Summer Academic Experience Courses

• Courses on offer

  All of the courses on offer feature teaching from current academic staff from the University and offer students the opportunity to experience academic life in one of the UK’s oldest and highest-ranking institutions.

  Typical subjects available to SAEC students include:

  • Social Science and Humanities
  • Making Scotland: Many Stories, One Nation
  • Management, Economics and Entrepreneurship
  • Medicine
  • Physical Science, Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Sustainable Development

  Courses available may be subject to change for 2023 entry.

• Entry requirements

  Age group

  If you are between 16 and 18 years old, on arrival, you can submit an application for a Summer Academic Experience course.

  When submitting your application, you must include:

  • An academic transcript with strong GCSE grades, A grades, or a minimum 3.2 GPA or equivalent.
  • A positive academic reference on headed paper.

  English language requirements

  The courses are designed for students who have a good level of English. If English is not your first language and you are uncertain as to what this means, please refer to the global CEFR scale – on this scale we would be looking for applicants to be at B2 level. You may also wish to refer to this self-evaluation PDF to help you understand if you are indeed at B2 level.

  Visas

  For more information, please see our Visas webpage.

• All-inclusive fee

  What's included in the fee?

  The all-inclusive course fee of £4,800 covers:

  • tuition and instruction
  • reading material
  • lab equipment and sports equipment
  • accommodation
  • breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
  • transportation to and from the airport on the specified arrival and departure dates
  • the extracurricular programme including guest presentations
  • field trips
  • all cultural and social activities organised
  • Sports Centre membership.

  It does not include airfare or personal expenditure such as snacks and laundry.

  Paying your fees

  You can pay your deposit, or your balance, in two ways:

  • Pay by bank transfer
  • Pay by credit card

  Before making a payment, have your student ID number ready as you will need to provide it during the payment process.

• The University and town

  The University of St Andrews was founded in 1413 and has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading research and teaching centres: an environment which nurtures inquisitive minds and a culture of shared learning. Our consistently high rankings in both global and national league tables place us within the top 100 of world universities. 

  The University of St Andrews has also been named University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020.

  The town of St Andrews provides a unique and picturesque location for our very special university. Situated on the east coast of Scotland, it is about an hour north of Edinburgh.

  Wherever you walk, you are reminded of St Andrews' rich and colourful history, with buildings both ancient and modern. The town’s population is approximately 20,000 people, including a diverse mix of locals, students, University staff and tourists. The town also boasts beautiful sandy beaches for a contemplative stroll or beach sports, as well as a vibrant centre with cafés and independent boutique shops.

• Getting to St Andrews

  St Andrews is approximately one hour from the capital city, Edinburgh. It is easy to access by both road and rail, with the nearest train station – Leuchars – approximately 10 minutes from the town. There are regular direct buses and trains from central Edinburgh and Glasgow to St Andrews. Many airlines operate direct flights from international destinations to Edinburgh or Glasgow, or a connection to Edinburgh from another major city such as London or New York.
  
  Students arriving at Edinburgh or Glasgow international airports are met on arrival by our staff and transported to St Andrews. This service is included in the programme fee.

  Find out more about getting to St Andrews.

• Accommodation

  SAEC students will be staying at Andrew Melville Hall or David Russell Apartments, and not Agnes Blackadder Hall as previously advertised.

  All SAEC students have guaranteed accommodation, however, en suite rooms are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

  Andrew Melville Hall is also situated on the North Haugh. Easily recognisable for its ship-like appearance. Every room looks out over surrounding parkland as well as towards the renowned West Sands beach. Students staying at Andrew Melville Hall will have their own room and shared bathrooms.

  David Russell Apartments is a modern complex, completed in 2004. It is conveniently located for the University Sports Centre, various Science buildings on the North Haugh and adjacent to Madras College High School.

  Boys and girls are grouped, usually on separate floors within the building. Dedicated staff are on duty day and night to provide pastoral care and emergency first aid response, and to ensure students’ safety and well-being.

  Food and allergies

  All meals are provided by the University catering team, with breakfast and dinner in the hall and a packed lunch daily so that students may choose to be flexible at lunchtime.

  We can accommodate most food allergies in all halls. Students with uncommon and severe allergies can also be catered for, with some exceptions specific to each case. Catered residences provide a vegetarian option at each meal. If you have a food allergy or a specific dietary requirement, such as a peanut allergy or coeliac, email summerstudy@st-andrews.ac.uk and please quote your student ID number.

• Typical day

  • Breakfast: 7.30 to 9.00
  • Lectures or tutorials: 9.30 to 12.00
  • Lunch: 12.00 to 13.30
  • Lectures or tutorials: 14.00 to 17.00
  • Dinner: 18.30 to 19.45
  • Evening activities: from 20.00
  • Check in and roll call: 22.30
  • Lights out by: 23.00

• Social and cultural activities

  All courses are complemented by a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in a number of cultural excursions to places of historic importance or scientific interest, including a full day trip to the city of Edinburgh. Other optional excursions may include, but are not limited to:

  • castle visits (Glamis, Stirling, Falkland)
  • the Cupar Deer Centre
  • Edinburgh Dungeons
  • Dundee and the famous RRS Discovery
  • Byre Theatre evenings.

