Glasgow Caledonian University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Glasgow Caledonian University has maintained a steady performance in global rankings. It is consistently positioned in the 1001-1200 band in the QS World University Rankings for three consecutive years. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, GCU saw a minor decline, moving from the 601-800 band in 2024 to the 801-1000 range.

In the Complete University Guide 2025, it is ranked #85, while in The Guardian University Guide, it bagged #46 rank.

Below are the latest rankings of the Glasgow Caledonian University.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025/26

Glasgow Caledonian University excels in several academic courses, most widely acknowledged being courses in Physiotherapy, Social work, etc.

The following are the top courses in the past years as ranked by top-ranking bodies.

For more details on the ranking of the University, check out the Glasgow Caledonian University Ranking page. 

To join Glasgow Caledonian University, the first step is to go through its admissions process. The university has a supportive and smooth admissions process which makes it easier for students to understand and apply.

Some major requirements for studying in the UK that need to be fulfilled to get into the Glasgow Caledonian University are discussed in the table below.

The University may have additional program-specific requirements. Be sure to check with the respective campus for further details.
Application Dates and Intake 

International students who want to study at Glasgow Caledonian University must apply through the UCAS portal in undergraduate Courses and through the university's official portal for postgraduate Courses. The University has a flexible and balanced admission procedure, supporting secondary-level aspirations of prospective students in academic and non-academic arenas: For example, students retain the option to transfer the program level upward or postpone an entry to the next year's program. 

For 2025, the international applicants seeking to enroll in Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) would be expected to fulfill certain specific entry requirements. Mostly, they would need to hold a 3- or 4-year Bachelor's degree and meet the English proficiency requirement.

Below are the details of the application dates for the Glasgow Caledonian University.

For more information, you can check the Glasgow Caledonian University Admissions Page. 

The Glasgow Caledonian University offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. It has made its name in subjects like Social Work, which ranks #1 in the UK, and Physiotherapy, which ranks #13 in the UK and #1 in Scotland,  according to the Guardian University Guide 2024/25, making Glasgow Caledonian University a top choice for students.

Program Fees at Glasgow Caledonian University 

The Glasgow Caledonian University offers a wide range of programs covering diverse fields of economics, natural sciences, humanities, data science, etc. 

Below is an overview of estimated annual tuition fees for popular programs at the Glasgow Caledonian University. 

Note: The fees mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on the year and currency exchange rate.

If you are looking for Study Abroad Programs and want to study in the UK, Glasgow Caledonian University has a lot to offer both academically and beyond.

Glasgow Caledonian University offers amazing education and is among the top-ranked universities. However, understanding the cost structure is essential to planning your finances. 

Below is an approximate breakdown of tuition and related costs for international students for various program types at the Glasgow Caledonian University.

Note: The costs mentioned are only approximated and can vary with time and currency exchange rates.

Cost of Living in Glasgow Caledonian University 

Living in a foreign country like the UK comes with a range of expenses that need to be taken care of. An estimation of the costs plays an important role in choosing a university to study at. Having an idea of the cost of living in the UK can make it easier for student to plan their stay. 

Here's an estimate of living expenses as per the university site, for a student at the Glasgow Caledonian University.

Note: The costs mentioned are only an approximation and can vary with time and currency exchange rates.

Let us look at some of the scholarship provisions at the Glasgow Caledonian University that aim to ease the financial burden of its students.

The Glasgow Caledonian University awards different scholarships to assist brilliant students at all levels. GCU awards merit-based and need-based scholarships to students coming from different academic backgrounds or countries.

The possible scholarships are as follows:

Internal Scholarships 

The Glasgow Caledonian University provides a variety of scholarships to support international students.

Here are some internal scholarships:

External Scholarships

There are multiple UK Scholarships for Indian Students for which Glasgow Caledonian University students can apply, including external scholarships from the government and other programs, which cover full or substantial funding.

Here are some external scholarships:

After exploring financial aid, let's now look at the placement options available at the Glasgow Caledonian University.  

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is widely recognised for producing career-ready graduates. The university mixes academic curriculum with practical learning and industry experience, making it a strong choice for students in terms of employability.

Glasgow Caledonian University leads the modern university group in Scotland, as 78% of its graduates enter highly-skilled occupations.

