University of St Andrews

University of St Andrews: Prestigious Scottish University with Strong Academics and a Distinctive Student Experience

The University of St Andrews is one of the UK's oldest and most internationally recognised universities, located in the historic coastal town of St Andrews, Scotland. It is particularly known for its strengths in Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Management, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Medicine, Psychology, History and English.

St Andrews offers a distinctive undergraduate experience with a strong academic focus, a relatively small-town setting and a broad range of opportunities for students to combine subjects. Its undergraduate portfolio covers Arts, Divinity, Science and Medicine, with both single-subject and joint-degree options.

What is the University of St Andrews Known For?

St Andrews is particularly known for:

• Computer Science
• Economics
• Financial Economics
• International Relations
• Management
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Marine Biology
• Psychology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Medicine
• History
• English
• Sustainable Development
• Philosophy

Computer Science

St Andrews offers:

• BSc Computer Science
• MSci Computer Science

Students can study areas including:

• Programming
• Algorithms
• Artificial intelligence
• Software development
• Computer systems
• Data and computation
• Theoretical computer science

This can prepare graduates for careers in software development, technology, data, AI, research and consulting.

Economics & Financial Economics

St Andrews offers:

• Economics BA (International Hons)
• Economics BSc
• Financial Economics BSc
• Economics MA
• Financial Economics MA

Students can explore:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Econometrics
• Financial markets
• Economic policy
• Quantitative analysis

These programmes can lead to careers in banking, finance, consulting, economics, government and business.

International Relations

International Relations is one of St Andrews' notable subject areas.

Students can study:

• International politics
• Global governance
• International security
• Diplomacy
• Political theory
• International organisations

It can prepare students for careers in government, diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, consulting, journalism and policy.

Management

The BSc Management programme covers areas such as:

• Business management
• Strategy
• Marketing
• Finance
• Organisations
• Entrepreneurship

It is suitable for students interested in business, consulting, finance and management careers.

Biology & Marine Biology

St Andrews offers a particularly broad range of biological sciences, including:

• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Marine Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Zoology
• Animal Behaviour

Students interested in marine and environmental science can benefit from St Andrews' coastal location.

Mathematics

Students can study mathematical subjects including:

• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Applied mathematics
• Mathematical modelling
• Quantitative methods

Mathematics can provide a foundation for careers in finance, data science, technology, research and economics.

Medicine

St Andrews offers undergraduate medical education through its School of Medicine.

Students develop foundations in:

• Medical sciences
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Clinical sciences
• Patient care

The medical degree has a distinctive structure involving early study at St Andrews followed by clinical training through partner medical schools.

Psychology

Psychology students can explore:

• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Behaviour
• Neuroscience
• Psychological research

Sustainable Development

St Andrews also offers Sustainable Development, combining environmental, economic and social perspectives on sustainability.

Academic Environment

St Andrews has a strong academic reputation and provides a relatively small and close-knit university environment compared with many large UK universities.

Students can experience:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Practical classes
• Laboratory work
• Independent study
• Research opportunities

The university's Scottish undergraduate structure also gives students opportunities to explore subjects before specialising more deeply in later years.

Quick Facts

• University: University of St Andrews
• Location: St Andrews, Scotland
• Type: Research university
• Founded: 1413
• Main strengths: Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Management, Biology, Mathematics, Medicine and Humanities
• International students: Large international community
• Setting: Historic coastal university town
• Study areas: Arts, Divinity, Science and Medicine

Q. Is the University of St Andrews a good university?

A. Yes. St Andrews is particularly attractive for students seeking a highly regarded academic university with a strong student community and a distinctive historic setting. It is especially worth considering for Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Management, Biology and related subjects.

Student Life at the University of St Andrews

One of St Andrews' biggest attractions is its unique university-town environment.

The university and the town are closely connected, creating a student community that feels different from studying at a large metropolitan university.

