Glasgow · Founded 1451
Ancient UniversityRussell GroupUniversity of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, Glasgow is Scotland's second-oldest university and one of only two Scottish Russell Group members. The Gilmorehill campus in the West End is one of the most recognisable in the UK. Glasgow's medical school is world-renowned, and the university's veterinary school is one of around ten RCVS-accredited vet schools in the UK. The surrounding Byres Road area is the heart of Glasgow student life.
Rankings
- Guardian
- Top 4024
- Times
- Top 4022
- Student satisfaction
- 76%
Cost of Living
- Rent (halls)
- £820/mo
- Rent (private)
- £640/mo
- Other costs
- £780/mo
Glasgow's West End near the university is pricier than the city average. Students often choose Shawlands or Dennistoun for cheaper rents.
Known For
Students
36,000
Location
Glasgow
SAAS code
G28
Entry requirements for Scottish students
Typical Higher offers for 2026 entry. Always check with Glasgow directly.
Medicine (MBChB)
Chemistry + Biology + Physics or Maths
UCAT required; Advanced Highers also part of standard offer
Veterinary Medicine
Chemistry + Biology + Physics or Maths
Work experience required
Law (LLB)
English required; Advanced Higher Humanities
LNAT required
Engineering (MEng)
Maths + Physics or Engineering Science
Computing Science
Maths at A required
English Literature
English required
Business & Management
English required; Humanities subject required
Psychology (BSc)
Two science subjects required
Entry requirements sourced from University of Glasgow prospectus, April 2026. Competitive courses may ask for higher grades.
What it actually costs per month
Realistic monthly budget for a student living in Glasgow, 2026.
The SAAS gap at Glasgow
- SAAS gives you (max, monthly)
- £950/mo
- Your costs (est.)
- £1,160/mo
Glasgow rents are rising. Full SAAS support typically leaves a shortfall of £150-250 per month against total living costs.
Calculate your exact SAAS packageSAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays University of Glasgow’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly — you pay nothing. The SAAS code is G28.
Open days 2026
Confirmed 2026 open day dates for Glasgow. Always book a place directly via the university website.
18 Jun 2026
Campus
2 Sep 2026
Campus
24 Oct 2026
Campus
Dates sourced from Glasgow’s official open days page, checked April 2026. Confirm current details before travelling.
Scholarships & bursaries
Verified funding available to Scottish-domiciled students at Glasgow. Always check the university website for current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarship
£1,500/yr
High-achieving Scottish students from underrepresented backgrounds
Apply / find out moreJames McCune Smith Scholarship
£4,000 (one-off)
Black or Mixed-Black heritage Scottish students; academic merit
Apply / find out moreUofG Travel Bursary
£50/month
Scottish-domiciled students commuting over 40 miles; income-assessed
Apply / find out moreWho is Glasgow best for?
Glasgow is the obvious challenger to Edinburgh — same Russell Group prestige, comparable teaching, lower rents, and a city that students consistently describe as the friendliest in the UK. Particularly strong for medicine, veterinary, law and engineering, with student satisfaction noticeably ahead of Edinburgh’s recent scores. The Gilmorehill campus is one of the most beautiful in Britain. If your child can get the grades, Glasgow is genuinely competitive with Edinburgh on academic outcomes and ahead of it on student experience and living costs. The trade is location preference: leafier West End vs central Edinburgh.
Student life at a glance
Students’ union
GUU and QMU — Glasgow uniquely has two competing unions, both with their own buildings, debates and traditions. 300+ societies between them.
Social scene
West End (Byres Road, Ashton Lane, Hillhead) is dense with student bars, cafes and venues. Central Glasgow is a 15-minute subway away.
Graduate prospects
Strong NHS pipeline, big presence in UK law and finance, growing tech sector with major firms in the Glasgow IFSD. Vet graduates have one of the strongest direct-employment rates in any UK course.
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Frequently asked questions about Glasgow
What is University of Glasgow ranked?
University of Glasgow is ranked 24 in the Guardian University Guide and 22 in The Times Good University Guide. Student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey) sits at 76%. Rankings shift annually — always check the latest published tables before relying on a specific position.
How much is student rent at University of Glasgow?
Average monthly rent in Glasgow for Glasgow students is approximately £820 in university halls and £640 in private rented accommodation. Other living costs (food, transport, utilities, social) add roughly £780 per month on top. These are indicative averages — actual costs depend on the specific hall or flat. Always check the university's accommodation pages for the latest prices.
What is University of Glasgow known for?
University of Glasgow's strongest subject areas include Medicine, Veterinary, Law, Engineering and Nursing. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. Glasgow also has strong graduate employment in these areas — check the university's own graduate outcomes data for the most current figures.
What type of university is University of Glasgow?
University of Glasgow is one of Scotland's four ancient universities (founded before 1600). The ancients — St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh — are among the oldest in the English-speaking world and carry significant brand recognition with employers globally.
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Browse options →Rankings, rent, and living-cost figures checked April 2026.
Rankings source: Guardian University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. Rent figures are indicative averages from council and university accommodation pages. Entry requirements sourced from Glasgow prospectus 2026 entry. Always confirm current prices and requirements directly with Glasgow. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.