Internship & Co-op Opportunities at Glasgow Caledonian University

• Structured internships or year-long industrial placements are offered to students in many programs, like Business, Engineering, Computing, and Health Sciences. Students can do internships, which are often integrated between the second and final year of study.
• Short-term consultancy projects, summer internships, and placement options are available to PG students in courses like International Business Management, HR, Marketing, and Public Health.
• Career Service and the Careers+ platform at the university help students connect with many co-op opportunities, startup internships, and public-sector placements.

In addition to this, GCU has strong partnerships with companies like NHS Scotland, Morgan Stanley, Scottish Water, Barclays, IBM, and many more organisations. These companies offer exclusive internship opportunities, industry talks, and networking events in an academic year.

Top Recruiters at the Glasgow Caledonian University 

Glasgow Caledonian University graduates are in demand in a lot of sectors, from global tech and finance to consulting, health, and public service. Multiple employers come to the campus annually for hiring purposes. 

The list of top recruiters at the Glasgow Caledonian University can be found below.

Moving on to the most exciting part, let's explore what student life is like at the Glasgow Caledonian University.

The Glasgow Caledonian University is located in Glasgow, one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities. Its campuses blend historic architecture with modern faculty buildings and green courtyards, creating an inviting academic environment. 

The Glasgow Caledonian University’s campus is a mix of modern architectural spaces with open courtyards and glass-fronted learning environments, making it both functional and inviting. 

Glasgow Caledonian University Main Campus (Glasgow City Centre)

The main and only UK campus of Glasgow Caledonian University is based in Glasgow’s city centre, making it a true urban university. It has all core faculties, administrative buildings, teaching blocks, and the university’s central student services..

• Popularity: 
  • It offers a walkable layout and seamlessly connects to city life. 
  • It offers the perfect mix of city energy and campus cohesion.
• Unique Features: 
  • Scotland’s first carbon-neutral social housing development, an ultra-modern Health and Life Sciences wing.
  • The Saltire Centre, home to some of the most student-centred facilities in the UK.
• Location: on Cowcaddens Road in Glasgow’s city centre.

Glasgow Caledonian University London Campus

The London campus of Glasgow Caledonian University is a special campus for postgraduate courses in Spitalfields, East London. 

• Popularity: It is the perfect choice for postgraduate students with careers in international business, finance, public health, and fashion marketing.
• Unique Features: GCU’s famous British School of Fashion is inside this campus.
• Location: at 40 Fashion Street, Spitalfields, London.

Glasgow Caledonian University New York Campus 

This is the international outpost of GCU called Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC), in SoHo, Manhattan. This is a postgraduate-only institution that focuses on business, impact entrepreneurship, and sustainable fashion.

• Popularity: 
  • It attracts socially conscious professionals and international students interested in driving ethical change in business and fashion.
• Unique Features: 
  • GCNYC is the first foreign university to be granted degree-awarding powers in New York. 
  • It combines Scottish academic values with the fast-paced innovation of New York City.
• Location: in SoHo, Manhattan, known for creativity and culture.

The Glasgow Caledonian University campus plays a special role in delivering a balanced.

Student life at the Glasgow Caledonian University is dynamic and inclusive, and is packed with multiple opportunities. GCU offers more than just academics and provides a complete student experience. 

Student Clubs & Organizations 

Glasgow Caledonian University gives a dynamic extracurricular life with multiple clubs and societies for students. These groups offer countless ways for students to explore personal interests, develop leadership skills, and enrich the campus experience beyond the classroom.

The following is a table listing different clubs and societies for students at the Glasgow Caledonian University.

Sports Programs & Teams 

Sports in a vital part of student life at Glasgow Caledonian University. It has an active sports culture that supports beginners as well as elite athletes. GCU has multiple sports clubs and organises numerous sports events all year round to encourage the participation of students at all levels. 

The following is a table listing different sports clubs and societies for students at the Glasgow Caledonian University.

Glasgow Caledonian University has a rich culture of clubs, sports, and community initiatives, which ensures that every student has the chance to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and build lifelong connections. 

Let us now look at the rich alumni of the Glasgow Caledonian University.

Glasgow Caledonian University has produced a famous group of alumni who have achieved great heights across various fields, including government, business, science, arts, and public service.

Below is a list of some of its most influential graduates:

Now that you have explored the Glasgow Caledonian University, let us look at its performance compared to other similar universities.

Choosing a university for higher studies is a big decision, and making the right choice often means comparing it with similar institutions. 

To get a clearer picture, let’s compare the Glasgow Caledonian University with similar universities like the University of Lincoln and the  Manchester Metropolitan University.

Glasgow Caledonian University stands out among its peers as it offers strong value with focused Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Agricultural programs.