University of Glasgow (UofG) is a top Russell Group public research university in Glasgow, Scotland. Established in 1451, it has approximately 36,000 enrolled students and is ranked perpetually in the top 100 universities in the world. UofG is particularly robust in the disciplines of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business, and the Humanities. Admissions are competitive, and the institution boasts a graduation rate of more than 15%. Graduates normally have median earnings of approximately GBP 35,000–40,000 per year ten years after graduation, with excellent global employability.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a Glasgow-based modern public university with about 20,000 students. GCU is professionally oriented and highly regarded for applied courses in Business, Nursing, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Social Work. It has good industry links and prioritizes employability, with a focus on experiential learning opportunities. Admission is less competitive than that of UofG, with more extensive entry routes. The graduation rate is a little lower, at approximately 70%, and graduates earn average salaries of approximately GBP 28,000–32,000 per annum ten years after leaving university.
| University of Glasgow | Glasgow Caledonian University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 6.2 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 24 The Guardian 2026 # 79 QS World University 2026 # 84 Times Higher Education 2026 | # 105 The Guardian 2026 # 801 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 152 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 44 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 1001 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 601 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2022 # 61 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -30 PG Programs -78 Doctorate Programs -6 | UG Programs -56 PG Programs -49 Doctorate Programs -3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 28.0 % | 70.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-600 GRE-304 IELTS-6.5 PTE-59 TOEFL-110 | IELTS-6 PTE-51 TOEFL-78 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 31510 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 33619 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 9623 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 13625 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 15905 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 500 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Ranking: #131-140, | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Doctorate: $155,000 PhD: $53,000 Bachelor of Science: $49,000 Bachelor of Arts: $46,000 Masters in Science: $42,000 |
| application requirements | International applicants must fulfill country-specific requirements, | Submit official transcripts Applicants must be 16 years old at the time of application Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.8/10 Read 42 reviews | 7.9/10 Read 3 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 38 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 99 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 134 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 92 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 90/120 | GMAT - 580/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 78/120 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Aug 21, 2026 (Application Deadline for September 2026) | Nov 7, 2025 (Tuition Fee Deposit Deadline For January 2026 Intake) Dec 3, 2025 (Financial Documents Submission Deadline For January 2026 Intake) Dec 17, 2025 (Final CAS Deadline For January 2026 Intake) Jun 20, 2026 (Application and additional document submission For September intake) Jun 27, 2026 (Deposit payment) Jul 25, 2026 (Financial documents submission) Aug 1, 2026 (Final CAS issue date) Oct 24, 2026 (Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake) Oct 31, 2026 (Document Submission Deadline For January 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Glasgow | Glasgow Caledonian University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1451 | 1993 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 5:1:1 | 24:1 |
| Male:Female | 0% Male, 0% Female | 41% Male, 59% Female |
| Location Facts | It has three campuses Gilmore hills, Garscube, and Dumfries. The main campus is Gillmore hills located within Glasgow’s West End, three miles from the city center. Garscube campus is 4 miles from main campus and Dumfries campus is surrounded by gardens and parkland in Southwest of Scottland. | GCU's main campus is in Glasgow city-centre. A second campus in London is home to the British School of Fashion. |
| Library | 2.5 million books and journals. 1,8532,00 ebooks and 50,00 journals. There is an additional archival collection as well. | The Sir Alex Ferguson Library is the focus of learning and student life at GCU. Located in the centre of the campus, the Sir Alex Ferguson Libraryprovides 10,500 sq m of high-tech learning facilities over five-floors. With over 1,200 study spaces there’s always plenty of room. Designed to provide the best possible study environment the variety of spaces – from lively interaction areas, ideal for group work, to quieter and silent study spaces – ensures you can always find the right location, whatever you’re doing. |