Campus & Town

Students have access to:

• University libraries
• Academic buildings
• Laboratories
• Sports facilities
• Student societies
• Cafés and restaurants
• Historic university buildings
• Beaches and coastal areas

St Andrews' location on the Scottish coast also provides opportunities for:

• Golf
• Walking
• Cycling
• Watersports
• Beach activities
• Outdoor recreation

Student Societies

Students can participate in a large variety of:

• Academic societies
• Sports clubs
• Cultural societies
• Music
• Performing arts
• Volunteering
• Student media
• International societies

This provides international students with opportunities to build social networks outside their academic courses.

International Student Experience

St Andrews has a substantial international community and welcomes students from around the world.

International students can receive support with:

• Admissions
• Visa and immigration matters
• Accommodation
• Academic transition
• Wellbeing
• Careers
• International student support

Q. What is student life like at St Andrews?

A. Student life is community-focused, academically driven and strongly connected to the town. It can be particularly attractive to students who prefer a historic university environment rather than a large metropolitan campus.

University of St Andrews Courses – Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Management, Medicine and More

The University of St Andrews offers undergraduate degrees across Arts, Divinity, Science and Medicine, with a wide selection of single-subject and joint-degree options. Students can also combine subjects through the university's flexible degree structure. (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Popular Subject Areas

Computer Science

St Andrews offers programmes including:

• BSc Computer Science
• BSc Computer Science and Management
• BSc Computer Science and Mathematics
• BSc Computer Science and Physics
• MSci Computer Science
• MSci Computer Science and Management

Students study areas such as:

• Programming
• Algorithms
• Artificial intelligence
• Software engineering
• Computer systems
• Data and computation
• Theoretical computer science

These programmes can prepare students for careers in software development, AI, data, technology consulting and research. (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Economics

Students can choose programmes such as:

• MA Economics
• BSc Economics
• MA Financial Economics
• BSc Financial Economics
• Economics and Management

Key areas include:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Econometrics
• Financial economics
• Economic policy
• Quantitative analysis

These programmes can lead to careers in banking, finance, consulting, economics, government and business. (st-andrews.ac.uk)

International Relations

International Relations is one of St Andrews' established areas of study.

Students can explore:

• International politics
• International security
• Diplomacy
• Global governance
• Political theory
• International organisations

Career areas include:

• Government
• Diplomacy
• NGOs
• International organisations
• Public policy
• Journalism
• Consulting

Management

MA Management / BSc Management programmes cover:

• Business strategy
• Marketing
• Finance
• Organisational behaviour
• Entrepreneurship
• Management theory
• Business decision-making

Students can pursue careers in business, consulting, finance, marketing and management.

Mathematics & Statistics

St Andrews offers:

• Mathematics
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Financial Mathematics
• Mathematics and Computer Science
• Mathematics and Physics

Students develop skills in:

• Pure mathematics
• Applied mathematics
• Statistics
• Probability
• Mathematical modelling

These skills can be useful in finance, data science, technology, economics and research.

Biology & Marine Biology

St Andrews has a broad range of biological science options, including:

• Biology
• Marine Biology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Zoology

The university's coastal location makes Marine Biology a particularly distinctive option. (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Medicine

The Medicine (A100) programme provides scientific and clinical education.

Students study:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Medical sciences
• Clinical medicine
• Patient care
• Medical research

The programme has a distinctive structure in which students complete their early medical education at St Andrews before continuing clinical training at partner medical schools.

Psychology

Psychology students study topics such as:

• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Behaviour
• Neuroscience
• Research methods

Physics

Physics programmes cover:

• Classical physics
• Quantum physics
• Astrophysics
• Mathematical physics
• Experimental physics

Students can also combine Physics with subjects such as Mathematics or Computer Science.

Sustainable Development

St Andrews offers Sustainable Development, combining:

• Environmental sustainability
• Economic development
• Social issues
• Policy
• Global sustainability

This can be useful for students interested in environmental policy, sustainability consulting, development and public-sector careers.

