International students

Students in the Fraser Building

Frequently Asked Questions

We're delighted that you are considering Glasgow. We've compiled some answers to help you with questions that you may have.

Please note that the information on this page is for full-time non-EU international students only. EU students should visit our EU webpages for more information. If you are coming to Glasgow as part of a Study Abroad, Exchange or Summer School programme, please go to our Visiting Student pages.

Our International Student Support webpages contain further advice to help you both before and after your arrival in Glasgow.

 

All enquiries

Please use our enquiry form

Considering Glasgow

What subjects do you offer?

Follow the links below for a complete list of the subjects we offer:

Can I study online?

We offer a selection of online Masters programmes. We do not currently offer foundation, undergraduate, pre-masters or PhD programmes online.

What is the Undergraduate/Bachelors degree structure?

Most Scottish undergraduate degrees at 4 years in length; some integrated Masters degrees last 5 years. Visit choosing your degree for more information on our degree structures.

Do you offer Foundation programmes or Pre-Masters programmes?

Yes, we offer Foundation and Pre-Masters course through our partner, Glasgow International College (GIC). You can find full details on GIC's website. 

Do you offer pre-sessional English Language programmes?

Yes, we offer a range of pre-sessional programmes depending on your current your ability. 

Do you accept transfer students?

Postgraduate: we do not accept transfer students onto postgraduate programmes.

Undergraduate:

The University can consider transfer applications from international students for the programmes listed on our Advanced Entry webpage.

When applying for a transfer you should clearly state the year of entry on your application i.e. 2nd or 3rd year. Transfers to final year are not possible. Your application will be referred to the relevant School for a decision and we will let you have this decision as soon as possible through UCAS track. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, so please make an application so Admissions can see your complete academic history.

All transfer applications must be made through UCAS at ucas.com. 

I’m a UK citizen who lives abroad. Will I be considered an international student?

Tuition fee status is determined by nationality and country of ordinary residence. Students must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three full consecutive years prior to the start of study. Ordinary residence is described as 'a regular, habitual mode of life in a particular place, the continuity of which has persisted despite temporary absences'. 

If you have been living outside the UK for three years then it is likely that you would need to pay the international fee. Substantive evidence of relevant connection and temporary employment will be requested by the Admissions Department in determining an applicant's fee status. The final decision as to whether a student has been ordinarily resident remains the discretion of the University of Glasgow. Some circumstances require further investigation to come to a fee status decision and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

For more details, please click here.

What are the tuition fees?

Are scholarships available?

We offer a number of different scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Please use our Scholarship search tool to find University and external awards you are eligible for. 

What is the cost of living and accommodation in Glasgow?

We estimate that it will cost between £1,100 and £1,700 per month to and study live in Glasgow. The total cost will vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation choice. For more information, check our cost of living and student accommodation webpages.

What are the job opportunities after graduation?

95.9% of our graduates find employment or are continuing their studies 6 months after graduation (DHLE 2016/17). Our on-campus Careers Service can help you with your CV, application and interview skills. They host information sessions in partnership with the International Student Support team on finding work in the UK. You can access their services up to two years after graduation.

See also: Finding work in the UK

Can I visit the campus?

Yes, we run weekly Campus Tours where you can explore and learn more about our campus.

Can I talk to a current student?

Chat to our students 

Who is the representative for my region?

To contact our in-country staff in Glasgow, China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Singapore, Mexico, the UAE and the USA, please complete the online enquiry form.

 

Entry Requirements

What are the academic entry requirements?

Are there additional entry requirements?

Please go to the webpage for the programme you want to study:

Do I need to study a Foundation programme or Pre-Masters programme?

Please check the entry requirements for your country/region.

What are the English language requirements?

Please go to the webpage for the programme you want to study:

What type of IELTS should I take?

We accept IELTS Academic, Academic Online, and Academic for UKVI; we can also accept IELTS One Skill retake. We do not accept the General IELTS or IELTS Indicator.

Do I need to submit English Language test results?

You must submit English Language test results as part of your application unless:

  • you are from a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visa and Immigration OR
  • you have a degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

Making an Application

When can I apply?

Undergraduate applications open at the beginning of September each year on UCAS and Common App.

Postgraduate Taught applications open in October each year on our website.

