Scottish university beats Oxbridge as five rank in the UK’s top 20

Despite slipping one spot in the institutional rankings, surpassed by the London School of Economics and Political Science, St Andrews has once again outperformed both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge by securing 2nd place.

Meanwhile, four other Scottish universities have made the UK’s top 30 – including The University of Aberdeen (15th), Glasgow (16th), Edinburgh (17th) and Strathclyde (20th). 

The University of St Andrews has also picked up an award for the University of the Year for Student Experience 2025.

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Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said: “The best universities — whether they were founded in the 15th century or 2005 — are local and global powerhouses of intellectual thought and creativity, from the arts to science, that can power economic regeneration and lead the way to a better life.

“But what and where to study — and how to pay for it — has never been tougher. This is where our comprehensive guide can help.

“This year we have tweaked our methodology to keep up with contemporary concerns around climate change and careers and have added in a sustainability metric, teaming up with People & Planet, and boosted the weighting of graduate prospects.

“The higher education sector is facing unprecedented challenges from debates on free speech to financial stability, but it is important to remember the force for good that going to university can be. See how the universities compare subject by subject, a guide on campus life, and what scholarships and bursaries may be on offer online.”

The full top 20 ranking is below and the full guide can be read here.

(Image: Sunday Times)