Humanities

Students can also study:

• History
• English
• Philosophy
• Modern Languages
• Classics
• Theology
• Film Studies
• Art History

These programmes develop:

• Critical thinking
• Research
• Writing
• Communication
• Analytical skills

Q. What Are the Best Courses at St Andrews?

A. St Andrews is particularly strong for:

Computer Science | Economics | Financial Economics | International Relations | Management | Mathematics | Biology | Marine Biology | Psychology | Physics | Medicine

The best programme depends on the student's career objectives and academic interests.

Student Life at St Andrews

St Andrews has a distinctive university-town experience, with the university closely integrated into the historic town.

Students can participate in:

• Sports clubs
• Academic societies
• Cultural societies
• Student media
• Music
• Theatre
• Volunteering
• International societies
• Entrepreneurship

Practical Learning

Science students can access:

• Laboratories
• Research facilities
• Specialist equipment
• Fieldwork

Students in subjects such as Biology and Marine Biology can benefit from the surrounding coastal environment and opportunities for field-based study.

International Student Experience

St Andrews has a large international student community and offers support with:

• Visa and immigration
• Accommodation
• Academic transition
• Student wellbeing
• Careers
• International student support

Students should check the specific entry requirements for their country and programme before applying.

Q. What is student life like at St Andrews?

A. St Andrews offers a close-knit, academically focused and international student experience. Its historic coastal setting is very different from large metropolitan universities such as London, Manchester or Birmingham.

Careers & Employability

St Andrews provides career support throughout a student's degree.

Students can access:

• Careers advice
• CV support
• Interview preparation
• Employer events
• Internship information
• Graduate opportunities
• Networking
• Careers fairs

Career Areas

Depending on the course, graduates can enter:

Computer Science

• Software development
• AI
• Data science
• Technology consulting
• Cybersecurity

Economics & Finance

• Investment banking
• Financial analysis
• Consulting
• Economic research
• Banking

International Relations

• Government
• Diplomacy
• NGOs
• International organisations
• Public policy

Management

• Consulting
• Marketing
• Business management
• Finance
• Entrepreneurship

Biological Sciences

• Research
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceuticals
• Environmental organisations
• Conservation

Placement & Internship Opportunities

Students can gain professional experience through:

• Internships
• Summer placements
• Employer events
• Research projects
• Work experience
• Careers programmes

The exact placement structure varies considerably by subject.

For Indian Students

St Andrews can be particularly attractive for Indian students interested in:

Computer Science | Economics | Financial Economics | International Relations | Management | Mathematics | Biology | Marine Biology | Psychology | Medicine

Indian applicants should check:

• Academic requirements
• Required subjects
• English-language requirements
• Course-specific requirements
• Admissions tests where applicable
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Accommodation
• Student visa requirements

For professional courses such as Medicine, students should additionally check the relevant professional-registration requirements if they plan to return to India after graduation.

Q. Does St Andrews provide placement opportunities?

A. Yes, although opportunities vary by course. Students can access internships, research opportunities, employer events and careers programmes, while some courses have more structured professional experience than others.

Q. Who should consider the University of St Andrews?

A. St Andrews is particularly suitable for students who want:

• Strong academic teaching
• A prestigious UK university
• Small-town university life
• International exposure
• Research opportunities
• Strong graduate prospects
• Flexible subject combinations

It may be less suitable for students who prefer a large metropolitan campus with extensive nightlife and a very large student population.

University of St Andrews Fees – Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

For 2026/27, the University of St Andrews charges international students different tuition fees depending on the faculty.

Arts, Divinity & Science: £33,250 per year

Medicine: £39,620 per year

These are the official 2026/27 fees for new Overseas students. St Andrews normally adjusts fees annually, with increases typically around 3–5% for Arts, Divinity and Science. Medicine may also be affected by the mandatory overseas medical student levy.

