The Principal's Medal

The Principal's Medal is an award made to students who have displayed exceptional endeavour and achievement during their time at St Andrews. 

The Principal's Medal is open to students in any discipline. In addition to high academic standards, the achievements considered include sporting, musical, charitable, or other activities, or a combination of some or all of these. Each award will carry a value of £2500 in addition to a specially produced medal.

Up to three awards are available each year, although the award will only be made if there are candidates of exceptional merit. The award was inaugurated in 2009 with a gift from three anonymous donors and is supported by Ede and Ravenscroft, London's oldest tailor and robe maker.

Professor Mapstone with Simone Korsgaard Jensen, a Principal's Medal winner in June 2023.
Professor Mapstone with Simone Korsgaard Jensen, a Principal's Medal winner in June 2023.

Award process

The selection panel will typically comprise:

Following the closing date, the Executive Officer to the Principal’s Office will request references for the short-listed nominees. Applicants may be called for interview if necessary.

Successful students and nominators will be notified by June and the medal will be awarded at an appropriate graduation ceremony. Feedback on unsuccessful nominations will not be given.

The winner, or winners, will be required to write a short report about themselves and express their thanks for the award. This will be shared with the generous donors who make the award possible.

Further information on the nomination process can be found on the Principal's Medal webpage.

Winners