Study Abroad at University of St Andrews
This application is for students who would like to study for a semester or academic year at University of St Andrews as a fee-paying study abroad student. Students who study abroad this way are enrolled as visiting students at University of St Andrews and take classes alongside degree-seeking students. This is a highly independent and immersive experience. Through this study abroad experience, students pay a study abroad administrative fee to UVA and then pay
tuition and fees to University of St Andrews directly.
Students can also attend University of St Andrews as an exchange student, paying UVA tuition and fees to UVA. To study abroad on exchange, complete the
Exchange: University of St Andrews application instead.
Pre-health students can also study abroad for a semester or year at St Andrews through
UVA in St Andrews: Science for Health Professions.
Questions about which option is right for you? Contact Emily Graber (she/hers) at eg9cx@virginia.edu or make an advising appointment.
Housing
Students are responsible for securing their own housing for this program. St Andrews offers a wide range of housing options for visiting students. Visit the Undergraduate Residences page for information about the variety of housing and catering (meal plan) options. When applying, students will select their preferences for housing but are not guaranteed their preferred choice of residence. For information about applying for housing, see the Applying for Accommodation page.
Terms
Martinmas (fall): mid September - late December
Candlemas (spring): late January - late May
Academic calendar
Course Information
Students can search for individual modules (classes) via the Module Catalogue.
Students usually take 60 credits (30 ECTS) per semester; this is typically 3-4 classes. Visiting students can typically take a combination of classes across the three Faculties.
Courses are based on availability and are not guaranteed. While some online pre-advising may take place, students finalize class selections and enroll in classes once they arrive at St Andrews at the start of the semester when they will have the opportunity to discuss their plan with an Adviser at St Andrews. Because class enrollment does not take place until after arrival, it is important that students have a level of flexibility with the classes they plan to take during the semester abroad.
Only select courses that are offered in the semester you intend to study abroad, and pay attention to any prerequisites. Explore course options at an appropriate level of study. Modules (classes) at the 1000 and 2000 level are known as "sub-honours", while modules at the 3000 and 4000 level are known as "Honours". Honours modules require significant background knowledge, so not all students will be eligible for these courses. If students would like to take an elective outside of their major, they should look at sub-honours courses.
For additional important information about choosing modules, review the What will I study? and Choosing your modules pages. Contact your Education Abroad Advisor with any questions about course selection or availability.
Course Restrictions
- 5000 level modules are postgraduate and are not open to undergraduate students.
- Study abroad and exchange students are not eligible to take modules from the School of Medicine or evening modules.
Resources for Exchange Students
Passport, Visa, and Entry Requirements
All participants will need a valid passport to study abroad. Passports should be valid at least 6-months past the date of return to the U.S. after the end of the semester abroad.
UK entry requirements vary based on length of planned study in the UK and citizenship. All students must consult gov.uk and use the gov.uk visa checker tool for information about immigration and other entry requirements to the UK.
In most cases, US citizens who study abroad in the UK for less than 6-months are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), though in some cases a visa may be required. Travelers apply for the UK ETA on the gov.uk website or through the UK ETA app. Scam sites for the UK ETA exist, so be sure you apply through the official site or app. While approvals are predicted to be within three days or faster, students are advised to apply for the UK ETA at least three weeks in advance of planned travel in case of processing delays.
Be aware that if you have a criminal conviction, particularly a recent one, or if you have previously been refused entry to the UK, you may have difficulty obtaining a UK ETA or visa. Those studying abroad for a full academic year typically are required to obtain a UK visa. Students who need to apply for a UK visa should do so through the gov.uk website. The UK visa application and process takes time, so students should plan and work ahead.
International students may have different requirements and should consult the gov.uk website. In addition, international students should meet with their International Student Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process for information about re-entering the US at the conclusion of the program.
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Health and Safety
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.