Tuition Fees for International Students

Programme / Study Area	2026/27 International Tuition Fee
Computer Science	£33,250/year
Economics	£33,250/year
Financial Economics	£33,250/year
International Relations	£33,250/year
Management	£33,250/year
Mathematics	£33,250/year
Biology	£33,250/year
Marine Biology	£33,250/year
Psychology	£33,250/year
Physics	£33,250/year
History	£33,250/year
English	£33,250/year
Sustainable Development	£33,250/year
Medicine	£39,620/year

The £33,250 rate applies to Overseas students studying in the Faculties of Arts, Divinity and Science, while Medicine has its separate £39,620 rate.

Undergraduate Tuition Cost

For a typical three-year Arts, Science or Divinity degree:

£33,250 × 3 = £99,750

So the simple current-rate tuition calculation is:

£99,750 for three years

However, this is not necessarily the final three-year amount, because St Andrews normally adjusts fees annually. For new students, increases are typically around 3–5% per year.

Example With 5% Annual Increases

If the fee increased by 5% each year:

Year 1: £33,250
Year 2: £34,912.50
Year 3: £36,658.13

Approximate three-year total:

£104,820.63

This is only an illustration; actual future fees may differ.

Medicine Tuition Fees

For international students beginning Medicine in 2026/27:

£39,620 per year

St Andrews explains that the fee includes a mandatory Scottish Government national levy for Overseas medical students to cover NHS clinical teaching costs.

The simple five-year calculation is:

£39,620 × 5 = £198,100

However, Medicine fees can increase annually, so the actual total may be higher.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is separate from tuition fees.

St Andrews' published accommodation rates include:

Accommodation	Published Fee
Single catered room	£9,570
Shared catered room	£8,709
Gannochy House single, self-catered	£6,246
Fife Park single, self-catered	£6,709
Whitehorn Hall single, self-catered	£7,256

The catered single rate includes £3,324 for catering and £6,246 for 34 weeks of accommodation.

Students should also budget separately for:

• Food if self-catering
• Books
• Travel
• Personal expenses
• Visa costs
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• Flights between India and the UK
• Laptop/computer
• Social activities

International Student Cost of Attendance

St Andrews' published 2026/27 cost-of-attendance estimate for international students includes:

• Tuition
• Accommodation/rent, utilities and food
• Travel
• Computer equipment and books
• Personal living expenses

The university's example gives £12,208 for accommodation/rent, utilities and food, £2,000 for travel, £800 for computer equipment/books, and £3,800 for personal living expenses.

For an Indian student, the actual amount will depend on accommodation and lifestyle.

Scholarships & Financial Support

St Andrews offers a substantial range of scholarships for international students based on:

• Academic excellence
• Financial need
• Leadership
• Sport
• Music
• Other achievements

Some awards provide partial tuition reductions, while others can contribute towards accommodation or other costs.

International Undergraduate Scholarship

The International Undergraduate Scholarship is available to eligible Overseas students beginning undergraduate study in 2026.

Scholarship value:

Up to £10,000 per year

The award is provided as a tuition-fee reduction and can continue annually for the duration of the undergraduate programme, subject to the scholarship terms. It is primarily assessed on financial need.

For example:

Tuition: £33,250
Maximum scholarship: £10,000

Potential remaining tuition:

£23,250 per year

This is an illustrative calculation; receiving the maximum award is not guaranteed.

International Excellence Scholarship

St Andrews also offers the International Excellence Scholarship for eligible Overseas undergraduate students.

This is aimed at academically excellent students and considers achievements, experiences, motivation and the overall scholarship application.

International Accommodation Award

The Accommodation Award – International is available to eligible Overseas undergraduate entrants and is assessed based on financial need. The award helps with accommodation costs while studying at St Andrews.

Scholarships for Indian Students

St Andrews has a dedicated India information page and lists scholarships available to international students, including opportunities that may be relevant to Indian applicants.

Indian applicants should check the individual scholarship requirements rather than assuming that every international scholarship is automatically available to them.

