Scotland: University of St. Andrews

Type of Program: Semester
City: St. Andrews
When offered:Fall or spring
Cost: See Program Costs page

The University of St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the UK. For almost six centuries it has upheld a tradition of excellence, attracting world-renowned scholars and the brightest students from every continent. Prince William earned his Master of Arts degree from St Andrews. Today the university has evolved into two colleges: United College, in which all Arts and Science subjects are taught, and St Mary's College, in which Divinity courses are taught.  St Andrews is closely integrated with the town. Many of the 7,200 students use bicycles as a convenient way of getting around the town, but all areas of the university are within easy walking distance.

You will be able to participate in activities, student organizations, and sports and have full access to the advising, library, and computing facilities at St Andrews. There are almost 150 student societies including the academic, cultural, political, and sporting options.  As a student at University of St Andrews, you can play golf at all seven local golf courses for a nominal fee which allows limited access to all seven local golf courses.

St. Andrews is particularly well-known for its humanities curriculum, with the departments of art history, English literature and language, classics, religious studies, anthropology, politics and international studies, history and philosophy offering courses of note. In the sciences, St. Andrews' strong offerings are enhanced by the largest operational optical telescope in the UK. As an overseas student at St. Andrews, you will apply to one of the three faculties and take the bulk of your course load within that faculty. Your assigned advisor will correspond with you about the course choices which are most appropriate for you, and you will enroll in three or four courses per semester for a total of 15 hours of credit per semester, or 30 per academic year.

Review the Exchanges and Study Abroad at the University of St. Andrews guide.

2013 Academic Dates

Spring 2013: January 22 through late May
Fall 2013:  Early September though late December

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 who have declared a major and taken prerequisite courses are eligible to apply. Students must have completed three semesters in college-level residence. 

Application and Study Abroad Deposit Deadlines

Please note that both the application and fee are due in the Office of International Studies. All students must attend an advising session at least one week prior to the deadline in the Office of International Studies to obtain an application.