Introduction
Glasgow – a leading city in the United Kingdom – has become one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world, especially for Indian students. The prospect of gaining an education while being exposed to a diverse and intellectually fulfilling environment has been attracting a growing number of international students to Glasgow. The city has everything, from acclaimed universities, soul-refreshing scenery, rivers, art and architecture, to music, theatre, and a historical legacy of business.
Towards this end, the following piece will act as a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about this city to plan and pursue your further education here. Diving deep into Glasgow’s universities, it will cover eminent programmes, admission requirements, costs, and opportunities that Indian students must know.
Why Choose Glasgow for Higher Education?
First and foremost, why should anyone go to Glasgow for higher education? The reasons are several. The city of Glasgow is located in west-central Scotland on the river Clyde with a population of 6.5 lacs, making it the largest city in Scotland. The residents here are referred to as ‘Glaswegians’. It is the fifth most popular tourist destination in the UK and is often acknowledged as an excellent place to live with an exciting nightlife, so much so that it received the title “The World’s Friendliest City” in 2006. It boasts world-famous art collections, top shopping centres, and a vast array of restaurants and bars.
The city is also known as the Merchants City today, while in earlier times, it was known as the Port City, since a lot of trade used to happen from here. A number of items, including tobacco, wool, and wine, were traded from Glasgow. Industries like coal mining, iron founding, chemical manufacturing, and especially shipbuilding were also famous. However, today the city relies largely on advanced engineering, manufacturing, aerospace technology, financial services, investment banking, and renewable energy and low-carbon innovations in addition to pharmaceuticals with its bio-corridor for its economic growth. Therefore, it offers courses pertaining to all fields, interesting students from varied backgrounds.
Major universities in Glasgow include the following:
- University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow Caledonian University
University of Glasgow: Ancient University Excellence
The University of Glasgow, an ancient university, was established in 1451 and was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the Gothic style of architecture. The university is a Russell Group member with a 79th ranking per the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The fourth-oldest university in the United Kingdom, the University of Glasgow, comprises three campuses:
- Gilmore Hill Campus: It is the main campus, located at the west end of the city, i.e., 3 miles from the city centre.
- Dumfries Campus: It is a rural campus located in the southwest of Scotland. The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are located 2 hours’ distance apart.
- Garscube Campus: Located at the northwest boundary of the city, the campus is just a few miles away from the Gilmore campus.
The university is renowned for a number of reasons, including:
- Scotland’s first female graduate in medicine graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1894.
- The university is associated with 8 Nobel Laureates.
- The university has a triple-crown accredited business school called Adam Smith Business School. It is to be noted that Adam Smith was an 18th-century Scottish Economist and Philosopher, considered the father of modern economics.
- The University of Glasgow’s Professor Ian Donald launched the world’s first ultrasound machine and published the images of a fetus.
The University of Strathclyde: Technology and Innovation Focus
The University of Strathclyde is a public research, Plate-Glass university, based in the city center of Glasgow, Scotland. It was originally founded in the year 1796 and received its Royal Charter in 1964. The university is ranked 251st per the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is known for its vast network and industry links. It has one main campus, known as the John Anderson Campus, located at the heart of the city, accommodating approximately 30,000 students. Its business school, Strathclyde Business School, is also triple crown accredited.
The University of Strathclyde has won several recognitions and accolades over the years, such as
- Strathclyde is one of the most renowned universities in the world and has been named the ‘University of the Year’ twice, i.e., in 2012 and 2019 by Times Higher Education Awards, making it the only institution to win the award twice to date.
- The university is ranked 1st in the UK for Accounting and Finance as per the Complete University Guide 2022.
- It is the recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 1996, 2019, 2021 & 2023.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
A leading modern university, Glasgow Caledonian University, was founded in 1993 and is named among the top-ranked modern institutions in the UK per the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. The university stands at 36th place out of all universities in the UK with commendable graduate outcomes. Harboring students from over 120 countries, the university is known to offer a global outlook with real–world industry exposure and a focus on sustainable practices.
Popular Courses at Glasgow Universities for Indian Students
- Talking about the University of Glasgow, the university is best known for biomedical, biotechnology, veterinary, health science, business, computer science, and law programmes across the world. It also offers the following programmes,
- MSc Aerospace Engineering programme: Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and ranked 1st in Scotland per the Complete University Guide 2025, this programme requires 65% and above from Engineering or Physical Sciences/Maths fields, with engineering modules such as aerodynamics, control engineering, material sciences and maths. ATAS is also required for this programme.
- MSc Data Science programme: This programme requires Computing Science as a major subject in the qualifying UG degree.
- LLM programme: This programme accepts applications from law or related degrees with 50% of law modules.
