Graduate Advisers Workshop

We are delighted to be hosting our annual Graduate Advisers Workshop (GAW) from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2027.

We have seen a growing number of student-athletes join us for graduate studies in recent years, and this year’s workshop is aimed at athletic directors and student-athlete advisers in US universities.

St Andrews offers over 50 sports with 100 competitive teams and several of our sports teams are playing at the highest level in Scotland and/or the UK. Since we are not constricted by NCAA eligibility regulations, we welcome US students to compete on sports teams after their undergraduate career. We also see many student-athletes joining us to enjoy an international experience without sport and simply focus on academics.

Our workshop represents a great opportunity to:

  • understand more about student life and sports opportunities at the University
  • learn about the academic Schools and facilities offered
  • connect with colleagues in other US universities
  • develop further understanding of the admissions process and scholarships available
Group of workshop attendees

Feedback from previous participants

Kacy King

"Wow, how fortunate to be able to gather and create community with athletic administrators and the St Andrews staff. This opportunity to learn the ways in which sport and academics are woven into the lives of students at St Andrews was truly eye-opening. The potential for students to continue their playing career and their academic career seems to be an excellent intersection of our different higher educational systems".

Kacy King, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Ohio State University

 

Tim Ryan

“The introduction to the University of St Andrews and the Saints Sport program was an incredibly eye-opening experience that provided a wealth of information about academic and athletic opportunities for graduate studies and continued athletic participation at a world-renowned institution. The opportunity to hear from faculty members, coaches, administrators, and current graduate program athletes left me highly motivated to share information about this wonderful community with our student-athletes, and I am thrilled several Bowdoin athletes will be enrolling at St Andrews."

Tim Ryan, Ashmead White Executive Director of Athletics, Bowdoin College

 

Jen Baker“I appreciated getting to see all aspects of student life at St Andrews.  The athletic model affords an incredible experience to compete at a high level, with a balance that allows student-athletes the chance to still fully immerse themselves in a ‘study abroad’ experience.  There is a wide variety of degree options, and I was struck by how happy and connected every student seemed to feel.”

Jen Baker, Athletic Director, Johns Hopkins University

Draft itinerary

Tuesday 16 March 2027

  • Afternoon arrival in St Andrews
  • Welcome Reception

Wednesday 17 March 2027

  • Welcome and Introduction at the Admissions Office
  • Tour of St Andrews with Student Ambassadors.
  • Walk up to sport centre and meet with Sport Directors.
  • Learn to play netball
  • Lunch at sport centre
  • Tour of sport centre and surrounding pitches. Look in on matches/practices.
  • Meet with graduate student-athletes and time for Q&A
  • Free time

Thursday 18 March 2027

  • Meeting with different academic staff as well as scholarships and study abroad.
  • Student Services and Careers presentations
  • Social activity - Walk along Old Course to St Andrews Links Academy – try out driving range facilities.
  • Dinner with administrators

Friday 19 March 2027

  • Meet at Admissions office for final session. Learn about summer opportunities for your student-athletes
  • Wrap up the workshop with a conversation about any next steps on how we can support your athletes
  • Depart St Andrews

Capacity

To ensure delegates have the chance to make the most of their attendance, the number of places is capped at 12.

Those who are unable to attend the workshop are encouraged to connect with our US-based team, attend our online events or any in-person visit they independently arrange to St Andrews.

Cost

Attendance at the Graduate Advisers Workshop is free for delegates, and includes:

  • transport to/from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or Leuchars train station
  • hotel accommodation in St Andrews for three nights
  • all breakfasts and lunches
  • dinner on Thursday evening / social events

Delegates will be responsible for all costs associated with:

  • travel to Scotland
  • dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings

Questions

Can I bring a guest?

Yes, you may bring 1 guest who can explore St Andrews while you are taking part in the workshop. There will be a small surcharge for double occupancy in the hotel and breakfast.

Can I arrive early or stay longer?

We will do our best to accommodate these requests on a case-by-case basis and let you know of associated costs prior to arrival.

How to apply

Applications for the March 2027 Graduate Advisers Workshop are open now. Please complete the application form at the link below.

Apply to the workshop

Applications will be received until 30 September 2026, and formal invitations will be sent to successful applicants from mid-October 2026.

Please be aware that we often receive more applications to attend the workshop than the number of places available. As such, we are not able to make an offer of attendance to every applicant who has registered their interest.

Travel arrangements

Please do not make any travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from the University that your application to participate has been accepted.

If your application is placed on a waiting list or has been unsuccessful, we will inform you.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, please email sarah.smith@st-andrews.ac.uk  with GAW 2027 in the subject line.