The R&A International Scholarship

Can you imagine yourself spending the next year exploring alternative medical practices in the outer reaches of the Arctic, or working in a Sri Lankan elephant orphanage? Beyond your current degree, you might have dreamed of a career in food and would love to travel to discover traditional recipes in their home regions.  You may have begun your studies with aspirations to join an African wildlife conservation programme.  The R&A International Scholarships may offer you a chance to follow those dreams.

Established by a generous gift from The R&A in support of the University’s 600th Anniversary campaign, the Scholarships are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, designed to fund a year of international travel.

Applications for the 2026 R&A International Scholarships are now open to allow candidates to plan a year of adventure that can start any time from June 2026 onwards. 

Three scholarships of up to £20,000 each are available in 2026 – so start your dreaming and planning now.

Applications close on Friday 30 January 2026.

Applications are made in the MySaint portal and guidance notes can be found at the side of this page, for reference. Unfortunately, this scholarship is no longer available to students in the School of Medicine.

Interviews will take place in St Andrews on Tuesday 24 March 2026.

All those intending to apply should familiarise themselves with the award guidance notes and FAQs on this page, and the University’s current guidance on travel.

Looking for some travel inspiration as you plan ahead? Read about our past scholars below.