England entry requirements

This page outlines the entry requirements for students who normally live in England 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: ABB 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-level Mathematics will accept either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at higher level.
    • Cambridge Pre-U:
      • 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.
    • 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).
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: candidates are expected to obtain a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 at Distinction and Merit. The number of credits required at Distinction and Merit along with specific subjects will depend on the course for which you are applying. 
    • European Baccalaureate: If SQA Highers are AAAB you will require 80% overall including 8.5 or above in required subjects. If SQA Highers are AAAA and above you will require 85% overall including 8.5 or above in required subjects.
    • SQA Highers: AABB 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. 
    • T Levels: While we support the introduction of these new vocational qualifications, we do not currently accept the new T Level qualifications for entry to our degree programmes.

    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 applicant pool.

    The subject-specific entry requirements for both A-Levels and International Baccalaureate qualifications can be found on our subject pages.

    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.

    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 obtain a good first degree with Honours (at least 2.1) from a recognised UK university or equivalent.

    Postgraduate entry requirements may be higher depending on the School and the programme you wish to study. For more information, please contact the team in Admissions by emailing admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

    The degree of MD (Medicine) requires a medical qualification that is recognised by the UK General Council.

    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.

  • 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.