Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a public research university. The university has campuses in two locations in the UK. The main campus is in Glasgow with another campus in London. GCU glasgow campus is home to 20,000+ students belonging to diverse nationalities. Glasgow Caledonian University students can choose from 200+ programs, offered via 3 academic departments. Explore: 100+ GCU courses
Along with learning from the esteemed faculty and professionals, GCU students get to experience a wide range of cultural and sporting events at the campus. The 50+ student clubs and organizations are what attract international students, on UK study visa, to GCU. More than 70% of students complete at least one internship, while pursuing studies at GCU. Post graduation, around 95% of students enrol either for further studies or job; that too within 6 months of course completion.
The acceptance rate of Glasgow Caledonian University is less selective at 23%, allowing only merit students to get into. The minimum academic requirements include IELTS score of 6.5 and 70% in previous academic years. Recommendation letters and GMAT score are mandated by the university for a few courses. Check: admission process for GCU!!
Glasgow Caledonian University Rankings
Glasgow Caledonian University ranks at 75th in Best Universities in the United Kingdom, as per US News and World Education Report 2023. Other GCU rankings include,
- #1001-1200 as per QS World University Rankings 2023
- #601–800th World University Rankings 2022 by THE
- #70 in the Impact Rankings 2022 by THE
- #195 Young University Rankings 2022 by THE
- #439 in Best Global Universities in Europe in US News 2022
- #1127 in Best Global Universities in US News 2022
Glasgow Caledonian University Programs
Glasgow Caledonian University offers traditional undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with routes to university study. There are around 200 courses taught at Glasgow Caledonian University, divided under three academic schools- Glasgow School of Business and Environment, School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment, and School of Health and Life Sciences. Subject areas range from business to architecture, mechanical engineering to cyber security, medicine to linguistics.
Apart from on-campuses courses, the GCU programs includes online & distance learning Master’s courses, Postgraduate research studies, College Connect, and Graduate Apprenticeships.
Glasgow Caledonian University Admissions
International students applying to courses at GCU should check the deadlines and specific course requirements before applying. Below mentioned are generalized requirements, however, some programs need additional requirements.
Application Portal: UCAS for UG/ GCU Application
Application Fees: 20 GBP for one course; 25 GBP for two courses
Admission Requirements for Bachelor Courses:
- Academic score above 80%
- Personal Statement
- One Academic Reference
- IELTS score above 6.5
For some specific courses at UG level, students might be asked to appear for interview, sit of an admission test, submit a portfolio, or provide relevant work/volunteer experience.
Admission Requirements for Masters Courses:
- Academic transcripts
- Academic score above 65% (depending on course)
- Statement of Purpose (motivations, background, and reasons for applying)
- Letters of Reference (gives out the ability to complete the course)
- Academic and professional certificates
- Photocopy of Passport
- IELTS Academic: Average score of 6 (no component less than 5.5)
Glasgow Caledonian University Fees & Costs
The cost of studying includes both GCU program fees and living expenses. The tuition fees varies from program to program. However, the average tuition fees for international students is around 13,500 GBP/year for undergraduate courses. In case of graduate certificate courses, the tuition fees is around 10,000 GBP/year. The master’s degree program at GCU have the tuition fees of around 15,500 GBP/year.
The cost of living for GCU students is somewhere between 10,000 GBP to 11,500 GBP. A rough monthly guide with an approximate of living expenses is listed below:
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (in GBP) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 550 |
| Energy bills | 50 / 60 |
| Food / Household goods | 180 |
| Local Transport | 40 |
| Social activities | 120 |
| Telephone / Internet | 50 |
| Clothes | 70 |
| Books/ Printing | 40 |
| Total | 1,100 |
Glasgow Caledonian University Campus
Glasgow Caledonian University has two campuses in the United Kingdom, London and Glasgow. GCU boasts a population of 22,000 with students in the UK campuses. Along with UK campuses, the university has another international campus in New York City.
- The striking Sir Alex Ferguson Library is the home of the university library serving flexible study spaces for 1,800 students, also comprising unique inflatable igloo semi-private study areas.
- The largest university facility of the refectory in Scotland is also there on the campus.
- Other than these, there’s a cyber café to relax in between the classes and The Arc Health and Wellbeing Facility for students to get active.
