After you apply – postgraduate study
Once you have submitted your postgraduate application, the Admissions team will begin to process your application. You should receive email confirmation from the Registry team that the University has received your application.
All offers will be sent primarily in the form of an email. More information about types of offers, how to respond, and the pre-payment of fees can be found below.
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Types of offers
You will receive an email from the University when there is a decision on your application. The email will include one of the following messages:
An unconditional offer
This means that you have achieved the required grades or qualifications to study your selected course. Your offer has been confirmed.
A conditional offer
This means that you have not yet achieved the required grades or qualifications to study your selected course. Your offer will only be confirmed if you get the required grades or qualifications. Your offer email will specify the conditions of your offer. These may be the classification of your forthcoming degree and your evidence of English language ability. If you meet the conditions of our offer, we will confirm your place at the University. If you do not achieve the stated grades or qualifications, your offer may be withdrawn.
We are unable to offer you a place
Regrettably, we receive many applications from well-qualified applicants and we have been unable to offer you a place on your selected course.
How to respond
Follow the instructions on your offer email. Your application cannot proceed until you have:
- firmly accepted the offer
- fulfilled any conditions listed in the offer
- paid a pre-payment (if applicable)
Deferring an offer
It is not usually possible to postpone (also known as ‘to defer’) the start of your taught postgraduate programme. You may request deferment until the following academic year by emailing the School directly and explaining why you want to defer.
Declining an offer
You can decline your offer through the applicant portal. You will be asked to complete a survey after selecting the decline option.
Pre-payment
If your offer requires you to make a pre-payment to secure your place at the University, follow the instructions on your offer email.
Your pre-payment will be deducted from your tuition fee.
Your course application will not be able to proceed until your pre-payment is complete. Your place at the University is not guaranteed if the pre-payment is made after the deadline.
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If you need a visa to study in the UK, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will specify how much money you have already paid to the University, including your pre-payment.
If you are made an offer, your offer letter will clearly state the date by which your offer is required to be accepted and the pre-payment is required to be paid to secure your place.
Overseas pre-payment fee:
If you are an applicant who meets the following criteria, you are required to pay a pre-payment fee of £4,000 GBP against the balance of your tuition fee:
- You have applied to a postgraduate programme.
- You have a fees status of ‘Overseas’ in your offer letter.
For applicants who require a Student visa, the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will display the total amount paid to date, including any pre-payments made, where applicable.
Home (UK and Islands) pre-payment fee:
If you are an applicant who meets the following criteria, you are required to pay a pre-payment fee of £500 GBP against the balance of your tuition fee:
- You have applied to a postgraduate programme.
- You have a fees status of ‘Home (UK and Islands)’ in your offer letter.
If a pre-payment remains unpaid, this will be taken as an indication that you no longer wish to accept the offer to study at St Andrews.
Email pgt.application@st-andrews.ac.uk if you have missed the deadline or have any questions about your pre-payment.
How to make a pre-payment
- Pay by international bank transfer (preferred method of payment)
- Pay by credit or debit card
After accepting your offer and making your pre-payment
You have a 14-day statutory cancellation period during which you can change your mind about accepting an offer to study at the University. After accepting your University offer and making your pre-payment, your offer will become a binding agreement with the University of St Andrews.
The postgraduate terms and conditions of this agreement will remain in force for the duration of your studies at the University.
The University will tell you if any changes need to be made to your programme. You can find more information on course revision, teaching provision and fee setting policies in your University offer and in the further particulars of offers policy.Pre-payment refunds
Pre-payments will only be refunded under the following circumstances:
- you do not fulfil the terms and conditions of your offer
- you do not fulfil the academic conditions of admission
- you have medical reasons for withdrawal and the relevant supporting evidence
- your UK student visa application was not successful
- the programme was full at the time you paid the pre-payment
- you cancel within the 14-day statutory cancellation period.
To request a refund, you must complete the pre-payment refund form and submit any relevant evidence to pgt.application@st-andrews.ac.uk within 30 days of the official start date of your programme on your offer letter.
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You can pay your fees by direct debit, credit card, bank transfer, or in instalments.
Read more about your tuition and accommodation payment options.
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Check the postgraduate scholarships for funding opportunities.
Your prospective supervisor may also have advice on sources of funding for your research project.
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If English is not your first language, attending a pre-sessional course can help you develop your academic English and study skills. There are pre-sessional courses for students with and without an English language condition on their University offer.
Email presessional@st-andrews.ac.uk for information.
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You will have a contract with the University of St Andrews when you accept your offer to study at the University. This agreement includes:
- your degree programme
- the expectations of students whilst studying in the University of St Andrews community
- the University approach to delivering a quality learning experience.
The University aims to ensure that students are aware of the main provisions of the agreement and this document offers further information on key aspects of your offer:
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Each year, the University allocates some accommodation specifically for postgraduate students.
When to apply
Prospective postgraduate students are able to apply for University accommodation once they have accepted their offer and, for taught programmes, paid the required pre-payment fee. The online accommodation application form is open from 1 March onwards. University accommodation is a popular choice, so you are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure a place.
We will continue to accept University accommodation applications after 30 June but these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you think your undergraduate results won’t arrive on time and could affect your accommodation application, email accommodation@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Offers of accommodation will be sent from the end of May until late August. Your application will be processed when your offer becomes unconditional.
Email accommodation@st-andrews.ac.uk if you have any questions.
International students
International postgraduate students who normally live outside the UK will get priority access to postgraduate accommodation.
To get priority access, you must:
- accept your University offer
- pay your pre-payment (if applicable)
- complete the online accommodation application by:
- 31 March (you are most likely to get University accommodation)
- 30 May (your accommodation application will be considered)
- 30 June (applications are only considered on a case-by-case basis)
Couples or families
Accommodation for couples or families is limited. Read more about the accommodation options for couples and families.
Email accommodation@st-andrews.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.
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You must check if you need a visa to study in the UK. You cannot apply for your visa more than six months before the start date of your course.
Once you have firmly accepted your offer the University will give you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) to support your visa application. When your CAS number is ready, the Registry team will email you the number. You must wait for your CAS number before you start your visa application.
If you have any questions, email advint@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Find out more about moving to the UK.
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A contract is formed between the University and you once you accept the offer of a place.
The terms of this contract include the following policies, and your acceptance of a place is subject to them. For full details on our terms and conditions and policies, please see the relevant links below:
- Terms and conditions of study
- Further particulars of offers
- Admissions policy
- Fee status policy
- Postgraduate policies
- Non-academic misconduct policy
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Travelling
St Andrews is a small town, so most people cycle or walk to travel within the town. There are frequent buses within the town and to local communities. Some students choose to bring a car with them, but it is not essential, and parking can be limited.
The nearest airport is Edinburgh airport, and the nearest train station is Leuchars.
The University offers a free night bus for all students during term time.
Find out how to get to St Andrews.