The University of Glasgow accepts roughly 60% to 70% of undergraduate applicants and around 50% of postgraduate applicants, but course-level rates vary enormously. Medicine sits closer to 15%, while some MSc programmes in psychology and the humanities exceed 75%. The single overall figure is close to useless for planning. Your course is what determines your odds.
If you have seen wildly different numbers on other sites, ranging from 12% to 74%, you are not going mad. Those sites are quoting three different statistics and calling all of them "acceptance rate". The next section explains which is which, because picking the wrong one will give you a completely false read on your chances.
Why every website gives a different Glasgow acceptance rate
The confusion comes from three different metrics that share one name. Understanding which one you are looking at is the difference between thinking Glasgow is a safety school and thinking it is out of reach.
| Metric | What it divides | Typical Glasgow figure | What it tells you |
| Offer rate | Offers made ÷ applications received | Roughly 60% to 70% at UG level | Your actual chance of getting an offer. This is the one you want. |
| Acceptance rate (US style) | Enrolled students ÷ applications | Around 15% to 20% | Almost meaningless in the UK, because UCAS lets applicants hold five choices and enrol at only one |
| Conversion rate | Enrolled ÷ offers made | Roughly 25% to 30% | Tells you about Glasgow's competition with other universities, not about you |
The low figures you see quoted, the 16% and 18% numbers, are enrolled-divided-by-applications. They look alarming, but they are dragged down by the fact that every UK applicant applies to five universities and can only attend one. Four of those five rejections are the applicant's choice, not the university's.
The number that matters to you is the offer rate. For most Glasgow undergraduate courses that sits somewhere between 60% and 75%. For Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine it drops well below 20%.
Sources to cite here: UCAS provider-level offer rate data, HESA student statistics, and Glasgow's own admissions reporting.
Glasgow acceptance rate by course
Course choice moves your odds more than anything else in your application. The gap between Medicine and a humanities MSc at the same university is larger than the gap between most universities.
| Course area | Approximate offer rate | Competitiveness |
| Veterinary Medicine | Under 20% | Very high |
| Law (LLB) | 30% to 45% | High |
| MBA | Around 30% | High |
| Computing Science / Data Science | 40% to 60% | High |
| Engineering | 55% to 70% | Moderate to high |
| Business and Management | 50% to 65% | Moderate to high |
| Life Sciences | 60% to 70% | Moderate |
| Social Sciences | 65% to 75% | Moderate |
| Arts and Humanities | 70% to 80% | Lower |
| Some taught MSc programmes (e.g. Psychology conversion) | Up to 79% | Lower |
Two things to keep in mind. Rates move year to year with applicant volume, sometimes by ten points. And within a single school, one degree can be far more competitive than the one next to it, usually because of lab or placement capacity rather than academic difficulty.
Practical takeaway: if your grades sit near the borderline, applying to a closely related but less oversubscribed course at Glasgow is usually a better strategy than applying to the same course at a less selective university.
Is the University of Glasgow hard to get into?
Glasgow is moderately selective by Russell Group standards. It is more accessible than Edinburgh and considerably more accessible than Oxford, Cambridge or Imperial, but it is not a safety option. Most applicants who meet the published entry requirements and apply on time receive an offer.
| University | Rough UG offer rate | Notes |
| University of Glasgow | 60% to 70% | Russell Group, QS top 100 |
| University of Edinburgh | Around 40% | More selective, higher fees |
| University of Strathclyde | 55% to 70% | Also in Glasgow, strong for engineering and business |
| University of Manchester | Around 27% | More competitive across most subjects |
| Oxford / Cambridge | Under 20% | Different application process entirely |
Glasgow ranks around #79 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #84 in the THE World University Rankings 2026. The practical read: strong reputation, achievable entry, and a real chance for a well-prepared applicant with average-to-good grades.
Entry requirements for the University of Glasgow
Glasgow makes offers on academic qualifications, subject prerequisites and English proficiency. Personal statements and references matter, but they rarely rescue an application that misses the grade threshold.
Undergraduate entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical requirement |
| SQA Highers | AAAA to AAAAA for competitive courses, BBBB and above for others |
| A-Levels | AAA to ABB depending on course, AAA for Medicine |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 to 38 points |
| Indian CBSE / ISC Class 12 | 75% to 90% average depending on course, with required subjects |
| US High School | High school diploma plus AP scores or SAT, typically 3+ APs at 4 or 5 |
Subject prerequisites are non-negotiable. Engineering requires Maths and usually Physics. Medicine requires Chemistry plus one of Biology, Maths or Physics. Missing a prerequisite is the most common avoidable rejection.
