Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is Scotland's largest university, with campuses in the heart of Glasgow and London. GCU is a truly global community, bringing together over 22,000 students from more than 100 countries and over 1,500 staff. As the University celebrates 150 years since its founding, it goes beyond the traditional role of a university, transforming lives through education and research that makes a positive impact in local, national and international communities. Everything GCU does is guided by its commitment to the Common Good, widening access to education and supporting students to make a difference in the world. Some of the reasons that GCU stand out are:

• Top 40 UK university (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (TSTGUG), and Daily Mail University Guide (DMUG) 2026)
• University of the Year for graduate jobs (DMUG, 2026)
• Top 250 globally (Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings, 2024)
• Glasgow Caledonian is ranked top in Scotland for its exceptional contributions to environmental and social responsibility in the 2025/26 People & Planet University League.

GCU is recognised for its academic quality with a first place ranking in the UK for physiotherapy and subjects allied to medicine and second place for social work (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and Complete University Guide, 2026). Further, 72 per cent of GCU research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent, and their health research is ranked second in the UK for outstanding impact (REF 2021).

Preparing students for life after graduation is also a priority at GCU. With a wide range of professionally accredited courses and links with over 300 industry partners, GCU is the top university in Scotland for students in employment and/or further study within 15 months of graduating at 92 per cent, outperforming the sector average (HESA 2025).

Entry requirements

Students at Glasgow Caledonian University must meet both academic and English language entry requirements.

Academic

At undergraduate level, academic entry requirements vary between courses. Students are advised to check the eligibility criteria for their preferred degree prior to application.

For postgraduate degrees, students must typically hold a minimum 2:2 bachelor's degree with honours, or an equivalent qualification.

English language

International students who come from a country which is not classified as a UKVI majority-English speaking country must provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

Broadly speaking, to enrol on a degree at GCU, students must have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The result must relate to a test taken within the past two years.

Students are advised to check the specific requirements for their chosen degree, since some courses require a higher level of English.

A range of English language qualifications are accepted by GCU, and students can undertake the Oxford ELLT through the university to receive a discount on the cost of their test.

Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS)

Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) integrates business, law and social sciences to ensure courses meet industry needs, and that students are professionally equipped for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

External partners visit GSBS for the latest research-led thinking, to contribute to courses, and access student talent. Facilities include Media Studios, the Fashion Factory, a Bloomberg Suite and a Moot Room for authentic professional experiences.

School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS) is one of Scotland's largest providers of health and life science education. It delivers research excellence in priority areas related to public health and managing long-term conditions. Professionally accredited courses mean students graduate with a head start in their chosen field and with scope for overseas employment.

The interprofessional simulation suite provides virtual hospital, ambulance, home, and care home environments for students to develop skills and build confidence prior to placement. A dedicated diagnostic imaging suite enables practice using real x-ray and medical ultrasound equipment, while the Vision Centre provides clinical services for students to train as optometrists, ophthalmic dispensers and orthoptists.

School of Science and Engineering (SSE) delivers innovative courses in the built and natural environment with research strength in sustainable environments. Students benefit from valuable research and industrial placements.

Virtual reality and testing facilities include an e-motion lab, an upgraded suite of labs in forensics, sustainable energy, cyber security (SOAP labs), and smart technologies such as robotics and internetworking.

GCU London is a postgraduate campus with strong global industry partnerships, providing students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in international business environments.

GCU is committed to ensuring students have the best possible study experience and offers a range of in-person support services.

Health and wellbeing

The Student Wellbeing team offers a free, confidential advice and support service through which students can access one-to-one counselling and therapy, group sessions and workshops. Childcare is available on campus for those with families.

International students

The Visa Immigration Support and Advice (VISA) team is on-hand to help with visa-related matters, including application support, information about visa conditions, post-study work eligibility, and more.

Disability

The dedicated disability team provides advice, information and services to disabled students and applicants.

Inclusivity

Helping more young people from diverse backgrounds into university is something GCU is passionate about, encouraging and supporting care leavers and people from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for and study at the university.

