Study in Glasgow

Glasgow for students

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest and most populous city, home to three universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2023: the University of Glasgow, which ranks 81st, the University of Strathclyde (=325th), 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.

The city has climbed three places in this year's rankings, making it one of the best student cities in both western Europe and the United Kingdom. 

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Best universities in Glasgow - QS Best Student Cities ranking: =25th

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 (11th), 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.

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.