Postgraduate entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
| Bachelor's degree | From a recognised institution, in a relevant subject |
| Classification | UK 2:1 for most taught masters, 2:2 accepted on some programmes |
| Indian equivalent of 2:1 | Roughly 60% to 65% or CGPA 6.5 to 7.0, varies by institution tier |
| US equivalent of 2:1 | GPA around 3.0 to 3.3 on a 4.0 scale |
| References | Usually two academic references |
| Personal statement | Required for most programmes |
| Work experience | Required for MBA and some professional masters |
| Portfolio or interview | Required for design, architecture and some creative programmes |
Important for Indian applicants: Glasgow tiers Indian institutions, so the percentage it accepts as a 2:1 equivalent differs depending on which university you graduated from. Check the country-specific page on gla.ac.uk rather than assuming a single cut-off.
Application deadlines for 2026 and 2027 entry
The UCAS deadline for most Glasgow undergraduate courses is late January. Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine close in mid-October, three months earlier.
Glasgow's UCAS institution code is G28.
Two practical notes. Postgraduate admissions at Glasgow are rolling, which means popular programmes fill and close early regardless of the published deadline. And if you need a student visa, applying six months before your intake rather than three gives you room for CAS issuance and visa processing.
University of Glasgow tuition fees 2026/27
International undergraduate tuition at Glasgow runs from roughly £22,600 to £31,800 a year for most subjects, rising well above £45,000 for Medicine and Dentistry. Taught postgraduate fees generally sit between £26,000 and £40,500.
| Student group | Level | Annual tuition |
| Scottish students | Undergraduate | Funded by SAAS for eligible students |
| Rest of UK | Undergraduate | £9,250 and above, subject to the UK fee cap |
| International / EU | Undergraduate, most subjects | £22,600 to £31,800 |
| International / EU | Undergraduate, Medicine and Dentistry | £45,000+ |
| International / EU | Taught postgraduate | £26,000 to £40,500 |
| International / EU | MBA | Check programme page, typically the highest band |
These bands move each year and vary by individual programme. Always confirm on Glasgow's official fee pages at gla.ac.uk before budgeting, and remember to add the £170 registration fee where applicable and the cost of your student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Note for the editor: the previous version of this page quoted £20,000 to £27,000 for undergraduate and £22,000 to £30,000 for postgraduate. Both were too low, in some cases by more than £15,000 a year. This is the single most damaging error on the old page, because a student could plan a budget around it.
These bands move each year and vary by individual programme. Always confirm on Glasgow's official fee pages at gla.ac.uk before budgeting, and remember to add the £170 registration fee where applicable and the cost of your student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Note for the editor: the previous version of this page quoted £20,000 to £27,000 for undergraduate and £22,000 to £30,000 for postgraduate. Both were too low, in some cases by more than £15,000 a year. This is the single most damaging error on the old page, because a student could plan a budget around it.
Cost of living in Glasgow for students
A student in Glasgow typically spends £900 to £1,400 a month including accommodation, which makes it one of the cheaper large UK university cities and considerably cheaper than London.
| Expense | Monthly range |
| University halls or shared flat | £550 to £900 |
| Food and groceries | £180 to £300 |
| Transport (student travel) | £45 to £80 |
| Utilities and internet (if not included) | £60 to £150 |
| Mobile phone | £10 to £25 |
| Social and personal | £100 to £250 |
| Total | £945 to £1,705 |
Student halls usually bundle utilities and internet, so a hall-based budget lands nearer the bottom of that range. A private flat share in the West End near campus lands nearer the top.
For your visa: UKVI requires proof of maintenance funds separately from your tuition. For study outside London this is currently £1,023 per month for up to nine months, which is £9,207. That money must sit in an eligible account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. Check the current figure on gov.uk, since it is uprated periodically.
Estimate your own Glasgow budget with the Acolyte Living cost of living calculator.
Scholarships at the University of Glasgow
Glasgow offers automatic and competitive scholarships that can cut £5,000 to £10,000 off your tuition, and several are awarded on a first-come basis tied to your application date.
- International Leadership Scholarship — a tuition discount for international students with strong academic records and leadership evidence
- Postgraduate Talent Scholarship — merit-based award for taught masters students
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship — full funding for students from eligible Commonwealth countries, applied for separately
- Country and region-specific awards — including India-specific postgraduate scholarships
- Subject and school-level awards — administered by individual colleges
Applying early matters more here than anywhere else in the process, because several awards close once the budget is committed regardless of the published deadline.
How to improve your chances of getting into Glasgow
Meet the grade threshold, meet the subject prerequisites, and apply early. Everything else is marginal by comparison.
- Check the subject prerequisites before anything else. Missing a required subject is an automatic rejection no matter how strong the rest of your application is.
- Apply in the first half of the cycle. For rolling postgraduate admissions this is worth more than a grade.
- Get your English test done early. A pending IELTS result holds up your whole application, and a resit costs you weeks.