International Foundation Programme Fees

For students who do not meet the requirements for direct undergraduate entry, St Andrews offers International Foundation programmes.

For September 2026 entry, the published fees include:

Business – International Year Zero

£27,700

Social Sciences & Humanities – International Year Zero

£27,700

Science – International Year Zero

£27,700

International Year One programmes

£27,700

Medical Sciences – International Pre-Med

£28,650

Medical Sciences – Extended International Pre-Med

£56,350 total

These foundation programmes are separate from the standard undergraduate tuition fees.

Payment of Tuition Fees

St Andrews allows undergraduate students to:

• Pay tuition in advance
• Pay upon matriculation
• Set up an instalment plan

The university accepts payment through methods including bank transfer/eWallet and debit or credit card.

Cost Example for an Indian Student

Suppose an Indian student chooses BSc Computer Science.

Year 1

£33,250

Year 2

£33,250

Year 3

£33,250

Simple current-rate total:

£99,750

This calculation assumes the fee stays unchanged and therefore does not represent the guaranteed final tuition cost.

If the student receives the maximum £10,000 International Undergraduate Scholarship each year:

£33,250 − £10,000 = £23,250/year

Simple three-year calculation:

£69,750

Again, scholarship awards are competitive and the £10,000 maximum is not guaranteed.

The Honest Verdict – Is St Andrews Worth the Cost?

St Andrews is a strong choice for students who want a highly regarded academic university with a close-knit student community and distinctive historic setting.

St Andrews Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want Computer Science.
• Are interested in Economics.
• Want International Relations.
• Are interested in Management.
• Want Mathematics.
• Are interested in Biology.
• Want Marine Biology.
• Are interested in Psychology.
• Want Medicine.
• Prefer a smaller university environment.
• Want strong academic and research opportunities.
• Like historic university towns.

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Need a very low-cost UK university.
• Prefer a huge metropolitan campus.
• Want extensive nightlife and city life.
• Want a very broad range of vocational programmes.
• Prefer a large university with a much bigger student population.

Frequently Asked Questions About St Andrews Fees

Q. What is the international tuition fee at St Andrews?

A. For 2026/27, Overseas students studying Arts, Divinity or Science pay:

£33,250 per year

Medicine costs:

£39,620 per year.

Q. How much is Computer Science?

A. £33,250 per year for an Overseas student in 2026/27.

Q. How much is Economics?

A. £33,250 per year for an Overseas student in 2026/27.

Q. How much is International Relations?

A. £33,250 per year for an Overseas undergraduate student in 2026/27.

Q. How much is Medicine?

A. £39,620 per year for students entering Medicine in 2026/27.

Q. How much does a three-year degree cost?

A. At the current £33,250 annual rate:

£33,250 × 3 = £99,750

Future annual fee increases could make the actual total higher.

Q. Are scholarships available for international students?

A. Yes. The International Undergraduate Scholarship can provide up to £10,000 per year towards tuition fees for eligible Overseas students.

Q. Is accommodation included in tuition?

A. No. Accommodation, food and personal living expenses are separate. Published accommodation options include approximately £6,246–£9,570 for several standard options, depending on room type and catering.

A Final Word – Why the University of St Andrews Deserves Your Consideration

For 2026/27, the key international tuition figures are:

Arts, Divinity & Science: £33,250/year

Medicine: £39,620/year

International Undergraduate Scholarship: up to £10,000/year

International Foundation Programmes: from £27,700

A typical three-year Arts or Science degree therefore starts at a simple current-rate calculation of £99,750, before future fee increases and living costs.

Overall Verdict: The University of St Andrews is an excellent option for academically strong international students looking for a prestigious UK university with a close-knit community, strong subject choices and a distinctive Scottish university-town experience. At £33,250 per year for most international undergraduate subjects, it represents a significant investment, but scholarships of up to £10,000 per year can substantially reduce tuition for eligible students.