University of Glasgow vs University of Strathclyde

University of Glasgow vs University of Strathclyde

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The University of Glasgow is also a top public research university located in the West End of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow has around 30,000 students and is similarly selective, with about a 15% acceptance rate. The University of Glasgow has flagship academic programs in Life Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Business, and Humanities. The graduation rate at the University of Glasgow is also strong at approximately 78-82%, and graduates earn early career salaries of about INR 34-38 lakhs per annum (31,000-35,000 GBP).

The University of Strathclyde is a prominent public university in Glasgow's city centre focusing on practical and industry-related education, with an enrolment of about 23,000 students. The university's acceptance rate is relatively competitive at approximately 55%. Popular programs include Engineering, Business, Law, and Architecture. The graduation rate is high, at about 70–75%, with graduating students estimating typical early career salaries between INR 32–36 lakhs per annum (£29,000–33,000).

Overview Comparison
University of GlasgowUniversity of Strathclyde
Collegedunia Score6.2 Out of 104.4 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 24 The Guardian 2026
# 79 QS World University 2026
# 84 Times Higher Education 2026
# 19 The Guardian 2026
# 251 QS World University 2026
# 351 Times Higher Education 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
# 176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 12 for Law by The Guardian 2026
ProgramsUG Programs -30
PG Programs -78
Doctorate Programs -6
UG Programs -189
PG Programs -141
Doctorate Programs -15
Acceptance Rate28.0 %55.0 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-600
GRE-304
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
TOEFL-110
IELTS-6.5
PTE-57
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   31510
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  33619
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 9623 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   17938.4
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  23682.3
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 8900 Per Year
placement (average package)

Graduate Employability Ranking: #131-140, 
LLM: up to $86,000.
PhD: $81,000. 
BSc: $65,000 


Graduate Employability rankings: #201-250.
Executive MBA: up to $112,000.
MBA: $84,000.
LLM: $83,000


application requirements

International applicants must fulfill country-specific requirements,
Bachelors aspirants from India must have at least 75% average score. 
PG aspirants from India must have 1st division across all years of UG studies.

UG applications are invited through UCAS and PG applications are invited through the university PG application portal. 
Interviews may be conducted for both UG and PG aspirants

Campuses and B-SchoolsAdam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
NA
CollegeDunia Reviews7.8/10 Read 42 reviews6.9/10 Read 12 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

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
# 20 for Business by The Guardian 2026
# 151 for Business by QS World University 2025
# 176 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 90/120Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 73/120
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesAug 21, 2026 (Application Deadline for September 2026)
Jan 9, 2026 (Semester 1 Duration)
May 22, 2026 (Semester 2 Duration)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of GlasgowUniversity of Strathclyde
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1451
1796
Student:Faculty Ratio5:1:1
19:1
Male:Female0% Male, 0% Female50% Male, 50% 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.


Situated on the John Anderson campus, University of Strathclyde is located close to the city center. The campus is surrounded by high-street stores, second-hand shops, museums, theatres, clubs, and restaurants for every cuisine. Glasgow Cathedral and People’s Palace are just 10 mins away from the university.


Library

2.5 million books and journals. 1,8532,00 ebooks and 50,00 journals. There is an additional archival collection as well. 


1 million print volumes and over 100 of thousands of journals, ebooks and databases. The library is open 24 hours a day during exams. It as 2000 reader places and 614 computer places


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. 


It offers over 206 clubs and societies to choose from along with 53 of wellness, fitness, gym, and performance support activities. The university has Scotland’s largest student union. It has a student media center, a variety of restaurants and shops on-campus, and an international student society.


Hostel#Rooms - $7135
#Rooms - $8900
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. 


Henry Faulds (Scientist), Ed Byrne (Comedian), John Logie Baird (Inventor), David Livingstone (Physician), Jim McDonald (electrical engg/Principal University of Strathclyde), Tommy Sheridan (Politician), Annabel Goldie (MP in UK), Hellen Liddell (MP in UK), Amar Latif (TV presenter), Arthur Von Hoff (Computer scientist), etc.


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%.    


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%.    


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Glasgow vs University of Strathclyde

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

According to global rankings, the University of Glasgow consistently falls within the global top 100–120 and is especially known for Veterinary Medicine, Life Sciences, Medicine, and Social Sciences. The University of Strathclyde may fall typically within the global top 300–400 ranking, but is still highly regarded in Engineering, Business, and Architecture. Glasgow carries a relatively higher general global reputation overall where Strathclyde has some advantage in the applied sciences, management, and technology related fields.

General Information

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is one of the oldest universities in the world, situated in Scotland’s biggest city that merges historical legacy with modern research. The University of Strathclyde, founded in 1796 as a technical university, is located in the same region as Glasgow university and works within the confines of helping students be prepared and educated with practical and industry-related education. Glasgow has a significantly larger student population (approx. 35,000), while Strathclyde has a moderate sized student population (approx. 23,000 students). Both universities host a relatively large international student population.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Glasgow lends itself to being more selective with an acceptance rate around 15%, with a highly competitive student admission to Medicine, Law, and Veterinary Sciences. Strathclyde acceptance rate is slightly more relaxed in comparison and concerns itself most selectivity with their program fields of Engineering, Business, and Architecture; Strathclyde acceptance rate is 55%. Overall, international students can find acceptance rates competitive for both semesters, although Glasgow will typically have higher entry thresholds in comparison.

Research Impact & Facilities

As a Russell Group university, Glasgow has a research and academic focus that is globally-recognized in the areas of biomedical sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Strathclyde doesn’t have Russell Group status, however, it has a strong applied research focus in the areas of Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Business, housing the largest Business School in Scotland and significant industry-related innovation hubs.

Cost & Financial Aid

International tuition fees for both are in the range of £18,000–£30,000, depending on the program. Glasgow is a little higher due to the medicine-related courses offered. Living costs for both universities is similar since they are both located in the same city; Glasgow’s West End being a little more expensive than Strathclyde being based more centrally. Both universities offer scholarships to international students, with Strathclyde being somewhat generous with engineering and business awards.

Career Destinations & Graduates' Success

Graduates from Glasgow are among the most employable graduates worldwide, finding careers in medicine, healthcare, veterinary sciences, law, and in international organizations. Strathclyde graduates find their way into careers in engineering, business, finance, and technology industries, justified by a reputation of producing students ready for industry because of the close relationship with industry. While Glasgow provides greater overall academic prestige, Strathclyde area attracts students to more career-focused education existing from its employer relationship and practical application in fields related to technical and professional.