Overview

University of St Andrews is a well-regarded UK university that regularly attracts international students from the Gulf and Southeast Asia, particularly for its flagship programmes.

Rankings snapshot (latest major league tables)

St Andrews frequently appears in the global top 100–150 and has recently topped or shared first place in some UK league tables, especially strong in International Relations and some sciences.

Popular degrees for GCC and Southeast Asian students

• Particularly strong and popular for: International Relations, Economics, Management, Astronomy/Physics and some sciences.
• Less commonly chosen (from this region): Fewer applied/vocational subjects (no large engineering faculty).

Campus type and location

• City: St Andrews
• Type: Small, coastal town where the university is deeply integrated into the town rather than a separate campus.

Student demographic and culture

St Andrews is small by UK standards, with around 10,000 students, which intensifies the close community feel.

Highly international, with many students from Europe and North America; smaller but growing GCC/SEA presence; close community feel.

Male to female balance

Fairly balanced, with some arts/social science programmes more female.

Accommodation options

University halls and private flats within walking distance; housing is relatively limited and must be planned early.

Academic intensity and social life

Intensive, especially in IR and sciences; small‑group teaching and close staff–student interaction.

Social life is very community‑based: societies, traditions and events rather than a big‑city nightlife.

Sports, societies and wider profile

Strong golf culture and good club sports for a small university.

Careers and employer reputation

Excellent graduate outcomes relative to size; strong reputation with top employers, particularly in finance, consulting and international organisations.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya works with students aiming for University of St Andrews and other top UK universities by:

• Strengthening grades in IGCSE and International A‑level subjects that these courses care about.
• Preparing for admissions tests and interviews where required.
• Providing university counselling, helping GCC and Southeast Asian families understand fit, competition and strategy.

If you’d like tailored advice for your child’s situation, you can talk to Tutopiya’s team about a joined‑up plan covering both exam preparation and university admissions.