Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are published;
- foundation applications are free, have no entrance test and are decided within days;
- University accommodation is offered both on the foundation and in the first year of the degree;
- the University has separate entry pages for Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and admissions staff answer questions about individual certificates.

What makes it harder:

- high grade thresholds: 4.5 for Year Zero and straight fives for Year One;
- the Scottish degree is longer, so the Year Zero route means five years of fees and living costs;
- only one full-tuition scholarship for all international applicants;
- a small town with limited part-time work and the nearest major airport in Edinburgh;
- the $5,290 (£4,000) foundation pre-payment is due within two weeks of the offer, well before the visa.

## Mistakes to avoid {#section-11}

- Applying to the foundation with A-levels or the full IB. Those applicants must apply directly to a degree.
- Waiting for final school results before applying. Conditional offers are based on current grades, and places run out.
- Taking standard IELTS Academic for the foundation. It requires IELTS for UKVI or another SELT.
- Leaving UCAS until summer. The formal deadline is 30 June, but the International Excellence Scholarship closes on 27 January.
- Confusing an MA (Hons) with a master's degree. In Scotland it is a four-year undergraduate degree.
- Missing the 30 June accommodation deadline. The guarantee depends on it.

## Checklist before applying {#section-12}

- An Attestat average of at least 4.5 (Year Zero) or 5.0 with fives in mathematics and two sciences (Year One).
- School completed within the last three years.
- IELTS for UKVI taken in person: 5.5 for Year Zero, 6.0 for Year One in computer science.
- A personal statement that names the degree you plan to progress to and explains why.
- A budget covering fees, accommodation and $13,930 (£10,539) for the visa, and five years of study if you start with Year Zero.
- Accommodation and scholarship deadlines in your calendar.

## Rankings {#section-13}

| Ranking | Position |
| --- | --- |
| The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027 | 1st in the UK |
| Guardian University Guide 2026 | 2nd in the UK |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | =115 |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | =162 |
| ARWU 2026 | 301–400 |

The gap between UK and global rankings comes from methodology: national tables weight student satisfaction, teaching quality and graduate outcomes, while global tables depend more on research volume, where a small university loses out to large ones.

## FAQ {#section-14}

### Can I enter St Andrews after 11 years of school?

Not directly onto a degree. With an Attestat of 4.5/5 you can take International Year Zero, and with straight fives International Year One, then progress to the degree. You must have finished school within the last three years.

### How much does St Andrews cost for international students?

Students starting arts, divinity or science degrees in 2027 pay $46,150 (£34,910) a year. Medicine cost $52,380 (£39,620) in 2026/27. Catered accommodation and living costs add about $24,860 (£18,808) a year.

### What IELTS score does St Andrews require?

7.0 (6.5 in each component) for arts, 7.5 for English, 6.5 for science. The foundation requires IELTS for UKVI: 5.5 for Year Zero and 6.0 for Year One in computer science.

### Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes, but they are competitive. The International Excellence Scholarship covers full tuition and is awarded to one student; apply by 27 January 2027. Foundation students can receive the Global Merit Award and the Kinnessburn Scholarship.

### When should I apply?

For a September 2027 foundation, by 19 July 2027; for the January intensive, by 27 November 2026. International UCAS applicants can apply until 30 June 2027, medicine applicants by 15 October 2026. To be considered for the scholarship, submit your UCAS application before 27 January.

### What is an MA at St Andrews?

A four-year undergraduate degree in arts and social sciences, following Scottish tradition. Master's degrees are called MLitt or MSc.

### Can StudyU help with applying to St Andrews?

Under a paid agreement we help you choose between Year Zero, Year One and direct entry, plan IELTS, and prepare your personal statement, documents and visa application. The University decides on admission and scholarships, and UK Visas and Immigration on the visa.

## Sources {#section-15}

- [University of St Andrews: Russia entry requirements](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/russia/)
- [University of St Andrews: Kazakhstan entry requirements](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/kazakhstan/)
- [University of St Andrews: Uzbekistan entry requirements](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/uzbekistan/)
- [University of St Andrews: International Foundation](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/foundation/)
- [University of St Andrews: Academic requirements for Year Zero](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/foundation/who-can-apply/academic-requirements-year-zero/)
- [University of St Andrews: Academic requirements, International Year One in Computer Science](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/foundation/who-can-apply/academic-requirements-year-one-computer-science/)
- [University of St Andrews: How to apply for an International Foundation programme](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/foundation/apply/)
- [University of St Andrews: Fees for International Foundation programmes](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/foundation/fees/)
- [University of St Andrews: Social Sciences and Humanities (International Year Zero), 2027](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/ifp/social-sciences-humanities-september/)
- [University of St Andrews: Undergraduate English language requirements](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/language-requirements/undergraduate/)
- [University of St Andrews: Academic entry explained (deadlines)](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/academic-entry-explained/)
- [University of St Andrews: Direct entry to second year](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/degree-routes/direct-entry/)
- [University of St Andrews: Economics MA (Hons), 2027 entry](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/economics/economics-ma/)
- [University of St Andrews: Undergraduate fees, rest of the world](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees/world/)
- [University of St Andrews: Postgraduate tuition fees](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/tuition-fees/postgraduate/)
- [University of St Andrews: International Security Studies MLitt, 2027 entry](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/international-relations/international-security-studies-mlitt/)
- [University of St Andrews: Applying for taught postgraduate study](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught/)
- [University of St Andrews: Undergraduate accommodation fees](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/undergraduate/fees/)
- [University of St Andrews: Rental cost review](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/rental-cost-review/)
- [University of St Andrews: Accommodation guarantee](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/guides/accommodation-guarantee/)
- [University of St Andrews: Undergraduate cost of attendance 2026–2027](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/us-funding/federal-aid/undergraduate-cost-of-attendance/)
- [University of St Andrews: International Excellence Scholarship](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/scholarships/scholarships-catalogue/undergraduate-scholarships/international-excellence-scholarship/)
- [University of St Andrews: Facts and figures](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/about/facts/)
- [UCAS: 2027 entry dates and deadlines](https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-to-university/dates-and-deadlines-for-uni-applications)
- [GOV.UK: Student visa money requirements](https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money)
- [GOV.UK: Graduate visa](https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa)
- [Chevening: Russia](https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/russia/)
- [QS World University Rankings 2027: University of St Andrews](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-st-andrews)
- [THE World University Rankings 2026: University of St Andrews](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-st-andrews)
- [ShanghaiRanking ARWU 2026](https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2026)
- [European Central Bank reference rates, 29 September 2026](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/eurofxref/eurofxref-daily.xml)

Dollar amounts use the ECB cross rate of 29 September 2026 (£1 = $1.3247), rounded to the nearest $10. Information checked on 24 September 2026. Other UK universities are listed on our [study in the UK](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-great_britain) page. To find out which way into St Andrews fits your grades and budget, [send us a request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Foundation Year in the UK: Types, Entry Requirements, Costs and Progression](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-foundation-year-in-the-uk)
- [Working While Studying in the UK and the Graduate Route: 20 Hours a Week, Tax, and Two Years or 18 Months After Graduation](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-and-graduate-route-uk)
- [Scholarships in the UK in 2026: Chevening, Gates Cambridge, Clarendon and University Awards — What Applicants from Russia, Kazakhstan and Central Asia Can Get](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-the-uk)
- [Cost of Studying in the UK in 2026/27: International Tuition Fees, Living Costs, Visa Charges and a First-Year Budget](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-the-uk)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)
- [Studying in the UK for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-great_britain)

Updated: September 2026