- Write the personal statement about the course, not about yourself. Glasgow admissions tutors are reading for subject motivation and evidence you understand what the degree involves.
- Choose your references deliberately. An academic who taught you in the relevant subject is worth more than a senior person who barely knows you.
- If you are borderline, consider a closely related course. Applying to Biomedical Sciences instead of Medicine, or a related MSc instead of the flagship one, materially changes your odds at the same university.
- Have a plan for the conditional offer. Most Glasgow offers are conditional. Know exactly what grades you need before results day.
Student accommodation near the University of Glasgow
Most first-year international students take university halls, then move to a private flat in the West End from second year. Budget £550 to £900 a month either way.
University halls of residence. The default for first years. Bills included, easiest route to a social circle, and guaranteed for most new international undergraduates who apply by the deadline. Murano Street Student Village and the Kelvinhaugh residences are the two most commonly recommended.
Private student accommodation. Purpose-built studios and en-suite rooms, usually more space and privacy than halls, usually more expensive. Popular with postgraduates who want their own kitchen.
Shared flats in the West End. Where most second and third years end up. Areas like Hillhead, Partick, Woodlands and Finnieston put you within a walk or a short subway ride of campus. Cheaper per person than a studio, but you handle your own bills and council tax exemption paperwork.
Book early. Glasgow's student housing market tightens sharply from June onwards for a September intake, and the West End fills first.
Browse student accommodation in Glasgow with Acolyte Living.
FAQs
Q: What is the University of Glasgow acceptance rate?
A: Roughly 60% to 70% of undergraduate applicants receive an offer, and around 50% of postgraduate applicants. Course-level rates vary widely, from under 20% for Medicine to over 75% for some humanities and psychology programmes.
Q: Does the University of Glasgow publish its acceptance rate?
A: Glasgow reports admissions data through UCAS and HESA, so offer rates are publicly derivable even though the university does not advertise a single headline percentage. Sites quoting wildly different numbers are usually mixing offer rate, enrolment rate and conversion rate.
Q: Is the University of Glasgow hard to get into?
A: It is moderately selective. Glasgow is easier to enter than Edinburgh, Manchester or Oxbridge, but harder than most non-Russell Group universities. Applicants who meet the published grade and subject requirements and apply on time usually receive an offer.
Q: What IELTS score do I need for the University of Glasgow?
A: Most courses require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Law, healthcare, education and postgraduate research programmes often require 7.0 with no band below 6.5.
Q: What percentage do I need in Class 12 for the University of Glasgow?
A: Indian applicants typically need 75% to 90% in Class 12 depending on the course, along with the required subjects. Competitive programmes sit at the top of that range.
Q: What GPA do I need for a masters at Glasgow?
A: Most taught masters require a UK 2:1, which is roughly a 3.0 to 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or about 60% to 65% for Indian applicants depending on your institution. Some programmes accept a 2:2.
Q: How much does it cost to study at the University of Glasgow?
A: International undergraduate tuition runs roughly £22,600 to £31,800 a year for most subjects, with Medicine and Dentistry above £45,000. Taught postgraduate fees are generally £26,000 to £40,500. Add £900 to £1,400 a month for living costs.
Q: When is the application deadline for the University of Glasgow?
A: Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine close in mid-October. Most other undergraduate courses close in late January through UCAS. Postgraduate applications are rolling, with most closing by late August.
Q: Is Glasgow better than Edinburgh?
A: Edinburgh ranks higher globally and is more selective. Glasgow is cheaper on both tuition and living costs, has a larger international community, and is more accessible for applicants with good rather than exceptional grades. Both are Russell Group.
Q: Can I get into Glasgow with a 2:2?
A: Yes, for some programmes. Glasgow accepts a 2:2 for a number of taught masters, particularly where you have relevant work experience. Flagship and oversubscribed programmes generally require a 2:1.
Q: How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
A: For study outside London, UKVI currently requires £1,023 per month for up to nine months, so £9,207, held in an eligible account for 28 consecutive days. This is separate from your tuition. Confirm the current figure on gov.uk.
Q: How much is student accommodation in Glasgow?
A: University halls and shared flats typically run £550 to £900 a month. Private purpose-built studios sit at the higher end. The West End near campus is the most in-demand area and fills first.
Conclusion
Glasgow is one of the more achievable Russell Group universities. If you have solid grades, the right subjects and a completed application submitted early, your realistic chance of an offer on most courses is somewhere around two in three.
The number that should shape your plan is not the university-wide figure. It is your course. Applying to Medicine at Glasgow is a genuinely competitive proposition. Applying to a social sciences or humanities degree with grades that meet the published threshold is not.
Sort your subject prerequisites, get the English test out of the way, apply in the first half of the cycle, and start looking at accommodation before June.
Find student accommodation in Glasgow or talk to our team about your options.
