University of Glasgow or University of Leeds, which is better?

University of Glasgow vs University of Leeds

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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 Leeds located in West Yorkshire, England is a prominent public research university with a student population of around 39,000. Admission is similarly selective at around 64-77% acceptance rate. Noteworthy programs include Business, Engineering, Law, and Media Studies. The graduation rate is approximately 75-80%, and small job earnings for graduates amount to an annual early career income of INR 33–37 lakhs (£30,000-34,000).

Overview Comparison
University of GlasgowUniversity of Leeds
Collegedunia Score6.2 Out of 105.9 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 24 The Guardian 2026
# 79 QS World University 2026
# 84 Times Higher Education 2026
# 28 The Guardian 2026
# 86 QS World University 2026
# 118 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
# 92 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
# 96 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 34 for Law by The Guardian 2026
ProgramsUG Programs -30
PG Programs -78
Doctorate Programs -6
UG Programs -129
PG Programs -164
Acceptance Rate28.0 %56.7 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-600
GRE-304
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
TOEFL-110
GMAT-600
GRE-299
IELTS-6
PTE-60
SAT-1200
TOEFL-88
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   31510
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  33619
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 9623 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   34592
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  35277
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 4236 Per Year
placement (average package)

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


Graduate Employability Ranking 2023: 52;

University of Leeds is one of the top public universities in Leeds, United Kingdom. It is ranked #86 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

Average Salaries Of :

  • MBA : $91,000 
  • Executive MBA :  $83,000 
  • Masters in Management : $70,000 
  • Doctorate : $64,000 
  • Other Degree  :  $63,000 
  • Bachelor (Other) :  $61,000 

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.

Minimum 60% in bachelors for admission in PG; Letter of Intent, Statement of Purpose, CV, at least 2 references

Campuses and B-SchoolsAdam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
Leeds University Business School
CollegeDunia Reviews7.8/10 Read 42 reviews7.5/10 Read 56 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
# 11 for Business by The Guardian 2026
# 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 102 for Business by QS World University 2025
exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 90/120GMAT - 600/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 64/90TOEFL - 88/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -49598
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesAug 21, 2026 (Application Deadline for September 2026)
Jul 31, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of GlasgowUniversity of Leeds
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1451
1904
Student:Faculty Ratio5:1:1
13:1
Male:Female0% Male, 0% Female40% Male, 60% 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.


Campus is 10 minutes away from Leed’s city center; well-connected with regular public transport services; it has Parkinson Building, Maurice Keyworth Building, Great Hall and Post-war buildings


Library

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


5 libraries with 3900 study spaces; Brotherton library: for arts, social sciences, and law; Edward Boyle library: for science and engineering; Health Sciences Library: for medicine and health-related subjects; Laidlaw Library: for group work, bookable space and on-site academic skills support, St James University Hospital Library: supports university’s research & teaching staff, medical & healthcare students and employees of the Hospital trust; 


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. 


University’s union has over 300 clubs and societies; Free counseling, mental health support groups, workshops, etc; discounted access to university’s sports center: The Edge; Sports Park Weetwood for outdoor sports; various sports clubs and programs; University has shops, cafes, bars, nightclubs, theatre, spa, hairdressers, bank and a student advice center on-campus


Hostel#Rooms - $7135
#Self Catered En-Suite Room - $1404
#Catered En-suite Room - $2460
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. 


George Porter (Nobel Prize in Chemistry); Wole Soyinka (Nobel Prize in Literature); Archer John Porter Martin (Nobel Prize in Chemistry); Emma Mackey (actress); Tony Harrison (poet); Alan Yentob (former BBC executive); Piers Sellers (NASA astronaut)


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%.    


Leeds is the largest city of West Yorkshire in Northern England; located approximately 170 miles north of Central London; 30 minutes away from Leeds Bradford international airport; 1 hour away from Manchester airport; Unemployment rate in 2019 was 4.1%; it is the 8th largest engineering center and 2nd largest printing manufacturing center in UK


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Glasgow vs University of Leeds

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both of these universities are ranked among the top 100-150 in the world. The University of Glasgow is noted for its strengths in Veterinary Medicine, Life Sciences, Education, and Social Sciences. The University of Leeds has stronger ranking performance in Business, Engineering, Arts & Humanities, and Earth & Environmental Sciences. Glasgow has a slight advantage in life sciences and veterinary rankings, while Leeds is consistently stronger in business-related disciplines and applied science subjects.

General Information

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is among the oldest in the UK. The university is located in Scotland’s largest city and has a rich tradition while still maintaining a research focus. The University of Leeds, which is also associated with the Russell Group, is located in Yorkshire’s cultural capital. Leeds has a larger student enrollment level of over 38,000 students, while Glasgow enrolls approximately 35,000. Leeds also has one of the widest course offerings in the UK.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Glasgow has approximately a 15% acceptance rate which is competitive for some of its strongest subject areas, such as Veterinary Medicine and Medicine; however, the University of Leeds has a slightly higher acceptance rate of about 64-77% and is very selective admissions where Law, Treatment Medicine, and Business are concerned among some professional subjects. Both institutions enroll many international students, although Leeds has a broader offering of professional and interdisciplinary programs.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both universities are members of the Russell Group, and they have an internationally recognized reputation for research impact. Glasgow is strong in biomedical sciences, veterinary research, and social policy, while Leeds has a strong engineering, materials science, environmental research, and social and cultural studies focus. Both universities have excellent libraries, laboratories, and interdisciplinary hubs for research.

Cost & Financial Aid

International undergraduate tuition at both universities is between £22,000–£30,000 per year depending on the area of study. Living costs in Leeds are typically lower than they are in Glasgow but are both lower than London. Both universities also provide scholarships based on academic and research potential, and Leeds has additional awards for international students that are specifically for business school programs.

Career Destinations & Graduates' Success

Glasgow graduates are well positioned for careers in healthcare, veterinary sciences, education, and social sciences, with good recognition in most of the United Kingdom and internationally. Leeds graduates are highly regarded in business, media, law, and engineering, taking advantage of partnerships with industry and one of the largest alumni networks in the UK. Both universities have superb graduate outcomes, Glasgow is particularly strong in health and life sciences careers, while Leeds has a strength in the business and professional sectors.