Glasgow · Founded 1451
Ancient UniversityRussell GroupUniversity of Glasgow
One of Scotland’s four ancient universities, founded in 1451. 36,000 students. Free tuition for eligible Scotland-domiciled undergraduates via SAAS.
Rankings
- Guardian
- 14
- Times
- 12
- Student satisfaction (NSS)
- 76%
- Russell Group
- Yes
Cost of living
- Rent (halls)
- £680/mo
- Rent (private)
- £640/mo
- Other costs
- £780/mo
Known for
- • Medicine
- • Veterinary
- • Law
- • Engineering
- • Nursing
SAAS 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 to the university — you pay nothing. The SAAS code for applications is G28. For your maintenance loan and bursary estimate, use our SAAS calculator.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about Glasgow
What is University of Glasgow ranked?
University of Glasgow is ranked 14 in the Guardian University Guide and 12 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.
Is University of Glasgow a Russell Group university?
Yes. University of Glasgow is a member of the Russell Group, the association of 24 leading UK research universities. Russell Group membership is widely used as a proxy for research intensity and graduate employer recognition, though it's not a formal ranking and several excellent Scottish universities (including St Andrews and Strathclyde) are not members.
How much is student rent at University of Glasgow?
Average monthly rent in Glasgow for Glasgow students is approximately £680 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.
Do I have to pay tuition at University of Glasgow?
If you're a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate studying at University of Glasgow, SAAS pays the tuition fee (£1,820 per year) directly to the university — you pay nothing. The SAAS institution code for Glasgow is G28. Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland pay a different fee set by the university. International students pay a higher fee again. Apply for SAAS at saas.gov.uk before the recommended deadline of 30 June.
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.
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. Always confirm current prices with Glasgowbefore committing. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.