  There is also an ongoing programme of informal activities provided in the evening and on weekends:

  • a talent show
  • quiz nights
  • movie nights
  • debate nights
  • ceilidh (traditional Scottish dancing)
  • disco.

• Scholarships

  Applying for a scholarship

  Instructions on how to apply for a scholarship will be emailed to applicants after they submit their SAEC application. Applications for scholarships will close on Tuesday 31 January 2023.

  The University of St Andrews aims to be a beacon for diversity and social responsibility, and to pursue the most effective ways to make a St Andrews education accessible to all who may benefit from it. In support of this strategy, the Summer Academic Experience Courses is delighted to offer a number of scholarships in 2023.

  The Worldwide Scholarship

  The University offers one fully funded place on the Summer Academic Experience Courses (SAEC) in 2023. This scholarship covers the entire all-inclusive fee of £4,800 for the duration of the SAEC but does not cover pocket money or the cost of travel. The Worldwide Scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who is academically excellent and who can show financial need for the award.

  Eligibility

  • Geographical criteria: none
  • Year of course: 2023
  • Academic criteria: excellent academic grades in high school (e.g. strong GCSE grades, A grades, or a minimum 3.6 GPA or equivalent).
  • Other criteria: selection is also based on financial need.

  The Europe Scholarships, major and minor

  The University offers two part-funded places on the Summer Academic Experience Courses (SAEC) in 2023 for students from high schools in Europe. These two scholarships cover 50% and 25%, respectively, of the all-inclusive fee of £4,800 for the duration of the SAEC but do not cover pocket money or the cost of travel. The Europe Scholarships are awarded to two deserving students who have shown themselves to be of commendable academic merit.

  Eligibility

  • Geographical criteria: High school in Europe (including Russia)
  • Year of course: 2023
  • Academic criteria: commendable academic grades in high school (e.g. strong GCSE grades, A or B grades, or a minimum 3.2 GPA or equivalent).

  The Africa and Middle East Scholarships, major and minor

  The University offers two part-funded places on The Summer Academic Experience Courses (SAEC) in 2023 for students from high schools in Africa or the Middle East. These two scholarships cover 50% and 25%, respectively, of the all-inclusive fee of £4,800 for the duration of the SAEC but do not cover pocket money or the cost of travel. The Africa and Middle East Scholarships are awarded to two deserving students who have shown themselves to be of commendable academic merit.

  Eligibility

  • Geographical criteria: High school in Africa or in the Middle East
  • Year of course: 2023
  • Academic criteria: excellent academic grades in high school (e.g. strong GCSE grades, A grades, or a minimum 3.2 GPA or equivalent).
  • Other criteria: selection is also based on financial need.

  The Asia and Australasia Scholarships, major and minor

  The University offers four part-funded places on the Summer Academic Experience Courses (SAEC) in 2023 for students from high schools in Asia or Australasia. These four scholarships cover 50% (two scholarships) and 25% (two scholarships), respectively, of the all-inclusive fee of £4,800 for the duration of the SAEC but do not cover pocket money or the cost of travel. The Asia and Australasia Scholarships are awarded to two deserving students who have shown themselves to be of commendable academic merit.

  Eligibility

  • Geographical criteria: High school in Asia or Australasia (including Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia)
  • Year of course: 2023
  • Academic criteria: commendable academic grades in high school (e.g. strong GCSE grades, A or B grades, or a minimum 3.2 GPA or equivalent)
  • Proof of English language proficiency may be requested where appropriate.

  The Americas Scholarships, major and minor

  The University offers two part-funded places on the Summer Academic Experience Courses (SAEC) in 2023 for students from high schools in North, Central or South America (including Hawaii). These two scholarships cover 50% and 25%, respectively, of the all-inclusive fee of £4,800 for the duration of the SAEC but do not cover pocket money or the cost of travel. The Americas Scholarships are awarded to two deserving students who have shown themselves to be of commendable academic merit.

  Eligibility

  • Geographical criteria: High school in North, Central or South America
  • Year of course: 2023
  • Academic criteria: commendable academic grades in high school (e.g. strong GCSE grades, A or B grades, or a minimum 3.2 GPA or equivalent).

• Terms and conditions

  In general, we expect students to behave appropriately and have consideration for others. St Andrews is a small and safe town. Our staff are well trained and will make every effort to ensure students’ well-being; however, students are expected to follow the rules, the directions of staff and take sensible precautions.

  Students are also obliged to adhere to the University’s code of conduct and the SAEC Mutual Responsibilities Agreement (PDF)  which accepted students and their parent or guardian will be asked to sign before attending. Please see the SAEC terms and conditions that relate to the application process.

  Any behaviour deemed unacceptable, that puts any person at risk, or any direct violation of explicit rules in the University’s code of conduct or the SAEC MRA will result in a student being sent home and the cost will be borne by the student’s parent or guardian.