St Andrews University was named top in the UK for student satisfaction in a league table which also ranked it third best overall and top in Scotland.
It scored highest for satisfied students out of 131 British universities, owing to its quality of learning and teaching and overall student experience.
The six-centuries-old institution is behind only Cambridge and Oxford in the overall league table published by The Complete University Guide.
Dundee University was ranked 31st UK-wide, retaining its position from last year, while Abertay came 103rd, dropping four places.
St Andrews regained two places it had dropped in last year’s rankings.
Principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: “It’s an honour to be top in Scotland in such a competitive and high-quality field north of the border.
“These results are a reflection of the commitment of our staff and students to the highest standards of teaching, research, study and student experience.
“It is however vital, at a time of global change and the dismantling of traditional alliances, that St Andrews and other Scottish universities are able to continue to compete on a world stage.
“Our universities are one of this country’s great assets.
“Maintaining the brand of Scottish higher education overseas and ensuring that the world knows that Scotland is open to talented students of all nationalities and backgrounds is now one of our greatest challenges.”
Paloma Paige, president of St Andrews Students’ Association, said: “The experience that students have at St Andrews is truly exceptional and I am proud that the immense dedication to this unique experience is being recognised.
“I hope this news encourages students from around the globe to continue applying and contributing to the University of St Andrews.”
St Andrews also featured in the top ten for 21 different subjects, topping four of the subject tables, making it one of just five UK institutions too be at the top of more than two.
Among the other Scottish universities, Edinburgh came in at number 16 overall, equal with Bristol, while Glasgow was 18th, both improving on last year’s performance.
Aberdeen was 29th, Heriot-Watt 35th, Strathclyde 39th, Stirling 43rd, Queen Margaret 68th, Glasgow Caledonian 77th, Robert Gordon 85th, Edinburgh Napier 86th and West of Scotland 104th.
Dr Bernard Kingston, chairman of The Complete University Guide, commented: “The evidence is clear; the increased emphasis, including funding, on employability and career planning within academic departments and student services is bearing fruit.”
The Complete University Guide: Scotland’s universities ranked
