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UNITED KINGDOM · GLASGOW

University of Glasgow

public · Founded 1451 · Languages: English

In short

The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451 and a member of the Russell Group, offers over 400 programs to a diverse international student body. It is globally ranked and provides a rich academic and cultural experience in Scotland's largest city, with competitive tuition and living costs.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1451
Students: 41,000
International students: 12,000
Acceptance rate: 73%
Tuition (intl): €19–30k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is one of the world's great research-intensive universities and a proud member of the UK's Russell Group. With around 41,000 students from over 140 countries, it offers more than 400 programs across arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Ranked in the global top 100, it combines centuries of academic tradition with cutting-edge research facilities. Glasgow has produced nine Nobel laureates and alumni including Adam Smith and Lord Kelvin. Its research spans cardiovascular medicine, quantum technology, space systems, and data science, with annual external research income exceeding £200 million. The university's College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences is a particular area of strength, with internationally leading clinical and translational research. The campus is located in Glasgow's vibrant West End, offering students a rich cultural environment with a cost of living well below London. The recently opened Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre and the Learning and Teaching Hub demonstrate a £1 billion investment in campus transformation.

Why study here

One of the world's oldest universities (1451) with nine Nobel laureate alumni and a legacy of world-changing research.
Russell Group member offering research-led teaching across 400+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Ranked globally top 100 (QS #81 2025) with particular strength in medicine, law, engineering, and social sciences.
Located in Glasgow, Scotland's largest and most culturally vibrant city, with living costs well below London.
Internationally diverse community of 41,000 students from 140+ countries, with a welcoming student support culture.

Student life

Glasgow's student life is centred on the lively West End, home to the main campus, Kelvingrove Park, galleries, independent cafes, and music venues. The Glasgow University Union and the Queen Margaret Union are two of the UK's most active student unions, offering debates, comedy nights, club nights, and dining. The university provides a wide range of sports facilities and over 100 student clubs and societies. Accommodation is available on campus and in university-managed residences throughout the city, with costs considerably lower than most UK university cities.

Fees

InternationalInternational tuition: £19,500–£29,650/year depending on program (arts/social sciences lower; medicine and veterinary medicine higher). Typical non-EU undergraduate: £21,000–£26,000/year.

HomeUK/Scottish students: £1,820/year (capped by Student Awards Agency Scotland for Scottish-domiciled students). Students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland pay up to £9,250/year.

LivingGlasgow living costs average £900–1,200/month covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses — significantly lower than London or Edinburgh.

Medicine and veterinary medicine carry premium fees. EU students who started before 2021 retained home fee status; new EU entrants pay international rates.

Admissions

Undergraduate EntryScottish Highers, A-Levels, IB Diploma (typically 30–36 points), or equivalent international qualifications

Postgraduate TaughtA UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent; some programs accept 2:2 with relevant experience

Postgraduate Research (PhD)A UK 2:1 honours degree plus a Master's degree or equivalent; a research proposal is required for most programs

English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0–7.0 (program dependent) or equivalent recognised test

IELTS Academic6.0–7.0 overall depending on program (no band below 5.5–6.5)

TOEFL iBT78–100 depending on program

PTE Academic59–68 depending on program

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202581

Complete University Guide UK 202515

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024101–150

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023Top 100

University scholarships

Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship£10,000 one-year award for high-achieving international students

GREAT Scholarships (various countries)£10,000 toward postgraduate tuition fees

College of Science and Engineering Excellence ScholarshipUp to £5,000 per year for outstanding international undergraduates

Saltire Scholarships (Scottish Government)£8,000 for students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, or USA

Accreditation

The University of Glasgow is a UK public research university chartered by royal authority and regulated by the Scottish Funding Council. It is a member of the Russell Group, Universitas 21, the League of European Research Universities (LERU), and the European University Association (EUA). Professional programs hold accreditations from bodies including the Law Society of Scotland, the General Medical Council, and Engineers Australia.

For international students

United Kingdom

Student 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.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome 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.

The 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.

Skoll 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.

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.

Gates 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.

Africa 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Glasgow?

International tuition fees range from £19,500 to £29,650 per year, depending on the program. Medicine and veterinary medicine programs have higher fees, while arts and social sciences are typically lower. Non-EU undergraduates can expect to pay between £21,000 and £26,000 annually.

What are the living costs like in Glasgow for students?

Living costs in Glasgow average between £900 and £1,200 per month. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses, and is significantly lower than in cities like London or Edinburgh.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

International students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 to 7.0 overall, with no band below 5.5 to 6.5, depending on the program. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic scores are also accepted, with specific score ranges varying by course.

What are the admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs?

Undergraduate admissions require qualifications like A-Levels, IB Diploma (30–36 points), or equivalent international qualifications. For postgraduate taught programs, a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent is generally needed, while research programs require a Master's degree and a research proposal.

Does the University of Glasgow offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the University of Glasgow offers several scholarships for international students, including the Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship (£10,000), GREAT Scholarships (£10,000 for postgraduates), and College of Science and Engineering Excellence Scholarships (up to £5,000 for undergraduates).

Last updated 3 July 2026