The UniversityThe University of St Andrews, the oldest in Scotland, was founded in the early years of the 15th. century. With its ancient colleges and spacious grounds, St Andrews is the oldest seat of learning in Scotland.
In 1450 the College of St Salvator was founded by Bishop Kennedy and this was followed by the foundation of the College of St Leonard in 1512. The College of St Mary was established in 1537. The University continues to flourish and has over 5500 students from all over the world.
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Three of the signatories of the 1776 American Declaration of Independence received degrees from St Andrews, and the dollar sign was ‘invented’ at the University! Today many students form exchanges with American Universities, and the University accepts American students who want to experience St Andrews for a semester or a year. The Bobby Jones Scholarship has become a prestigious award for post-graduates of the University and strengthens the University's link with the USA. The maintenance of such a vast complex of buildings ranging from ancient to modern in the University grounds is an continuous and expensive enterprise. The University buildings form part of the heart of St Andrews and their up-keep affects not only the students but the residents of the town. |
Agreement
that the University could award degrees was conferred by the Antipope,
Benedict XIII, and the confirming documents were received in St.
Andrews, amid much rejoicing, in 1414. In these early days the lecturers were clerics, giving lessons in
the priory and other ecclesiastical buildings.
The University has a strong
link with America. Benjamin Franklin was awarded an honorary degree
by the
University, as was the legendary golfer Bobby Jones two hundred years later.