St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland, and the third oldest in the English-speaking world, after Oxford and Cambridge. It shares some characteristics with its older siblings down south: a prestigious academic centre renowned for the quality of its teaching and research, and a reputation for being a bit posh – Prince William did study here, after all. There's a high independent-school intake and a raft of arcane traditions.
But St Andrews does have an active commitment to widening access. It's certainly popular with applicants and has one of the lowest drop-out rates in the UK: 98% of students complete their degree. The location is special, too – a small, historic town tucked up on the coast of north-east Scotland. The university is a major part of life here and is fully integrated into the town. Despite the lack of cavernous nightclubs, there's plenty to do, and lots of student societies. And lest we forget, St Andrews is the home of golf.
Fees
Scottish and EU students from outside the UK pay no tuition fees. For other UK students, tuition fee of £1,820 (£2,895 for medicine).
Bursaries
Subject-based scholarships are available. Other bursaries and awards available.
Accommodation
Guaranteed for eligible first-years. Price range of accommodation supplied by the university is from about £55 to £168.
Facilities
The university spends about £1.4m on books and journals each year; an extensive refurbishment of the library is due to begin this year. Work began in June 2008 on a £45m school of medicine and the sciences. Revamped £35m eco-friendly student residences and 500 new beds in a new halls of residence are planned. Sports facilities extend over 60 acres near the university halls.
Transport
The nearest train station is Leuchars (five miles away and served by a bus from St Andrews every 15 minutes). The nearest city is Dundee, approximately 30 minutes by bus or car. There is a small airport at Dundee and an international airport at Edinburgh.
Contact
Tel: 01334 476161
Email:
[email protected]Web: st-andrews.ac.uk
Accommodation:
[email protected]