- MSc FinTech – The FinTech programme at Glasgow requires students to possess qualifying degrees in quantitative backgrounds, such as STEM.
- MSc Sustainable Energy - The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. This course at Glasgow is ranked 1st in Scotland per the Complete University Guide 2025. Students from any engineering discipline or Physical Science, or Mathematics are eligible to apply for this programme.
- MSc Robotics and AI programme: This programme accepts applications from any Engineering Discipline, Computing Science or Physical Sciences/Maths degree that contains the core modules: maths, control, or electronics.
- MSc Digital Cancer Technologies: Accepts applications from students from any health science background, like Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Physiology.
- MSc Medical Devices Engineering: This programme accepts applications from any Engineering discipline or Physical Sciences/Mathematics, with modules in Engineering and Maths.
- MSc Psychological Science and MSc Psychological Studies: Both are conversion programmes and are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). While the MSc Psychological Science allows students to be specialised in Neuro psychology and Clinical psychology, the MSc Psychological Studies is a general psychology programme and does not involve any specialisation.
- The University of Strathclyde also offers numerous interesting programmes, which include the following,
- MSc Artificial Intelligence & Applications programme: This programme accepts students from non-computing science-related disciplines.
- MSc Biomedical Engineering programme: This programme is accredited by the ‘Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine’. Students from engineering, physical science, health science, medicine, or other related backgrounds are eligible to apply for this programme.
- MSc Electrical Power and Energy Systems programme: This programme is accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology and welcomes students from electronic, electrical engineering, power engineering, energy engineering, or related backgrounds.
- MSc Statistics & Data Science– A renowned conversion course for students who wish to gain expertise in statistics and data science.
- LLM/MSc Law, Technology and Innovation: This programme accepts students from law and other disciplines.
- MSc Sustainable Finance: Students from backgrounds such as accounting, economics, business studies or a subject area with a strong quantitative component can apply.
- MSc Smart Grid – EV: This is a double degree in partnership with ICAI School of Engineering at Comillas Pontifical University. Students from backgrounds such as electrical, electronic engineering, and physics can apply for this course.
- MSc Renewable Energy & Decarbonisation Technologies: Electrical or Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or cognate subject students are accepted in this course.
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is known for offering the following PG Courses:
- MSc International Business Management
- MSc Financial Technology
- MSc Big Data Technologies
- MSc Applied Biomedical Science
- MSc AI and Data Science
- The University of Glasgow:
- The University of Glasgow does not offer an IELTS waiver and generally requires 6.5 overall IELTS bands with no segment less than 6.
- General Entry requirements for PG programmes are 65% and above in an undergraduate degree.
- General Entry requirements for UG programmes are 85% and above in the 12th standard. For certain courses, 80% and above can also be accepted.
- The undergraduate applications are accepted through UCAS.
- The deposit requirement at the University of Glasgow is 2,000 Pounds for PG Taught courses.
- An application fee of 25 Pounds for Business School and 50 Pounds for MBA is required. The rest of the courses have no application fee.
- The University of Strathclyde:
- The university offers an IELTS waiver based on the medium of instruction at the qualifying university and workplace. Students can also avail an IELTS waiver based on their class 12th English scores of 70% and above. Generally, the IELTS score requirement is 6 overall with 5.5 in each segment.
- The University of Strathclyde has a major September intake, but the university runs a few courses in the January intake as well.
- The entry requirements for PG programmes are 60% and above in the undergraduate programmes.
- The deposit requirement is 5,000 Pounds for 2025.
- The university does not have an application fee requirement.
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU):
- The entry requirements for PG programmes are 55 % and above in the undergraduate programmes.
- The entry requirements for UG programmes are 70 % and above.
- There is no application fee requirement.
- The deposit fee requirement for GCU is 6,000 Pounds.
- The University of Glasgow:
- The fee bracket for PG students is 24,000 – 31,000 Pounds per academic year.
- The MBA programme fee is 39,000 Pounds per academic year.
- The University of Strathclyde:
- The average tuition fees for the postgraduate programmes are 25,000 to 33,000 Pounds per year.
- On the other hand, the average tuition fees for undergraduate programmes are 17,000 to 20,000 Pounds per academic year.
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU):
- The tuition fee ranges from 17,000 to 20,000 Pounds for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Master’s Programmes:
Futuristic Programmes:
Master’s Programmes:
Futuristics programmes:
Admission Requirements and Application Process
It is quite necessary to take note of all admission requirements and the application process before planning your education in Glasgow.Tuition Fees Comparison Across Glasgow Universities
The universities in Glasgow have different tuition fee structures, depending on the course and university type. The following presents the average fee brackets for them.Scholarship and Financial Aid for Indian Students
- The University of Glasgow
- Post Graduate Scholarships:
- Global Leadership Scholarship – Worth 10,000 Pounds, this scholarship is awarded to students enrolled for a master’s programme. The number of scholarships is 300, and students need to apply separately for this scholarship.
