Saudi Arabia entry requirements

This page outlines the entry requirements for students who normally live in Saudi Arabia 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. If you have graduated from a high school with a national school leaving certificate, we would also expect you to have one of the following:

    • Foundation programme certificate: Our International Foundation Programmes offer a range of programmes providing excellent preparation for undergraduate academic study at the University of St Andrews.
    • US curriculum: one form of standardised testing, in addition to a school transcript with A to B+ grades in academic subjects. Applicants may apply with more than one standardised test, with scores as follows:
      • AP: Three subjects with scores of 4+ and 5 in required subjects. AP scores of 4 with 5 in required subjects.
      • SAT Subject Tests: Three subject test with minimum scores of 650 with 700 and above in required subjects.
      • ACT: score of 28+ (writing optional). Applicants are welcome to submit all of their ACT test scores. We will consider the highest scores submitted for each section across multiple testing dates.
      • SAT: We will accept both the SAT Reasoning Test and the Redesigned SAT Test. SAT Reasoning Test: for scores achieved prior to March 2016, scores of 1950+. Redesigned SAT Test (essay optional): Score of 1320.
    • 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. 
    • A-levels: AAB to A*A*A
    • SQA Highers: AAAB to AAAAB 

    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 admissions policy. 

    For more information please contact the Admissions team by emailing admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

  • Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 80%, or Very Good.

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

  • In order to obtain a visa, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires students to have passed a 'SELT' - a secure English language test. Language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University may not be accepted by UKVI, so you must take an approved SELT in order to obtain your visa. You can find a list of approved SELTs on the St Andrews language requirements page.

    For further information and guidance on visas, refer to the visas page.

  • 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.

  • For more information about applying to the University of St Andrews, you may contact the international Admissions team by email on admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

    Alternatively, the University of St Andrews has the following agents in Saudi Arabia. Find out more about the University's relationship with local representatives.

    IDP Education Ltd
    (Prime Axis) 
    208, Arabian Business Center
    King Abdullah Street
    Jeddah

    Phone: +966 (12) 920001705
    Email: info.jeddah@idp.com
    Web: www.idp.com/global

    IDP Education Ltd
    (Prime Axis)
    6th Floor, Office 601, Al Rabiea Tower, Al Fahd Hotel,
    Olaya Main Road (South) Cross with Kherais
    Riyadh

    Phone: 966-(11) 920001704
    Email: info.riyadh@idp.com
    Web: www.idp.com/global

    IDP Education Ltd
    (Prime Axis) 
    Silver Tower, 3rd Floor, King Abdelaziz Street
    PO Box 4031, Alkhobar 31952
    Dammam

    Phone: 966-(3) 920001709
    Email: info.khobar@idp.com
    Web: www.idp.com/global