Study support

Each school offers its own Learning Development Centre, staffed by a team of experienced academic development tutors. These offer support in areas such as academic writing, English for academic purposes, ICT skills, and other general study skills.

Personal tutor

Students are assigned a personal academic tutor to talk things through one-to-one and receive advice on academic progress, university experience and general wellbeing.

Safety

The UK is a safe and peaceful location for international students. GCU takes measures to ensure that its campuses in both Glasgow and London are safe and secure. Campuses are constantly monitored by security, and a range of safety procedures are in place. These include detailed health and safety policies, emergency arrangements, training and other procedures.

The university routinely promotes mental and physical health initiatives, and students studying abroad are given advice and assistance regarding safety around the globe.

Glasgow

The hub of the Glasgow campus is the striking Sir Alex Ferguson Library, which is home to the Campus Life Desk as well as 1,800 study spaces. The refectory is the largest university facility of its type in Scotland. The learning cybercafe is the perfect spot to work or relax, while The Arc Health and Wellbeing Facility provides ample opportunities to get active. Glasgow offers a strong arts and music scene, alongside plenty of other entertainment options. Students stay well-connected through the city's strong UK transport links and international airport.

London

The London campus is in Spitalfields, a vibrant area in the heart of East London. GCU London sits within a mile of one of the world's leading financial centres, giving students direct access to a global hub of business, commerce, and professional opportunity.

Students from around the world choose GCU London to live and learn in a thriving business-focused community, in an ultra-modern environment. Strong support from academic staff and the Student Association helps students settle in and make the most of their time in London.

Students who are unable to visit in person can explore GCU's campuses through the university's virtual tour.

Accommodation

University-owned accommodation is available on the Glasgow campus. Caledonian Court is situated just across the road from the campus, and is a vibrant, self-catered residence, home to 660 students. Flats are typically shared by six to eight students and rooms are mostly single, many with en-suite facilities

Research

Glasgow Caledonian is unsurpassed by any other Scottish modern university for the level of research (72 per cent) considered to be world-leading or internationally excellent. Its health research is ranked second in the UK for outstanding impact (REF 2021).

GCU researchers advise governments, industry and international bodies. Research expertise spans all academic schools and research centres.

Degrees at Glasgow Caledonian are designed with employability at their heart, and many are accredited by professional bodies. Glasgow Caledonian is the top-performing university in Scotland for graduate outcomes, with the highest proportion of graduates in employment or further study, outperforming the sector by eight per cent.

GCU has transnational partnerships in China, South Africa, Nepal, Oman, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mauritius, bringing a range of international opportunities for students throughout their studies. Its success as a globally connected university is demonstrated by the large number of international students studying at its UK campuses.

Exchanges

GCU's unique partnerships with global businesses and higher education institutions bring a host of benefits and opportunities. There are 120 universities around the world where GCU students can study for a year, a semester or a summer. Almost all undergraduate courses offer the option of an exchange programme.

Placements

Students are encouraged to complete work experience placements or internships in a relevant industry while they study. The careers service helps students explore and apply for these.

Academic staff have strong links with employers and work to develop these contacts and build new ones. Each school uses its ties with industry to support students, encouraging placements at home and abroad.

Careers Service

A dedicated careers service assists students throughout their studies and even after graduation, with qualified careers advisors helping students to set and achieve career goals. Support includes:

• Career planning
• Sourcing and maximising opportunities, including internships and graduate jobs
• Preparing for modern recruitment processes
• Access to GCU's online vacancies portal

Managing finances as a student is an important consideration. Glasgow Caledonian is committed to keeping tuition fees affordable and ensuring students have access to the funding support they need.

Scholarships

Glasgow Caledonian University believes that education is for everyone, and as such, has dedicated support teams on hand to help students understand what financial support options are available to them. The university is passionate about widening access to education. It offers a range of bursaries, scholarships and discounts. With straightforward application processes and a funding team on hand to advise, it is committed to helping learners from a range of backgrounds to succeed in higher education.

Students are encouraged to review the current scholarships on offer at GCU to find options suited to their personal circumstances.

Financial support on campus

Financial support continues once students reach campus. The Student Funding team offers practical advice and guidance. Contact information is available via the University website.