The University of St Andrews has been named the UK’s best university in The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027, published on 18 September 2026. This marks the third time in six years that the Scottish university has secured the top position in the UK’s longest-running university league table.
St Andrews ranks ahead of the London School of Economics, Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the Guide’s top five. It has also been named Scottish University of the Year and runner-up UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality.
The results reflect St Andrews’ continued commitment to academic excellence, world-leading research and an outstanding student experience. The Guide highlights the University’s high student satisfaction scores, research quality, international outlook, and the strong career prospects of its graduates.
The University also achieved exceptional results in subject rankings, with five subjects – English, Modern Languages, History, Art History and Physics ranked first in the UK.
Founded in 1413, St Andrews is Scotland’s first university and is internationally recognised for its academic heritage, distinctive learning environment and global community. Its latest ranking reinforces its position as a leading destination for students seeking high-quality university education and the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, said the achievement reflected the collective contribution of the University’s staff, students, graduates and professional services teams.
The University’s success also highlights the value of connections between leading academic institutions and the international business community, bringing together expertise and perspectives that support education, professional development and future leadership.
For international students and partners, St Andrews’ continued success demonstrates the strength of a university that combines a rich academic tradition with a global outlook and a commitment to shaping future generations of leaders.
