What percentage of St Andrews students get a first?

Around one-third (about 33%) of University of St Andrews students graduate with a First-Class degree, with recent figures showing around 32.8% achieving this top classification, alongside roughly 54% earning a 2:1, indicating a high rate of top honours compared to other UK universities.

What percentage of students get a 1st?

First-class honours, referred to as a "first", is the highest honours classification and indicates high academic achievement. Historically, first-class honours were uncommon, but since 2019 a first has been awarded to nearly thirty percent of graduates of British universities.

Which UNIS gives out the most firsts?

Imperial College London awards the most Firsts, with 46.4% of students graduating with the top classification. UCL follows at 40.3%, with Durham (37.5%), Oxford (37.2%), and Manchester (36%) also among the highest according to 2021 data.

How hard is it for an American to get into St Andrews?

Getting into the University of St Andrews as an American is highly competitive, requiring excellent grades (aim for A/B in honors courses or 4+ in APs, equivalent to a high GPA), a strong personal statement, and a rigorous curriculum, with offer rates around 30% recently, meaning strong academic performance alone isn't enough for the highly selective admissions process. 

Is St Andrews more prestigious than Edinburgh?

Verdict: For worldwide recognition, Edinburgh is the clear winner. For UK-focused prestige, St Andrews shines.

73 Questions With A St Andrews Student

What is the hardest Scottish university to get into?

The hardest university to get into in Scotland is generally considered the University of St Andrews, often topping Scottish rankings and having very high entry requirements (UCAS scores), followed closely by the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh, which are also highly selective Russell Group universities with competitive admissions and lower offer rates. 

Is St Andrews as good as Oxford?

Yes, St Andrews is considered as good as, and sometimes even ranks higher than, Oxford in UK league tables, with both universities being elite, highly prestigious institutions known for top academic performance, high entry standards, excellent graduate prospects, and a strong historical reputation, though Oxford often offers a more traditional, intensive tutorial system and is globally recognized, while St Andrews provides a unique Scottish university experience, strong in specific fields like arts/humanities and sciences (physics/maths). 

What is the hardest UK school to get into?

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of St Andrews, and Imperial College London are the most competitive universities in the UK.

How much does it cost for an American to go to St Andrews?

The cost of attending St. Andrews University varies depending on the student's enrollment status and residency. For full-time undergraduate students, tuition stands at $29,400 per year, placing it within the top 45% cost bracket compared to other institutions.

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

What is the poshest university in the UK?

Obviously, the universities located in London like LSE, UCL, and KIng's college are the most posh because London is the most expensive city in UK, but Universities like Oxford and Cambridge are also very posh because of their image and rankings.

Where do the top 1% go to college?

The "top 1%" of students, referring to those from the highest income brackets, tend to attend elite universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale that consistently rank high in national and global lists, with some even having more students from the top 1% income bracket than the bottom 60% combined, according to The New York Times data. Top-ranked institutions like MIT, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford are frequent top contenders in various 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education. 

Is a 2.1 better than a first?

First-Class Honours (70% and above): a first class degree, usually referred to as a 'first' or 1st, is the highest honours degree you can achieve. Upper Second-Class Honours (60-70%): there are two levels of second class degree. An upper second class, known as a 2:1 or two-one, is the higher of the two levels.

How hard is it to get a first class degree in the UK?

It usually means scoring an overall weighted average of 70% or higher in your coursework and exams. Universities classify honours roughly as follows: 70%+ for a First, 60–69% for a 2:1 (upper second), 50–59% for a 2:2 (lower second), and 40–49% for a Third. (Marks below 40% typically do not receive an honours degree.)

Is it hard for Americans to get into St Andrews?

Getting into the University of St Andrews as an American is highly competitive, requiring excellent grades (aim for A/B in honors courses or 4+ in APs, equivalent to a high GPA), a strong personal statement, and a rigorous curriculum, with offer rates around 30% recently, meaning strong academic performance alone isn't enough for the highly selective admissions process. 

How much does it cost to play a round of golf at St Andrews Golf Course?

Playing St Andrews golf courses varies greatly in price, from around $50-$99 for discounted or twilight rounds on the famous Old Course (normally £270/$320+ peak) to lower fees on other local courses, with various other US-based St Andrews clubs offering different rates like $60-$99 for 18 holes or even discounted packages. The cost depends heavily on the specific course (Old Course vs. others), time of day, season, and if you're a local or visitor, with some initiatives offering significantly reduced rates for Scottish residents.
 

What percent of St Andrews is white?

The enrolled student population at St. Andrews University is 26.3% White, 18% Black or African American, 9.25% Hispanic or Latino, 3.37% Two or More Races, 2.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1.08% Asian. This includes both full-time and part-time students as well as graduate and undergraduates.

What is the easiest Russell Group university to get into?

While all Russell Group universities are academically rigorous and globally respected, some are relatively more accessible than others. Based on offer rates and entrance standards, universities such as Liverpool, Queen Mary (QMUL), Nottingham, Newcastle, and Cardiff emerge as the easiest Russell Groups to get into.

What's the most prestigious school in England?

The University of Oxford regularly tops the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for England.

What is the easiest university to get into in Scotland?

Q: What is the easiest university to get into in Scotland? A: The easiest university to get into in Scotland is the University of Abertay in Dundee with an acceptance rate of 85%.

Why do so many Americans go to St Andrews?

UK universities like St Andrews, Edinburgh, and University College London are popular due to academic similarities and easier application processes. Students also appreciate the UK's multicultural environment, student-friendly perks like public transport discounts, and vibrant pub culture.

Why isn't St Andrews in Russell Group?

Most of its members are larger institutions with extensive resources and research facilities. As a comparatively small university in a remote location, St Andrews doesn't totally fit the Russell Group criteria.

What famous people went to St Andrews?

However, the two most famous alumni of the University of St Andrews are undoubtedly the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Royals met in 2001 at university and graduated in 2005. Prince William received a Master of Arts in Geography whilst Princess Catherine was a student of Art History.