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Glasgow is Scotland’s largest and most populous city, home to three universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2025: the University of Glasgow, which ranks 78th, the University of Strathclyde (=281st), and Glasgow Caledonian University (1001-1200). The University of Glasgow is one of the world’s oldest universities, having been founded well over 500 years ago. Its alumni include three British prime ministers and two Scottish first ministers.
Like many other UK cities, Glasgow hosts a large number of international students, and therefore achieves a particularly high score for student mix (=14th), providing opportunities for students to meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures.
One student, when asked in our survey to name the best thing about studying in Glasgow, said: “The people. It feels like home from day one.”
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Glasgow?
A city with plenty of history
Glasgow has a rich history, having been settled since the pre-Roman era. There’s no shortage of grand historical architecture (the University of Glasgow boasts some particularly impressive examples), alongside vestiges of the city’s role as one of the world’s leading industrial centers during the 19th century.
Scotland's capital of sport
Whether you're a keen sportsperson or just an avid fan, Glasgow has plenty to offer you. As well as being home to Hampden Park, the football stadium used by the Scottish national team, Glasgow also has leading rugby union, rugby league, ice hockey and basketball teams.
It also hosted the Commonwealth Games as recently as 2014.
A city on the rise
As demonstrated by its incredible score for student view in this year's ranking, Glasgow is a city that's going up in the world. Having overcome periods of neglect and stagnation, the city is embracing the future and has been thoroughly regenerated. It's also home to the Silicon Glen - Scotland's answer to San Francisco's Silicon Valley - where you'll find high-tech companies and career opportunities.
Cost of studying in Glasgow
While domestic students are able to study at Scottish universities for free, there are substantial fees for international students. However, the cost of living in Glasgow is still much cheaper than many English cities, particularly London and others in the south.
According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom city centre flat will cost around £651 per month in rent, while you'll need almost £619 in monthly living expenses.
Life & culture in Glasgow
In recent years, the city has shaken off its previously gritty image to become one the UK’s leading hubs of culture, commerce, research and academia. It’s also especially known for its music scene and the fierce rivalry between its two biggest football clubs, Rangers and Celtic.
The city has transitioned from its historical focus on manufacturing and today provides plentiful career opportunities for graduates in a wide range of fields, from finance to technology.
However, history hasn't been entirely forgotten and you'll still find many engineering, construction, shipbuilding and textiles employers in the city and surrounding area.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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Study in Glasgow
Craig OCallaghan
Updated Aug 07, 2024Save
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QS Best Student Cities ranking: 33rd
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest and most populous city, home to three universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2025: the University of Glasgow, which ranks 78th, the University of Strathclyde (=281st), and Glasgow Caledonian University (1001-1200). The University of Glasgow is one of the world’s oldest universities, having been founded well over 500 years ago. Its alumni include three British prime ministers and two Scottish first ministers.
Are you studying in Glasgow? Share your experience.
Best universities in Glasgow
More about Glasgow
Like many other UK cities, Glasgow hosts a large number of international students, and therefore achieves a particularly high score for student mix (=14th), providing opportunities for students to meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures.
One student, when asked in our survey to name the best thing about studying in Glasgow, said: “The people. It feels like home from day one.”
Number of universities ranked by QS
3
Highest-ranked institution
University of Glasgow (78th)
Population
1,708,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$25,900
Desirability rank
=52nd
Employer Activity rank
83rd
Affordability rank
=95th
Student View rank
5th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Glasgow?
A city with plenty of history
Glasgow has a rich history, having been settled since the pre-Roman era. There’s no shortage of grand historical architecture (the University of Glasgow boasts some particularly impressive examples), alongside vestiges of the city’s role as one of the world’s leading industrial centers during the 19th century.
Scotland's capital of sport
Whether you're a keen sportsperson or just an avid fan, Glasgow has plenty to offer you. As well as being home to Hampden Park, the football stadium used by the Scottish national team, Glasgow also has leading rugby union, rugby league, ice hockey and basketball teams.
It also hosted the Commonwealth Games as recently as 2014.
A city on the rise
As demonstrated by its incredible score for student view in this year's ranking, Glasgow is a city that's going up in the world. Having overcome periods of neglect and stagnation, the city is embracing the future and has been thoroughly regenerated. It's also home to the Silicon Glen - Scotland's answer to San Francisco's Silicon Valley - where you'll find high-tech companies and career opportunities.
Cost of studying in Glasgow
While domestic students are able to study at Scottish universities for free, there are substantial fees for international students. However, the cost of living in Glasgow is still much cheaper than many English cities, particularly London and others in the south.
According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom city centre flat will cost around £651 per month in rent, while you'll need almost £619 in monthly living expenses.
Life & culture in Glasgow
In recent years, the city has shaken off its previously gritty image to become one the UK’s leading hubs of culture, commerce, research and academia. It’s also especially known for its music scene and the fierce rivalry between its two biggest football clubs, Rangers and Celtic.
Testimonials
Careers in Glasgow
The city has transitioned from its historical focus on manufacturing and today provides plentiful career opportunities for graduates in a wide range of fields, from finance to technology.
However, history hasn't been entirely forgotten and you'll still find many engineering, construction, shipbuilding and textiles employers in the city and surrounding area.
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As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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