Postgraduate Research applications are open all year round on our website.

How do I apply?

Can I apply before I get my results?

Yes, you can apply before you finish your current academic qualifications. We will consider you for a Conditional offer of admission based on your current studies.

Can I apply through an agent?

Yes, you are welcome to apply through an agent. Our agent partners are listed on the webpage for your country/region.

Is there an application fee?

Do I need to submit a personal statement?

  • Undergraduate: Yes, this is required
  • Postgraduate: Most programmes do not require a personal statement. If it is required to submit one, it will say so on the programme webpage.

What should I include in my personal statement/research proposal?

Offers

When will I receive a response to my application?

  • Postgraduate: you should receive a decision within the application round deadlines specified on the webpage for the programme you have applied to.
  • Undergraduate: applicants should expect to wait 2-4 months for a response to their application.

I have been made a conditional offer. What does this mean?

A conditional offer means you have a place, but you still need to meet some requirements – usually exam results or providing additional documents.

I have been made an unconditional offer. What does this mean?

An unconditional offer means you have a place at the University. Congratulations!

How do I submit my documents?

You should upload your documents on the Applicant Self-Service Portal. If you have applied via Common App, please email your documents to the named person on your offer letter.

How do I accept my offer?

  • Undergraduate: if you applied via UCAS, you should accept your offer via UCAS Track. If you applied via Common App, please use the dedicated Common App portal.
  • Postgraduate: you should accept their offer on Applicant Self-Service.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

  • Undergraduate: we do not require a deposit for most undergraduate programmes, however Medicine requires offer holders to pay a £5,000 deposit.
  • Postgraduate: our taught programmes require a £2,000 deposit to be paid after accepting your offer. This can be paid via Applicant Self-Service.

Can I defer my offer until next year?

To request a deferral, please complete the online enquiry form.

Visas

How and when do I apply for a visa?

Please visit our visa pages.

When will I get my CAS?

CAS issuance normally begins in June for undergraduate offer holders who are Unconditional Firm and postgraduate offer holders who have accepted an Unconditional Offer and paid the deposit. Once you become Unconditional and accept your offer, you should receive your CAS within 5-10 working days.

I'm paying international fees but I have an EU passport. Do I need a visa?

Please visit our EU student webpages for the most up-to-date information.

Can I book my flights before getting my visa?

It is possible to book your flights before getting your visa but we strongly advise against it.

What is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa allows international students to remain in the UK after successfully completing an eligible course. The standard duration is 18 months for undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses, and three years for PhDs. Further details can be found on our visa webpages.

Preparing for Glasgow

How do I apply for student accommodation?

How do I pay my tuition fees?

Self-funding students can pay in full or in monthly instalments. Visit our tuition fees webpages to find out more. 

When is the first payment of accommodation due? When can I move into university accommodation?

Your first rent payment is not due until October, giving you time to sort out your finances when you arrive in Glasgow. Visit the accommodation pages for more information.

How do I find private accommodation?

We have shared some advice on private accommodation in Glasgow. Also, you may want to consider private student housing in Glasgow. 

When can I register for classes?

Online registration opens in August; the date varies depending on the programme and level you are studying. You will be emailed directly by your School when registration is open with your login details.

What will I need to bring to Glasgow?

We don’t recommend shipping your belongings over unless the items are an absolute necessity to you. The vast majority of items can be bought cheaply in Glasgow so one suitcase worth of clothing (etc) will be enough.

Am I entitled to healthcare as an international student in the UK?

Yes, as part of the student visa application you will pay a one-off Immigration Health Surcharge which will grant you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your studies.

Read more: Healthcare in the UK

How do I join a bank?

You will not be able to open a UK bank account until they have moved into your accommodation, as the bank will need a UK address and proof of student status. We cannot recommend a particular company, but most major UK banks have branches on Byres Road and Dumbarton Road beside our main campus.

Read more: Banking

Which mobile/cell phone network should I join?

There are four network providers in the UK, with many smaller networks who 'piggyback' on the bigger networks’ signal. According to Ofcom (Independent Regulator) all of these networks provide a good signal in Glasgow. Research the best deal for you online, speak to local friends or shop on Byres Road or Buchanan Street to find the network for you.

Our International Student Support webpages have further useful information which you should familiarise yourself with before coming to Glasgow.