The University of St Andrews is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, offering a diverse range of courses across its academic schools. Renowned for its academic excellence and outstanding achievements, it continues to attract students from around the globe. Set in an inspiring learning environment, the university combines a modern curriculum with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, ensuring students are equipped to reach their full potential through both academics and personal development.
The institution also places great emphasis on student life, offering a wide variety of social activities and extracurricular opportunities on campus. This ensures that St Andrews does not only nurture future scholars, but also well-rounded leaders and talented individuals. Another important highlight is that the university offers a wide range of scholarships designed to provide financial support to students. Some of these scholarships are aimed at assisting those who face financial challenges in covering tuition and other academic expenses.
In addition, there are merit-based awards that recognize students with outstanding academic performance, exceptional talent in sports, or strong involvement in community service and leadership roles. In case you have questions regarding the university of Saint Andrews, you are in the right place as this content will be exploring the various types of scholarships offered by the institution, the eligibility criteria, how to apply and other key information you will be needing on your scholarship quest into the institution.
University Of St Andrews – Scholarships
There are various types of scholarships available at ST Andrews, ranging from Merit based, needed based, diversity, talent and other special needs. These scholarships are innovations made available by the institution and other private bodies to support and contribute to students’ education financially.
Need-based scholarships are designed to support students from less financially privileged backgrounds in pursuing their education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need, usually by providing evidence that their parents or sponsors earn below a set income threshold. Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, typically do not require a separate application, as they are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement at the time of enrollment.
Other types of scholarships include diversity scholarships, which aim to celebrate and encourage students from diverse backgrounds; talent-based scholarships, offered to individuals with exceptional abilities in areas such as arts or sports; and regional scholarships, designed specifically for students coming from certain parts of the world.
Types Of Scholarships Offered At St Andrews University
The University offers a wide range of scholarships to support students financially. These include International Undergraduate Scholarships, Online Postgraduate Scholarships, Research Council Scholarships, St Andrews Access Scholarships, Saints Abroad Scholarships, Sanctuary Scholarships, and Sports Scholarships.
Each of these categories also has further sub-divisions, they include:
1. International undergraduate scholarships
The international undergraduate scholarships are aimed to provide financial support to high achieving international undergraduate students who are interested in studying at St Andrews, the various sub types include:
I. St Andrews BA International Honours Scholarship: Scholarship for Excellence
- Scholarship description: The BA International Honours Scholarship supports first-year students in the joint programme between St Andrews and the College of William & Mary. It is awarded to academically outstanding applicants, who are also expected to represent the University at events and in publications.
- Value of award (per year): $6,000 (USD) towards tuition fees (4 awards). $12,000 (USD) towards tuition fees (1 award)
- Duration: Available for 4 years of recipient undergraduate study
For more information about the eligibility criteria, you can proceed to the St Andrews scholarship page (https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/)
II. International Excellence Scholarship
- Description: The International Excellence Scholarship supports outstanding international undergraduates at St Andrews (2025 entry) and requires recipients to serve as Student Ambassadors.
- Value of award: Full tuition fees
- Duration: Paid annually for the duration of the recipient undergraduate programme
For more information about the eligibility criteria, you can proceed to the St Andrews scholarship page(https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/)
III. The USA Wardlaw Scholarship
- Description: The USA Wardlaw Scholarship is offered to first-year undergraduate students who are citizens of the United States and are enrolling at St Andrews. Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements and will be selected primarily based on financial need.
- Value Of Award: £10,000 amount towards tuition fees
- Duration: available for the duration of the undergraduate programme.
For information on how to apply and the eligibility criteria, navigate to their official website
IV. Davis United World College Scholarship
- Description: This scholarship, supported by Christopher C. Davis and the Davis Family, is awarded to undergraduate students from the USA who have graduated from a United World College. Selection is based on financial need
- Value Of Award: Up to $25,000 depending on the level of financial need
- Duration: The award is disbursed annually and continues for the full duration of the student’s undergraduate program.
For information on how to apply and the eligibility criteria, navigate to official website scholarship page.
