Originally founded in 1451, Glasgow University is the fourth oldest university in the UK.   Today Glasgow is a major research powerhouse, with an annual research contract income in the top ten of UK universities.  In the last five years, £152M has been invested in facilities and over 400 new academic staff, including 68 professors, have been appointed in the university’s leading academic areas. Another £300M plan of investment is scheduled for the next three years. In 2008, he University of Glasgow achieved outstanding results in the Research Assessment Exercise, with almost 70 per cent of the institution’s research activity classified as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Glasgow takes pride in offering a diverse university community with a rich cultural, social and educational mix that attracts students and staff from all over the world. Students from over 100 different countries make up 15% of the total student community. Last year the University welcomed 3000 international students.

In order to make the experience of overseas students as fulfilling as possible, Glasgow provides a strong support system and specialist staff dedicated to giving help, guidance and advice to international students.

The University Language Centre offers an English as a Foreign Language Unit to prepare overseas students for study at the university in pre-sessional courses; it also offers a range of English courses to support them throughout their study. 

Glasgow is one of Europe’s liveliest cities with a vibrant and colourful social scene, some of the best shopping in the world, thriving music and performance venues and some increasingly renowned international festivals. The city of Glasgow has a reputation throughout the world as a friendly and welcoming place with a vibrant cultural life; many students say the same about the university.