Scottish Applicants Sought After for BBC’s Race Across the World!

Is the furthest you’ve travelled lately from the Main Library to Pret? Has your idea of “adventure” become doing the weekly food shop at Aldi rather than Tesco?

Well don’t worry because luckily, BBC are offering the perfect opportunity to break out of the bubble that is St Andrews. The BAFTA-winning hit series Race Across the World is currently looking for Scottish students aged 18+ to take part in its next season, set to start filming this September.

The show is searching for teams of two Scottish students, ready to leave behind the comfort of the St Andrews bubble and set off on an unforgettable journey across the globe. The challenge? You’ll be travelling on a limited budget, stripped of many modern-day luxuries, and navigating the world the old-fashioned way: with resourcefulness, resilience, and (drumroll please) … no phones. That’s one way to finally cut down on your screen time, escape the never-ending cycle of doom-scrolling and actually connect with the real world around you.

Source: Application website

This is exactly the joy that the Race Across the World experience will bring, it’s the type of adventure that people will talk about for the rest of their lives. Dad lore like no other! And it’s no wonder that this experience would become a talking point, because contestants get the chance to experience spectacular scenery, race through dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, and immerse themselves in places far beyond the usual study-abroad or Ryanair itinerary. What’s not to love?

It’s all about testing your limits and discovering what you’re capable of when there’s no Deliveroo, no Google Maps safety net, and - to the horror of some Type A personalities - no plan. But this is exactly why Type A people should apply. What an incredible way to test yourself (without sitting an exam or writing a 12,000 word diss).  If university is supposed to be about “finding yourself,” then I can’t think of any better way to push your boundaries and throw yourself into something properly unpredictable.

Sounds scary and exciting? Well the best part is that you won’t be doing it alone. Applicants must apply in pairs, which means this is your chance to finally prove you and your best friend are as good a duo as you claim after a night at the Union, reconnect with that old school friend you promise you’ll travel with “one day,” or rope in a sibling or family member to make unforgettable memories.

And if there’s a particular part of the world you’ve always wanted to see- whether for personal, cultural, or familial reasons - all the better. Race Across the World is your perfect opportunity to experience this.

 So if you’re feeling a little trapped by the familiar rhythms of St Andrews - the library, the 3 streets, the endless “quick coffee?” runs, this is your sign. There are only so many times you can stand at Castle Sands and stare at the sea before admitting that perhaps what you really need is to cross a continent.

Link for applying: https://eu.castitreach.com/ag/lambert/ratw7/welcome.html

Closing Date for Applications: 29th March 2026