Entry requirements

The University of St Andrews offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to ensure our doors remain open to all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances.

Although entry to St Andrews is competitive, we recognise a range of different qualifications and consider all aspects of your application, including context, your personal statement and references. Grades alone will not guarantee you admission, and actual offers may be higher or lower than the listed minimum grades required by each programme.

Information about our entry requirements can be found in academic entry explained and UK-based applicants can use our indicator to see which set of entry requirements they need to look at. All non-UK based applicants should look at our standard academic entry requirements.

The University also offers alternative entry routes for applicants who come from areas where we receive limited applications and who are unable to obtain the required grades, or for those who are returning to education after an extended period of time.

Entry requirements

Standard qualifications accepted

• SQA Highers: BBBB to AAAAB
• A-Level: 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.
• Cambridge Pre-U ( A-Levels equivalencies):
  • Where Grade A* at A-Level is required we will ask for D2 in the Pre-U Principal Subject.
  • Where Grade A at A-Level is required we will ask for D3 in the Pre-U Principal Subject.
  • Where Grade B at A-Level is required we will ask for M1 in the Pre-U Principal Subject.
  • Where AAA at A-Level is required we will ask for A in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AA at A-level.
  • Where AAB at A-Level is required we will ask for A in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AB at A-level or B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AA at A-level.
  • Where ABB at A-Level is required we will ask for A in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and BB at A-level or B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AB at A-level.
  • Note: The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales will not replace pre-requisite subjects. An A* grade will fulfil the second A* requirement for standard entry Mathematics.
  • 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).

  The grades listed are the range of likely grades considered for an offer, but many factors are taken into consideration when making offers, including context, your personal statement and references. See the University's use of contextual data.

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

  For postgraduate entry requirements please see ‘Entry requirements by country’ below.

  St Andrews pledge

  • declare a looked after or in care background.
  • reside in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland as indicated by the SIMD and attend a school which historically has lower than average progression to higher education; provided that the desire to study the subject is demonstrable, the minimum asking rates within all specified required subjects are met and if relevant there is success in external testing or interview.

  To support our students from the most disadvantaged areas in Scotland while at the University we will:

  • provide means-tested financial assistance to students who would otherwise struggle with the cost of studying at the University of St Andrews, through our St Andrews Scholarship schemes.
  • offer a full transition programme if suitable for their course and a first-year mentoring programme for students who enter one of our Supported Pathways.

  Alternative entry routes for Scottish students

  There are several alternative entry routes available for students presenting Access criteria.

  Alternate routes

  There are a number of alternative routes into degree programmes at the University are tailored for talented Scottish students who have not been able to obtain the top grades required for entry for traditional degree programmes.

  The University offers the following alternative routes:

  • FE-HE Pathway to Arts
  • FE-HE Pathway to Science
  • Gateway to Arts
  • Gateway to Science
  • Gateway to Physics and Astronomy
  • Gateway to Medicine.

  If you are an international student interested in Gateway programmes, please see International Foundation programmes.

  Entry requirements by country

  Please select your country from the A–Z list below to view the entry requirements and further information on academic and English language entry requirements, along with tuition fee guidance.

  You may also satisfy entry requirements with other equivalent qualifications. If your qualifications are not published here, please email Admissions at admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

  Country search

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