The current office of Principal dates to 1858 with the passage of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858.

As of July 2023, the Principal was Professor Sally Mapstone, who had previously served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

The modern office of Principal dates from 1858, with the passage of the University (Scotland) Act 1858.

The University of St Andrews Act 1952 created the Principal as a separate office, to be appointed by the Monarch of the United Kingdom.

[7] Professor Mapstone had previously served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Oxford.