university of st andrews

St Andrews is Scotland's first University and the third oldest in the UK. For almost six centuries, we have proudly upheld the tradition of academic excellence, attracting scholars of international repute and students from all over the world. Including the UK’s very own Prince William who has recently successfully graduated from St Andrews University.

Today, we continue to offer the latest in teaching and research, all within a superbly picturesque mediaeval setting. Although St Andrews is not a campus University, it has grown and developed with the town and is now comfortably integrated.

Owing to the size of St Andrews, students feel they belong here and enjoy the benefits of studying at a highly residential University where academic and social lives intermingle.

The United College, principal center of University life, stands on the site of St. Salvators College (1450) and includes the old tower and collegiate church.

The ancient thorn close to St. Marys College is said to have been planted by Mary Queen of Scots. The University Library building contains the old hall in which the Parliament of Scotland met in 1645-46.

These are but a very few of the colorful links with Scotland’s brave past, and the whole is wrapped in a quiet awareness of the age-old pride and dignity which no other town in the country can hope to meet or beat.