- Adam Smith Business School India Scholarship – The university has introduced 10 scholarships worth 10,000 Pounds each for the programmes that fall under the Adam Smith Business School. Students need to apply separately for this scholarship.
- Adam Smith Business School Global Challenges Scholarship – There are only 4 scholarships, according to which the students get a Full Tuition Fee Waiver along with a £15,000 stipend. The students need to apply for this scholarship separately.
- Adam Smith Business School: Advancing Women in Business – Only 5 scholarships are available with the award value of £10,000 fee waiver + £10,000 stipend. Students need to apply for this scholarship.
- Business Analytics Scholarship - The University of Glasgow offers 9 scholarships, each worth 15,000 Pounds, specifically for the MSc Business Analytics programme. It is allocated to students who have scored 80% or above in their UG degrees based on their scholarship application.
- World Changer Glasgow Scholarship – The award value is 5,000 Pounds each. This is an automatic scholarship, and the number of scholarships is unlimited.
- UG Scholarships:
- Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship – A merit-based scholarship with no separate application, this scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
- The University of Strathclyde
- Post Graduate Scholarships:
- Strathclyde Business School Dean’s Excellence Award for International Students – The award value for this scholarship varies from £9,000 to £12,000. The number of awards for this application-based scholarship is 35.
- Glasgow 850 International Masters Scholarship – The award value of these scholarships ranges from £6,000 to £8,000, depending on the subject area and course fee. This is an automatic scholarship with multiple awards.
- Strathclyde Business School Full Time MBA Scholarship – This scholarship’s award value varies between £10,000 and £17,000 depending upon the candidate’s experience. It is an application-based scholarship with up to 20 awards.
- Strathclyde Business School Full Time MBA Dean’s Excellence – This scholarship has 5 awards worth 50% of the tuition fee. It is an application-based scholarship.
- Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Deans International Excellence Scholarship – The number of awards is 6, and the award value is 10,000 Pounds each. It is an automatic scholarship.
- Engineering: Dean’s International Excellence Awards for Postgraduate Taught Study – This automatic scholarship with multiple awards offers an award value between 7,000 and 10,000 Pounds.
- Faculty of Science International Master’s Scholarship for Physics – An automatic scholarship for all postgraduate aspirants meeting eligibility criteria in the Department of Physics. The award value is 7000 Pounds.
- UG Scholarships:
- Strathclyde Business School Dean’s Excellence Awards UG – Five scholarship awards with 25 per cent fee reduction per year.
- Faculty of Engineering International Scholarships (FEIS) – An automatic scholarship with an award value worth 10% of the tuition fee for each year.
- Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students – With award value varying from 5,000 to £7,000, this application-based scholarship is only for 1st year students and can be awarded to up to 25 students.
Cost of Living in Glasgow for Indian Students
- Plan your trip well in advance by booking flights to avoid last-minute, highly priced tickets.
- Instead of buying exorbitantly expensive new books, look for second-hand versions or use library resources to save money.
- Make it a point to always carry your student ID, as various museums, cinema halls, attractions, transportation, and restaurants offer discounts to students.
- Remember to open a local bank account, as this can help you avoid high currency conversion and ATM withdrawal fees.
- Campus food trucks, free food events, or inexpensive neighbourhood eateries are excellent options when it comes to budget-friendly dining.
Accommodation Options in Glasgow
The following options are available for the students when it comes to accommodation:
- University accommodation
- Private accommodation
University Accommodation:
- All bedrooms are equipped with a single bed, a wardrobe, a chair, and a desk, as well as storage space and bookshelves.
- All rooms have an internet connection.
- Basic facilities include a communal kitchen area for 6-8 students, which is equipped with an oven and hob, refrigerator, toaster, kettle, iron, iron board, and vacuum cleaner.
- There are card-operated launderettes within the accommodation facility.
- There are two types of accommodation options: catered and self-catered.
- Catered accommodation facility will include breakfast and either lunch or dinner.
- In self-catered accommodations, students cook for themselves in the communal kitchen. This option is comparatively less expensive.
- Students further have options like shared or non-shared, standard, ensuite, deluxe apartments, etc.
Private Accommodation:
- Private accommodations also offer catered or self-catered options.
- Catered accommodation includes breakfast and one additional meal, which could be either lunch or dinner.
- In self-catered accommodation, students have to prepare their meals themselves.
