Hi all. I am a student from India and I'm considering applying to the University of St Andrews in Scotland. I am curious about their acceptance rate for international students. How competitive is it? Is there any specific information they're looking for from international applicants?
The University of St Andrews does not publish separate acceptance rates for international students versus domestic students. The overall acceptance rate, however, is around 12% as per the last publicly available data, which makes it quite competitive.
However, this rate can vary based on the program and academic department you apply to. For instance, certain programs may have fewer applicants, and thus present a higher chance of acceptance.
Regarding application requirements for international students, the University of St Andrews requires you to submit your high school transcripts (translated to English if necessary), letters of recommendation, and an essay, among others.
Moreover, depending on your course of study, you might be asked for supplemental material such as a portfolio for art-based degrees. They also require proof of English language proficiency from non-native speakers, often evaluated through tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.
Remember that in addition to your academic credentials and language proficiency, they're also interested in your personal qualities, experiences and interests. To ensure you're a good fit for St Andrews, make sure to highlight these attributes in your application essays or personal statements.
Lastly, the University of St Andrews also provides a ton of international student support services that can be valuable once you get in. These range from pre-arrival services, help with visas and immigration, to cultural transition resources. So even though it's competitive, they also work hard to ensure their international students can thrive.
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