| Campus Life | There are over 200 student clubs and societies. It has 4 media groups including a magazine, a radio station, a newspaper, and a television. All of these have won some national awards. Wellbeing and fitness clubs along with over 50 sports clubs are offered to students. Two major student unions and one student representative council offer support and help to the freshman. | Glasgow Caledonian University Students' Association (GCUSA) is the students' association of Glasgow Caledonian University. It represents and enables Glasgow Caledonian University students to enhance all aspects of their student experience. The Students' Association runs sports clubs like Glasgow Caledonian University RFC, societies, student magazine (The EDIT), radio station (Radio Caley), active lifestyles programme and an events programme. As a GCU student, you can enjoy a range of health and fitness activities all year round. It’s easy to join a sports club, become a no-contract member of the Arc: Health and Fitness or join a football, netball or tennis team, and book some time in the Multi User Games Area (MUGA). |
| Hostel | #Rooms - $7135 | #Accommodation rent/month - $430 |
| Famous Alumni | Seven Nobel prize winners, Scotland’s first minister, and a prime minister are a part of the alumni community. Some of the famous names are Adam Smith (economist), Nicola Sturgeon (First minister of Scotland), Kenneth Calman (Chancellor University of Glasgow), Willson Thomas (mathematician), Gerard Butler (Actor), Henry Campbell (Former PM of UK), Edwin Morgan (poet), etc. | Laura Bartlett, field hockey bronze medallist at the 2012 Olympic Games |
| City Life | The city of Glasgow offers botanic gardens, live music, museums, parks, theatres, and a lot more to explore. It is also considered as a shoppers paradise offering high-end brands to vintage wares. Finneiston neighborhood is the city’s food quarter catering to every foodie’s need and demand. It is UK’s first UNESCO city of music and offers a buzzing nightlife with pubs, bars, and ballroom. The unemployment rate is around 5,7%. | One of the more pleasing aspects of renting in Glasgow is the sheer breadth of properties which are available to the renter. Everything from bedsits to town houses and all points in between can be found. The city itself has been transformed in recent decades, thanks to a major regeneration that was felt throughout the area. New neighbourhoods sit side by side with historic areas that have changed little over the years, giving an overall effect that's both pleasing to the eye and welcoming to the pocket. For those on a budget, it's reassuring to know that the cost of living in Glasgow compares favourably with other parts of the UK. Eating out can be inexpensive if you want it to be, although of course if you're looking for high end dining there are many world-class restaurants waiting to offer you the finest cuisine of all. |
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University of Glasgow vs Glasgow Caledonian University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
University of Glasgow: Ranked at ~79 in QS World University Rankings 2026, Glasgow is one of the world's top research-intensive universities. It is particularly strong in the field of life sciences & medicine, engineering, social sciences, law, and arts & humanities. Its medical school as well as veterinary sciences research are internationally renowned.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU): 1001-1200 in QS 2026, GCU is committed to applied learning and career-focused courses. It has significant strengths in business, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and social sciences with industry collaborations in Scotland.
University of Glasgow: A historic public research university established in 1451, which is a member of the Russell Group. The university welcomes an estimated 36,000 students, among them a significant number of international students. It provides a wide academic setting with top-class research facilities.
General Information
University of Glasgow: A public research university founded in 1451, it is a member of the Russell Group. It has about 36,000 students, many of whom are international students. It offers a diverse learning environment with world-class research facilities.
GCU: A modern public university founded in 1993 (through a merger), with a student body of around 20,000, including many international students. The "University for the Common Good," GCU focuses on applied learning, social responsibility, and access.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
University of Glasgow: Competitive admissions with an approximate acceptance rate of 15%, particularly for medicine, law, and international business.
GCU: Admissions are less competitive and have an acceptance rate of approximately 70%, which makes it more accessible to a broader section of students.
Research Impact & Facilities
University of Glasgow: Ranked a world-leading research university, Glasgow is R1-equivalent with strengths in medicine, veterinary sciences, engineering, social sciences, and arts. It boasts sprawling libraries, research laboratories, and international partnerships.
GCU: Although less research-intensive, GCU makes significant contributions of applied research in healthcare, renewable energy, business, and social innovation. Its School of Health & Life Sciences is especially renowned in Scotland
Cost & Financial Aid
University of Glasgow: The international undergraduate tuition fees are approximately GBP £22,000–£35,000/year varying by the course (more for veterinary sciences and medicine). Provides scholarships such as the Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship.
GCU: The international student tuition fees are approximately GBP £14,000–£17,500/year, so relatively cheap. Discounts and scholarships are offered, especially to international and EU students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
University of Glasgow: The graduates are very employable all over the world with strong results in medicine, law, finance, engineering, research, and academia. Some of its alumni are world leaders, Nobel laureates, and innovators.
GCU: The graduates prosper in business, nursing, health careers, and engineering and regularly secure employment in Scotland and the UK. The university has good industrial connections and focuses on employability skills.
