Scotland entry requirements

This page outlines the entry requirements for students who normally live in Scotland 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.

    • SQA Highers: AABB to AAAAB
    • A-levels: ABB to A*A*A
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 (HL 6,5,5) 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. 
    • SWAP Access: Profile of AAA.
    • Higher National Certificate (HNC): 'A' Graded Unit for year one entry.
    • Higher National Diploma (HND): 'AA' Graded Units. 
    • Foundation Apprenticeships: accepted as equivalent to one additional SQA Higher for applicants to degree programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Science for non-required subjects. They are not accepted for entry to Medicine. Where specified subjects are required for entry to a degree programme (for example Maths and Physics), a Foundation Apprenticeship would not replace that requirement but would count as one of the additional subjects making up the total complement of Higher or Advanced Higher qualifications.
    • BTEC National Diploma (Level 3): Where AAA at A-level is required we will ask for two Distinctions and one Distinction* (D, D, D*).
      Where AAB at A-level is required we will ask for three Distinctions (D, D, D) BTEC National Diploma (Level 3). Where AAA at A-level is required we will ask for two Distinctions and one Distinction* (D, D, D*). Where AAB at A level is required we will ask for three Distinctions (D, D, D).
    • 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. 

    If your school or college offers a variety of entrance qualifications, or if they are taken earlier than is usual, this should be clearly highlighted by your referee on the UCAS form.

    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 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 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.

  • 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 to obtain your visa. You can find a list of approved SELTs on the St Andrews language requirements page.

    See more information and guidance on visas.

  • 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.