- The kitchen area is usually shared among 6 to 8 students, and is equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, hob, oven, and others.
- Private shared accommodations have students from several different universities, which is perfect for experiencing cultural diversity.
- Other basic facilities include a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, ample storage space, and more.
Private accommodation providers in the city are:
- Unilodgers
- Casita
- Amber
- Glide
- Unitestudents
A few points to be noted are:
- The University of Glasgow asks for a deposit of 600 Pounds to accept an accommodation application.
- Accommodation facility at the University of Glasgow costs between 170 Pounds to 237 Pounds per week.
- Accommodation cost at the University of Strathclyde ranges from 104 to 141 Pounds per week.
Career Services and Placement Support
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Health and Social Care:
Scotland’s National Health Service (NHS) is regarded as the biggest employer in the country, offering jobs to graduates in more than 70 different professions.
-
Social Enterprise:
The city embraces the importance of social enterprises in the modern world, offering dynamic and sustainable options supporting local communities in creating businesses, securing jobs and delivering services across different sectors. There are currently more than 6,000 social enterprises in Scotland providing around 89,000 jobs.
-
Technologies:
Global organisations like CGI, Hewlett Packard and Outplay have chosen Scotland as their home. It is to be noted that over 10,000 students graduate in software and digital-related disciplines every year in Scotland, and most of them find suitable career opportunities leveraging the skills gained from their respective courses.
Graduate Visa and Post-Study Work Opportunities in Scotland
A Graduate visa offers an excellent opportunity for one to gain international industry exposure, collaborate and interact with industry leaders, and enhance their practical skills before ultimately returning to their country. The UK’s graduate visa currently allows students to stay in the country for at least 2 years after completing their UG or PG programmes. However, the PhD or doctorate students can stay for 3 years.
Students must spend at least 12 months of study in the UK to be eligible for PSW. They are required to apply for their post-study work visa before their Tier 4 (general) student visa expires. Once approved, they need to pay an application fee of 822 Pounds and a Health Surcharge of 1,035 Pounds for each year.
Benefits of Studying in Scotland vs England
England and Scotland typically follow their national, i.e., the United Kingdom’s policies when it comes to international students. The major difference is their course duration for their UG programmes, which is 3 years in England and 4 years in Scotland, while the PG duration remains the same.
Apart from this, England is typically warmer and sunnier, especially in the south, while Scotland’s climate is generally colder, wetter, and windier than England’s, given its location in the north of the UK. Scotland usually experiences more rain, especially in the mountainous regions.
Transportation and Connectivity in Glasgow
Glasgow is a gateway city with an abundance of transportation options. Glasgow Airport is an international airport located in Renfrewshire, approximately 15 km west of the city centre. Although Glasgow currently does not have any direct flights to India, it is the second busiest airport in Scotland after Edinburgh. Further, Glasgow has one of the densest train networks in the United Kingdom outside London, which comprises 186 railway stations across the city. Its biggest rail station, Glasgow Central, handles 29 million passengers per year and offers connections to all parts of the UK. There are several other transport options as well; one can easily use cars, bicycles, or taxis. Services such as Uber are also available in the city.
To be noted:
- London to Glasgow is 5 hours by train (40 direct trains per day)
- Glasgow to Edinburgh 1 hour by train (186 trains per day)
- Glasgow to Stirling, 50 minutes by train.
Conclusion
To sum up, Glasgow is one of the best destinations in the world when it comes to higher education with a perfect blend of world-class education, vibrant cultural life and career opportunities. A suitable space for both personal and professional development, the city invites students from all backgrounds. Quality, opportunity and community define the city.
FAQs
The city is home to a number of universities such as the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, etc. All universities are excellent options for Indian students; however, their suitability depends on one’s targeted domain.
The tuition fee structure varies as follows,
- The University of Glasgow:
- The fee bracket for PG students is 24,000 – 31,000 Pounds per academic year.
- The MBA programme fee is 39,000 Pounds per academic year.
- The University of Strathclyde:
- The average tuition fees range for the postgraduate programmes is 25,000 to 33,000 Pounds per year.
- On the other hand, the average tuition fees for undergraduate programmes are 17,000 to 20,000 Pounds per academic year.
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU):
- The tuition fee ranges from 17,000 to 20,000 Pounds for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- Apart from this, the cost of living in Glasgow is 10,539 Pounds per year.
Yes, the city is safe for all international students.
There are a plethora of both government-funded and university-specific scholarship options in Glasgow. One needs to check the specific university pages for the same.
Yes. The UK’s graduate visa currently allows students to stay in the country and work for at least 2 years after completing their UG or PG programmes. However, the PhD or doctorate students can stay for 3 years.