Terms | Application Deadlines | Course Information | Program Fees | Housing and Meals | Eligibility

The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is Scotland's oldest university and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university has over 8,900 students, with 45% of the student body coming from outside the UK. The university boasts 18 academic schools and learning centers and is consistently ranked among the best universities in the UK and internationally. The university is known for their unique, ancient traditions, and academic garb. There is an active student association, over 140 student societies, and the well-known “Union Debating Society,” which hosts weekly debates and is open to all matriculated students.

St Andrews is a small town situated on Scotland's picturesque east coast. The campus lies in the heart of the town, mingling with shops, offices, and houses. Distant hills and the sea are seldom out of view when at St Andrews. When the university is in session, the students make up approximately one third of the town’s population. Nearby attractions include St. Andrews Castle; the Old Course, a world famous golf course; and the many local beaches. St. Andrews is 10 miles from Dundee and 30 miles from Edinburgh, which are both accessible by bus and train and are accessible connections for more distant travel.

Please note that the exchange and assisted enrollment semester-long programs at St Andrews are not part of the "William & Mary/St Andrews Joint Degree Program." For further information on the joint degree, visit W&M's St Andrews joint degree page.

A Note on Exchange Programs:  
Exchange programs require a balance of sending and receiving students, therefore exchange programs may not consistently be available in the semester you are seeking to study abroad. Please inquire with the GEO Advisor for the most up-to-date information on your program choice, and have some alternative programs in mind should the exchange program not be available or be competitive.  

The St Andrews exchange is often very competitive, and so students, particularly out-of-state students, are encouraged to consider the St Andrews Assisted Enrollment program.

Terms:
Academic Year: September - May
Fall Semester: September - December
Spring Semester: January - May

Application Deadline:
Academic Year: March 11
Fall Semester: March 11
Spring Semester: October 2

After students are nominated by W&M, they must submit an online application by October 31 (spring) and April 15 (fall). Applicants may expect to hear a decision from St. Andrews via email within four weeks of submitting a complete online application.

Eligibility:
W&M student in good standing; minimum 3.2 GPA.

Course Information:
Students may choose from the full university curriculum. Students will pre-register for courses online once accepted and meet with an advisor once in St Andrews to finalize courses. Modules (courses) at the 1000 and 2000 “sub honours” levels are recommended. Modules at the 3000 level require significant background knowledge of the subject matter. The course catalog and other tips can be found here.

Students take a combination of courses that total 60 points per semester.

15 St. Andrews points = 3.75 W&M credits
20 St. Andrews points = 5 W&M credits
30 St. Andrews points = 7.5 W&M credits 

Except for History, all courses must be pre- or post-approved. History courses will be automatically approved as HIST 299 once students submit a syllabus to the Global Education Office. Grades will not appear on transcripts or be included in GPA calculations. Credits will appear as transfer credits on W&M transcripts. 
 
Program Fees:
The tuition exchange agreement between William & Mary and St Andrews allows W&M students to pay their regular tuition and fees to W&M while taking classes at St Andrews. The exchange program is best for Virginia in-state students. Students not selected for the exchange program have the option of assisted enrollment, which requires W&M students to pay tuition directly to St Andrews. Out-of-state students often find that assisted enrollment is the best option financially.
 
Students will pay for housing, meals, and other fees on site in Scotland.

Students are billed a $475 study abroad fee. CISI international medical/evacuation insurance is required for all students who study abroad and a fee of $170 is applied to the W&M student account prior to the start of the program. Students are responsible for airfare and visa costs. 

Students participating in semester long study abroad programs must have a visa and/or required entry documents. Please familiarize yourself with the requirements prior to applying and begin the application process as soon as possible after you are nominated for the program. As a reminder, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the program.

Housing and Meals: 
Accommodation costs are paid directly to St Andrews and vary based on accommodation type. Students will apply for housing online once accepted. There are several housing options, including catered (19 meals a week) or self-catered (kitchen facilities, but no meals provided), and en-suite (private) or shared bathrooms. Prices vary by residence hall and whether the room is single occupancy or shared. 

For more information on how to apply, please review the Apply/Register section of our website.