UNITED KINGDOM · GLASGOW
Glasgow Caledonian University
public · Founded 1993 · Languages: English
In short
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a public university in Scotland with a focus on applied, socially responsible education and strengths in health sciences, business, and engineering. It offers a vibrant student life in one of the UK's most affordable cities.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1993
- Students
- 17,045
- International students
- 3,000
- Acceptance rate
- 72%
- Tuition (intl)
- €13–18k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a public university formed in 1993 through the merger of The Queen's College, Glasgow and Glasgow Polytechnic. With around 17,000 students across four schools, GCU focuses on applied, socially responsible education with particular strengths in health sciences, business, and engineering. Its mission — the Common Good — drives commitments to widening access and community impact.
Why study here
- Mission-driven university focused on social impact, widening access, and the Common Good.
- Strong health sciences, nursing, and allied health programmes with NHS clinical placement links.
- Affordable Glasgow living costs compared to London or Edinburgh.
- Unique GCU New York campus offering transatlantic study options.
- Recognised for graduate employability with strong industry connections.
Student life
GCU's campus in central Glasgow places students in one of the UK's most sociable and affordable cities. The Students' Association runs hundreds of clubs and regular events. The university's sports facilities and proximity to Glasgow's parks, galleries, and live music scene provide a rich student experience. International students receive tailored support through the International Student Advisory Service.
Fees
InternationalApprox. GBP 11,500-16,000 per year (approx. EUR 13,000-18,000) for undergraduate programmes.
HomeScottish-domiciled students: covered by SAAS. Rest-of-UK students: approx. GBP 9,250 per year.
LivingApprox. GBP 9,000-13,000 per year for accommodation, food, and transport in Glasgow.
Postgraduate tuition fees vary by programme. Check GCU's official fee schedules for current year.
Admissions
Scottish Highers / A-LevelsEntry requirements vary by programme; typically 3-5 Highers or 2 A-Levels.
UCAS ApplicationApplications via UCAS for undergraduate programmes.
Personal StatementRequired for all UCAS applications.
IELTS Academic6.0 overall, no band below 5.5
TOEFL iBT78 overall
University scholarships
International ScholarshipGBP 2,000 reduction off first-year fees
GCU Merit AwardVaries by programme
Accreditation
Chartered by the Scottish Parliament; programmes accredited by AACSB, CIMA, ACCA, NMC, HCPC, and other professional bodies.
For international students
United KingdomStudent visa & funds
International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.
Working while you study
On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.
After you graduate
Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,400/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for United Kingdom
full fundingWellcome Trust
Wellcome Discovery Awards
Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.
full
Funding
€4000k
Max
Nov 25, 2026
Deadline
full fundingThe Alan Turing Institute
Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)
Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.
full
Funding
€98k
Max
17d left
Deadline
full fundingSkoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School
Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA
Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.
full
Funding
€95k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingRhodes Trust
Rhodes Scholarship
For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingGates Cambridge Trust
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Dec 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAfrica Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Jan 9, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Glasgow Caledonian University?
+
Undergraduate programmes typically range from approximately GBP 11,500 to 16,000 per year for international students. Postgraduate tuition fees vary by specific programme.
What are the living costs for students in Glasgow?
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Estimated annual living costs, including accommodation, food, and transport in Glasgow, are around GBP 9,000 to 13,000. Glasgow is known for its affordable cost of living compared to other major UK cities.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
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International students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or a TOEFL iBT score of 78 overall.
What academic qualifications are generally required for undergraduate admission?
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Entry requirements vary by programme, but typically involve qualifications such as Scottish Highers or A-Levels. Applications for undergraduate programmes are usually made through UCAS.
Does GCU offer any scholarships for international students?
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Yes, GCU offers an International Scholarship which provides a GBP 2,000 reduction off first-year fees. There is also a GCU Merit Award, the amount of which varies by programme.
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