First Abroad Programme

First Abroad is an opportunity for first-year undergraduate students to spend up to a week visiting one of our partner universities, experiencing academic life, extra-curricular activities and learning about the benefits of study abroad. 

The First Abroad programmes include the following partner universities and more information can be found below. 

  • William & Mary 
  • Tübingen University

Please check you meet the eligibility requirements before submitting an application as these may differ between partner university. All First Abroad programmes are currently funded either through Saints Abroad Scholarship or Scottish Education Exchange Programme (SEEP). 

First Abroad - William & Mary

William and Mary sign

This exciting project will offer two Scottish first year undergraduate students, one from Science and one from Arts and Divinity, the opportunity to visit William & Mary in Virginia, USA, to learn about the benefits of study abroad first hand. 

As part of the programme, the successful students will spend a few days at William & Mary, experiencing academic and co-curricular activities and learning about the benefits of study abroad. A schedule of classes and other activities will be tailored to the selected student and their academic background. The students will have the opportunity to live in the William & Mary student dormitories and to meet with St Andrews students spending a semester in Virginia.

On return to St Andrews, the students will be asked to write a short blog post about their experience. Upon successful completion of the First Abroad programme, incorporating both the Study Abroad experience and the blog post, the students will be awarded a First Abroad prize which will be included on the student’s HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Record) transcript.

The First Abroad programme is generously funded by the Saints Abroad Scholarship programme.

What do the Scholarships cover?

The scholarships covers travel, insurance, accommodation and subsistence costs for the duration of the programme. The successful applicants will require some spending money.

The successful applicants will be guaranteed a place on one of our Study Abroad programmes in their Junior Honours year, provided that they satisfy the academic requirements to Study Abroad as part of the St Andrews degree programme. If successful in securing a place, the students will be supported with a St Andrews Abroad Scholarship (amounts will vary).

When would I travel to William & Mary?

Successful applicants normally travel to William & Mary during spring break.

Who is eligible for the Scholarships?

Arts First Abroad

The Arts First Abroad Scholarship is open to Scottish first year students at St Andrews in the Faculty of Arts and Divinity, with priority given to those students who have a strong academic record or who have participated in any of the University’s access projects.

Students who have already completed a university-levelstudy abroad experience will not be considered for this programme.

Science First Abroad 

The Moncrieff Travelling Scholarship (First Abroad) is open to Scottish first year students at St Andrews in the Faculty of Science, with priority given to those students who have a strong academic record or who have participated in any of the University’s access projects. In selection, priority will also be given to students from subjects with low participation rates.

Students who have already completed a university-level study abroad experience will not be considered for this programme.

How do I apply?

Please complete the First Abroad Application Form (Word, 537 KB)

Applications deadline: Applications are now closed for 2024.

Applications should be emailed to studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk 

How do I find out more?

You can contact the Global Office at studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk if you require any further information. 

First Abroad - Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

We are excited to announce the launch of the First Abroad Programme to Tübingen University, a new initiative funded by the Scottish Education Exchange Programme (SEEP). This opportunity will allow six first-year students to get a glimpse into what it is like to study abroad.

As part of the programme, the successful students will spend a few days at Tübingen University , experiencing academic and co-curricular activities and learning about the benefits of study abroad. 

We will be prioritising applicants from access or care-experienced backgrounds as well as those who have participated in programmes such as First Chances or Sutton Trust. A Global Office staff member will accompany the six successful students to ensure their time abroad at Tübingen University runs smoothly. 

What is Included?

  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Meals

The only cost to you as students will be for any personal items or small souvenirs you may wish to purchase during you time abroad in Germany. This is a unique opportunity to broaden your academic experience and gain a global perspective.

When will the First Abroad Programme to Tübingen University take place?

The trip will take place before the start of Semester 2 during the week commencing 12th January 2025. The exact start/end dates will be confirmed soon.

Eligibility requirements

  • Open to first-year students from all degree subjects.
  • Priority will be  given to applicants from access and care-experienced backgrounds, as well as those who have participated in programmes such as First Chances and Sutton Trust.
  • Applicants must have a valid passport and meet the entry requirements for Germany.  

Submission deadline and how to apply

To apply, please download the University of Tubingen First Abroad Programme application form (Word, 538 KB), complete it, and submit it to studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

Application Deadline: The application deadline has now closed.

Application process and interview

After the application deadline of 11:59 pm on 29th November, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams which will take place on the 5th December. This informal interview will be an opportunity for us to get to know you better, and we want to reassure you it is not meant to be stressful. We are excited to hear about your motivations for the program and your aspirations for studying abroad!

Scholarship opportunity for future study abroad

If you are awarded a place on the First Abroad Programme to Tübingen University, you will also be eligible for a scholarship to the minimum value of £1,000 if you are successful in obtaining a study abroad placement for your Junior Honours year. 

 This is a fantastic opportunity to support your future global academic and personal ambitions!