V. Accommodation Award – International
- Description: It’s aimed to provide financial support to help cover accommodation for prospective students who will be studying at St Andrews. Awards start from a minimum of £1,750 per year and are available throughout the duration of the undergraduate program. Selection is means-tested and based on demonstrated financial need.
- Value Of Award: Students may receive a minimum of £1,750 annually, either as support for University-managed accommodation or as maintenance for private housing. Maintenance is paid in ten monthly instalments (September–May), with a double payment in February.
- Duration: This scholarship is paid annually for the duration of the undergraduate course.
VI. St Andrews Wardlaw Scholarship
- Description: Backed by the generosity of alumni and supporters, this scholarship aims to open doors for students from Scotland and across the UK, helping them access quality education at the University of St Andrews without financial barriers.. It is part of the Wardlaw Scholarship scheme, established in 2004 to provide financial aid to academically talented students who might otherwise face financial barriers to studying at the University.
- Value Of Award: Up to £4,400 paid as maintenance, but can be used towards University accommodation fees.
- Duration: paid annually for the duration of the student’s undergraduate programme
2. Online postgraduate scholarships
St Andrews scholarships that aids online education. Below are the various types offered by the institution:
- St Leonards Digital Education Scholarship (October 2025 entry): Successful students will be supported with a total sum of £6,000 in total which will be targeted on their course fees.
- St Leonards Digital Education Scholarship (September 2025 entry)
- St Leonards Digital Education Scholarship (January 2026 entry)
3. Research Council scholarships
Introduced to aid research in fields like science, engineering, economics and others. Below are the various types offered by the institution;
- IAPETUS Doctoral Training Partnership (NERC).
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Studentship Funding.
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Studentship Funding.
- Science and Technology Facilities Council studentship funding.
- AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership studentships.
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Studentship.
- Economic and Social Research Council Studentship Funding (ESRC).
4. St Andrews Access scholarships
Introduced to help students from less advantaged or underrepresented backgrounds access higher education.
- Chemistry Wardlaw Scholarship
- Dr Julian Kay-Butler Scholarship
- Tait Wardlaw Scholarship
- Andrew Price Wardlaw Scholarship
- Lionel Butler Scholarship for Medieval History
- London Scholarship
- Ludmila and Julian Crowther Scholarship
- Lumsden and Katherine Smith Scholarships
- Katharine Smith Bursary
- Ethel Leona Plowden Scholarship
5. Saints Abroad scholarships
Offered by the University of St Andrews to support students who want to take part in study abroad or international exchange programs during their degree.
- Saints Abroad Scholarship
6. Sanctuary scholarships
To support people who are seeking asylum, have refugee status, or come from displaced backgrounds.
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
7. Sport scholarships
For talented athletes so they can pursue higher education while continuing to develop in their chosen sport.
- AD Links Foundation Postgraduate Research Scholarship (UK)
- AD Links Foundation Postgraduate Taught Scholarship (EU)
- Saints Hockey Bursary
- AD Links Foundation Postgraduate Taught Scholarship (UK)
- Saints Shinty Bursary
- The Blue Angels Bursary
- AD Links Foundation Postgraduate Research Scholarship (EU)
- R&A Ransome Scholarship
- St Leonards Masters Scholarship (International students)
- Saints Netball Bursary
How to Apply for the University of St Andrews Scholarships
Though the application steps might varies based on scholarship type, below are the general application process:
- Complete and submit the scholarship application form.
- Provide official academic transcripts.
- Meet the required standardized test score criteria.
- Prepare and submit a well-written essay or personal statement.
- Include letters of recommendation (if available).
- Submit financial aid documents to support your application.
Why Choose the University of St Andrews?
The University of St Andrews stands as one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions, offering a wide variety of programs across its academic schools. Celebrated for its excellence and achievements, it draws students from all over the world.
With a stimulating learning environment, modern curriculum, and cutting-edge facilities, the university empowers students to achieve their full potential in both academics and personal growth.
Conclusion
The University offers a broad range of scholarships to support its students. Some are designed to assist those facing financial challenges with tuition and academic expenses, while others are merit-based, rewarding exceptional academic achievement, sporting talent, or commitment to community service and leadership