St Andrews-W&L Partnership

Since 2001, Washington and Lee University and the University of St Andrews have partnered to provide a study abroad experience in two tracks.  St Andrews, Scotland's first University offers historical surroundings in which to study across a broad range of St Andrews courses in the faculties of arts, sciences, or divinity.  

Course of Study

All students on the program must complete at least 60 credit hours in the St Andrews system to be considered full-time. Students normally are not allowed to register for more than 70 credit hours. Students should enroll in 2000, 3000 or 4000 level classes in the humanities, although it is possible to enroll in a new subject at a lower level.

Enroll in any course offerings at St Andrews described in the course catalog. Credit will be awarded for courses taken, but grades will not be part of the W&L transcript, as per W&L study abroad policy.

Students are free to choose courses from the St Andrews curriculum in so far as prerequisites and departmental policies there allow (there may be courses for which you are not eligible). 

Students should look through the St Andrews course catalogue to find suitable course offerings; single semester courses are offered in increments of 10, 15, 20 and 30 credits. These credits generally correspond to 2, 3, 5, and 7 W&L credits.

Students at St Andrews for the Martinmas or fall semester there are scheduled to complete final assessments (exams or other assessment instruments) by the last day of classes before the Christmas holiday.

Program Schedule Fall 2025

  • Saturday, August 30: Depart from your home. Arrive for check-in approximately 3 hours before flight time, and be sure to check the most up-to-date luggage restrictions
  • Sunday, August 31: Arrive at Edinburgh airport by 12:00 pm. Arrangements will be made to transport you into town and check-in to the hotel.
  • Monday, September 1 - Saturday, September 6: Orientation in Edinburgh with day trips to historic sites and two nights in the Scottish Highlands
  • Saturday, September 6: Transfer to St Andrews, check into University Housing 
  • Sunday, September 7: Walking tour of St Andrews, group dinner
  • Monday, September 8: Matriculation and class registration
  • Monday, September 15: Classes begin
  • Monday, December 8 : Examinations begin, students must be present at St Andrews through the last day of exams
  • Monday, December 22: Semester exams finish date

Housing

Students on the program are guaranteed St Andrew's housing. The cost of the program includes standard catered housing in a shared room.  A surcharge may be added if a higher cost option is selected.

There is a range of accommodation for undergraduates. More information can be found on the accommodation page.  We cannot guarantee your first choice of Residence.  Please inform the program director of any special housing requests.

Who is Eligible?

The program is open to any W&L student, generally a sophomore or junior, with the prerequisite background and with a cumulative GPA of 3.200 or better. For the science track, a grade of B (3.0) in relevant introductory science courses is required. Students with a lesser cumulative GPA may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The program is also open to select qualified students from other U.S. institutions.

Students are not eligible to study abroad if on academic or social probation during their semester abroad. Students accepted into study abroad programs who are then placed on academic or conduct probation will be liable for the full costs of the program even if they withdraw from the program.

How Do I Apply?

Applications should be submitted through the offcampus.wlu.edu site along with all supporting documentation. 

For additional information, contact

Cindy Irby
Study Abroad Advisor
W&L Center for International Education
Lexington, VA 24450
Tel. 540-458-8193
fax. 540-458-8179
cirby@wlu.edu

(Pictures of St Andrews provided courtesy of the University of St Andrews. All rights reserved.)