Northern Ireland entry requirements

This page outlines the entry requirements for students who normally live in Northern Ireland and wish to study at the University of St Andrews. This includes the academic and English language requirements, as well as information on fees, scholarships and visas.  

  • For entry into undergraduate study at St Andrews, you must meet the University's entry requirements as outlined below. 

    More information about the different levels of entry requirements can be found in academic entry explained. You should use our qualification indicator to see which level of entry requirement is relevant to you.

    • A-levels: AAB to A*A*A
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 (HL 6,6,5) to 38 (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6). From 2021, programmes requiring  A-levels Mathematics will accept either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at higher level. 
    • SQA Highers: AAAB to AAAAB
    • Open University: A minimum of 60 Credits of Open University Access Modules in relevant subjects with a high pass grade. OR A minimum of 60 Credits in Open University modules in relevant subject areas at SCQF Level 7/FHEQ Level 4 or above with a high pass grade. Modules accepted will vary depending on the subject applied for. 

    The University of St Andrews welcomes applications from students achieving excellence in a wide range of qualifications. If your qualification is not listed, please contact admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

    We do not require a minimum number of GCSE A* grades from our candidates, but the overall number will be a factor when reviewing the annual applicant pool.

    You will also be expected to meet the University's general entry requirements as listed on the individual course page for your intended programme. 

    Applicants to Medicine should refer directly to the medicine course pages.

    This information is for general guidance; we consider each application on its own merits, as outlined in the undergraduate admissions policy.

  • Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a minimum of an upper second class (2.1) honours degree from a UK university or equivalent.

    This information is for general guidance. We consider each application on its own merits, as outlined in the postgraduate admissions policy.

  • All students entering the University must provide evidence that they can use English well enough to study effectively at St Andrews.

    We accept a wide range of language tests and qualifications as proof of English language proficiency. If you were educated outside the UK or use English as an additional language, you should include information about your English language proficiency with your application.

    Undergraduate English language requirements

    For full information about the language tests and qualifications that the University accepts for undergraduate applicants, please see the English language requirements for undergraduates.

    Postgraduate English language requirements

    For information on the language tests and qualifications which the University accepts for postgraduate students, please see the English language requirements for postgraduates.

    Pre-sessional courses

    In order to fully prepare yourself for academic study, you can attend one of our pre-sessional courses. These combine language development with academic skills and orientation and provide an excellent introduction to university life.

    It may be a condition of your offer that you are required to take a 10-week or 4-week pre-sessional course.

    You can find out more about pre-sessional courses in the pre-sessional courses section.

    Visas and English language proficiency

    Overseas students typically need a visa to study in the UK. See the visa section below to find out more about the English language proficiency tests required to obtain a visa.

  • Undergraduate

    Undergraduate applicants to the University of St Andrews are classed as either Home (Scotland and the EU), RUK (rest of the UK) or Overseas for fees purposes. Information regarding fee status can be found on the UKCISA website. UKCISA is the UK's national advisory body serving the interests of students and those who work with them.

    The current tuition fees for undergraduate students, as well as more information about financial assistance, can be found on the undergraduate tuition fees pages. To find out more about the scholarships available to undergraduate students, take a look at the undergraduate scholarships page.

    Postgraduate

    Postgraduate applicants to the University of St Andrews are classed as either Home (EU) or Overseas for fees purposes. Information regarding fee status can be found on the UKCISA website. UKCISA is the UK's national advisory body serving the interests of students and those who work with them.

    The current tuition fees for postgraduate students, as well as information about financial assistance can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page. For information on postgraduate funding and scholarships, take a look at the postgraduate scholarships page.