Glasgow Caledonian University
Overview
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a modern public university in the city of Glasgow, Scotland founded in 1993. The university is highly regarded in terms of teaching excellence and international perspective due to its commitment to social innovation and applied research.
GCU has campuses in Glasgow, London and New York, and collaborations across the globe, with student population of over 23,000, including an international student community. Its mission, “University for the Common Good,” speaks volumes of its commitment to a good global impact.
The university is particularly strong in business, engineering, health sciences, computing, and social sciences, making it a popular choice for students planning to study in the UK.
Highlights
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Total International Students: 3,000+ (from 130+ countries)
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Placement Percentage: 92%
Glasgow Caledonian University Rankings
Glasgow Caledonian University is consistently recognised for its high-quality teaching, sustainability initiatives, and employability-focused programs.
Here are the updated Glasgow Caledonian University rankings across various agencies:
| Ranking Agency | Rank |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report |
|
| QS World University | 1001-1200 in Top Global Universities |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World University |
|
These Glasgow Caledonian University rankings showcase its growing global recognition and career-driven academic model.
Glasgow Caledonian University Intakes
The Glasgow Caledonian University intakes are designed to give international students flexibility in starting their academic journey, whether they are applying for undergraduate programs at Glasgow Caledonian University or postgraduate programs.
- September Intake (Main): This is the largest intake and covers the majority of undergraduate degrees in areas such as business, health sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Most postgraduate programs at Glasgow Caledonian University also begin in September, making it the most popular start date for international students planning to study in Scotland.
- January Intake: A smaller but significant intake, presented mainly on chosen master in the UK programs at GCU. This alternative is good when students might have missed the September deadline or need more time to organize relocation or when they want to start later.
Tip: Students are encouraged to apply well ahead of the Glasgow Caledonian University application deadlines, ideally 6-9 months in advance, to increase their chances of securing a place, applying for scholarships at Glasgow Caledonian University, and arranging accommodation.
Glasgow Caledonian University Courses
GCU offers over 80 undergraduate programs and 100 postgraduate programs across disciplines. It is especially renowned for courses in business, engineering, nursing, computing, and public health.
Some of the top courses at Glasgow Caledonian University include:
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MSc International Business Management | 1 Year | £18,800 |
| Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1 Year | £19,800 |
| MSc Computer Science | 1 Year (2 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
| MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 1 Year (2 Years Part-time) | £18,800 |
| MPH Master of Public Health | 1 Year (3 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
| MSc 3D Design for Virtual Environments | 1 Year | £16,200 |
| LLM International Commercial Law | 1 Year | £16,200 |
Cost of Studying at Glasgow Caledonian University
The cost of studying at Glasgow Caledonian University are lower than in most other universities in the UK, which makes the university a good place of study among foreign students seeking quality education at a reasonable price.
Along with competitive tuition fees, the relatively low cost of living in Glasgow compared to cities like London ensures that students can enjoy a high standard of living without overspending.
Here is an overview of the estimated expenses for international students at GCU:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| UG Tuition Fees | £14,500 - £16,500/year |
| PG Tuition Fees | £15,000 - £19,000/year |
| Accommodation | £450 - £850/month |
| Food | £180 - £300/month |
| Travel | £50 - £100/month |
| General Expenses | £250 - £400/month |
Glasgow Caledonian University Scholarships
Financing higher education abroad can be a major concern for students, and the availability of scholarships at Glasgow Caledonian University for international students helps make studying in Scotland more affordable.
GCU offers a variety of merit-based, need-based, and fully funded scholarships that recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.
| Scholarship | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New to GCU Postgraduate Scholarship | Up to £3,000 towards tuition fees | Awarded to students pursuing PG program at the university |
| Moffat Scholarship Travel and Tourism | Up to £3,700 | Awarded to students pursuing Travel, Tourism or Events related program at the university |
| Chancellor Yunus Scholarship | Up to £7,000 towards tuition fees | Awarded to students pursuing MSc Social Innovation master's program at the university |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Fully funded | For students from eligible Commonwealth countries |
| Chevening Scholarships | Fully funded | UK government-funded PG scholarships |
Glasgow Caledonian University Admission
The admissions process at Glasgow Caledonian University is designed to be transparent, supportive, and welcoming for students from across the globe. Whether you are applying for undergraduate programs or postgraduate programs at Glasgow Caledonian University, the university ensures clear guidelines and plenty of resources to help international applicants.
Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the UCAS system, while postgraduate applicants can apply directly via the GCU online application portal. The admission requirements of the Glasgow Caledonian University are as follows:
Pursuing a Master’s in the UK at Glasgow Caledonian University, students must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree (2:1 or higher).
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 78
- IELTS – 6.0
- PTE – 59
- Cambridge C1/C2 – 169
Additional Requirements:
You are also required to submit official academic transcripts, a personal statement, references, copy of your passport, and English language proficiency scores.
For admission to a Bachelor’s in the UK at Glasgow Caledonian University, you are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 60% and above.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 78
- IELTS – 6.0
- PTE – 59
- Cambridge C1/C2 – 169
Additional Requirements:
You are also required to submit official academic transcripts, a personal statement, references, copy of your passport, and English language proficiency scores.
Accommodation at Glasgow Caledonian University
Finding the right place to live is an important part of the student journey, and housing at Glasgow Caledonian University is designed to provide both comfort and affordability.
Comfortable, safe, and affordable accommodation options ensure that students can focus on their studies while enjoying the vibrant student life at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Whether you prefer the community feel of on-campus housing at Glasgow Caledonian University or the independence of private rentals nearby, there are flexible choices to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
- On-Campus Housing: The university’s main residence, Caledonian Court, offers over 600 rooms just minutes away from the Glasgow city centre. Students can choose shared flats or private rooms, with rent ranging from £450 – £650 per month, which typically includes utilities, internet, and 24/7 security.
- Off-Campus Housing: For students who prefer more independence, popular neighbourhoods such as City Centre, Dennistoun, and Partick provide a variety of rental options. Private apartments or shared houses usually cost £500 – £900 per month, with additional expenses for utilities.
Glasgow Caledonian University Placements
The Glasgow Caledonian University placement rate is highly competitive, with around 92% of graduates securing employment or progressing to further study within six months of graduation. This success reflects the university’s strong focus on employability, industry partnerships, and practical learning opportunities built into many degree programs.
Through the dedicated Careers Service, students gain access to tailored career advice, one-to-one coaching, CV and application workshops, and mock interview sessions. Regular employer networking events and career fairs also ensure that both undergraduate and postgraduate students are exposed to potential recruiters while studying.
The strong alumni network at Glasgow Caledonian University, with over 150,000 graduates worldwide, provides mentorship, industry connections, and career opportunities for students and graduates alike. Some of the top recruiters at Glasgow Caledonian University are:
- NHS Scotland
- Barclays
- Deloitte
- JP Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- BT
- IBM
- PwC
- Accenture
- Amazon
- Bloomberg
- Deloitte
- EY
Student Essential Services
Life at GCU is enriching and supportive, offering a wide range of services that help students adapt, thrive, and enjoy their time both academically and socially.
The university ensures that every aspect of the student life at Glasgow Caledonian University is well-rounded, from wellbeing and academic guidance to cultural engagement and international support.
These services are especially valuable for international students who are adjusting to a new country, as they provide a strong foundation for personal growth and success.
- International Student Support at Glasgow Caledonian University: A dedicated team offers expert advice on visas, immigration, banking, and healthcare registration, and conducts cultural orientation programs.
- Student Wellbeing: The university provides confidential counselling, disability services, and mental health services, and has trained staff who will assist students in balancing school and personal life.
- GCU Students’ Association: With over 60 clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities, the Students’ Association is at the heart of community building and extracurricular activities, helping students make friends and develop leadership skills.
- Academic Support: Access to a 24/7 library, IT labs, and academic writing workshops ensures students have the resources they need to succeed. The Academic Development Centre also offers tailored workshops in writing, research, and exam preparation.
Location of Glasgow Caledonian University
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, GCU runs an International Welcome Week that includes campus tours, social events, and practical guidance on living in Scotland.
International students on a Tier 4/Student visa are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Yes, GCU graduates may be eligible for the Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) to work or look for jobs.
Yes, international students can take part in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes. These help improve writing, reading, and speaking skills to meet academic standards and enhance confidence in lectures, group discussions, and presentations.
International students can find both on-campus and city-based part-time jobs.
- On-campus roles: library assistant, student ambassador, research support.
- Off-campus jobs: hospitality, retail, customer service.
- University career portal lists part-time openings suitable for students.
Students attend guest lectures, employer fairs, and alumni events. Many postgraduate programs at Glasgow Caledonian University also include industry placements, where students work directly with companies and build valuable professional networks.
Beyond placements, the Careers Service runs employer networking sessions, job fairs, and workshops on job applications. Students also benefit from the alumni network at Glasgow Caledonian University, which connects them with industry professionals for mentoring and job opportunities.
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