- Students can get involved by being ambassadors in inculcating freshers’ experience, organizing two official graduation balls, and exchange & study abroad programs.
Glasgow Caledonian University Accommodation
Students can find a home at on-campus residences of GCU at Caledonian Court- or rent aa accommodation in Glasgow through a private landlord. Caledonian Court is across the hustle and bustle of the university in addition to enjoying a city-center location.
Caledonian Court is a home for 600 students consisting of 100 flats. Every flat has 6-8 bedrooms with a fully equipped kitchen. En-suite facilities have 340 rooms which include single rooms and a few twin rooms. The place has won Gold Award for Green Tourism Business Scheme.
- When to Apply? Students can apply at any time of the year, but offers are sent out depending upon the rooms available.
- Rent Cost: The rent costs around 99.79-118 GBP per week which includes the amenities of light, heat, power, and wired/unwired internet connections. After accepting the Conditions of the Lease, students have to pay a deposit of 650 GBP.
- Family Housing Facilities: Caledonian Court does not offer designated family or postgraduate housing.
- Modern facilities have coin-operated laundrette, gym, health & fitness center, campus shops, several cafes, and car parking. The travel is flexible by staying in the city center with public transport and the “Clockwork Orange” underground train system.
For students who need short-term accommodation at the beginning of the academic year, it’s not available.
Glasgow Caledonian University Scholarships
GCU proves that education is for everyone, thus offering a scholarship package of 2 million GBP per year. These scholarships aid with travel & living costs, tuition fee support, and opportunities to work with people inspiring students. Some of Glasgow Caledonian University scholarships available to international students are tabulated below:
| Scholarship Name | Award | Eligible Countries | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland's Saltire Scholarship | 8,000 GBP for one academic year | Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, USA | Full Time Taught Postgraduate Masters course |
| GREAT Scholarships | 10,000 GBP for one-year master’s programs | India, Egypt, and Nepal | One-year postgraduate study in the UK |
| International Loyalty | UG and PG student gets 2,000 GBP for the first annual fees and 1,000 GBP for subsequent years |
All countries outside the UK | Both UGs and PGs can apply if they have attended a GCU Summer School or an exchange program at GCU or have a UG degree from GCU |
| New to GCU | UG and PG student gets 2,000 GBP for the first annual fees and 1,000 GBP for subsequent years | All countries | EU research and self-funded international students |
| Early Payment | Discount on 5% of total fee payment before the first teaching date of the program (available only over 5,000 GBP) | All countries | Postgraduate students |
Glasgow Caledonian University Alumni
Alumni of GCU can assess benefits and services available to them which include event facilities, venue, funded opportunities to employ a graduate intern, graduate membership of GCU Library services, and Loyalty scholarships.
- Through GCU Foundation, alumni can be a part of the Common Good Campaign by providing funds to students with no income or family support.
- With the Alumni Engagement Team, graduates can volunteer the future students in three ways- as a Literacy Mentor to a child to GCU’s partner schools, Career Mentor to a final year student, or as Ambassador to the student or graduate entrepreneurs.
- GCU rewards its graduates with Alumni of the Year Awards who made an outstanding contribution to Common Good.
- Some of the notable alumni of Glasgow Caledonian University are:
- Gary Gibson: Science fiction writer
- Maura Buchanan: President of the Royal College of Nursing from 2006-2010.
- Alex Keddie: Former Scottish footballer
- Brian Limond: Scottish author, comedian, and Twitch streamer.
Glasgow Caledonian University Placements
The university has its own career services with a proven track record. Graduates of Glasgow Caledonian University are working at firms like Ernst & Young, SONY, Optimus, and Rockstar Games. However, GCU placement services are available for selective courses only. Nonetheless, the university hosts several job fairs, including GCU alumni job fairs to present students with suitable opportunities.
Undoubtedly, Glasgow Caledonian University is amongst the top 2% in the UK. GCU has also made its mark in America by providing a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in addition to distance learning Master’s courses, Postgraduate research studies, College Connect, and Graduate Apprenticeships.
FAQs
Ques. How can I apply for GCU undergraduate courses?
Ans. If applying between July and September, students can contact a GCU representative in their home country for advice on applying directly. Or students can directly apply online using UCAS with an application fee of 20 GBP. International students applying for undergraduate courses should submit their applications before June 30. However, students are recommended to apply by January 25, which is the priority deadline for all.
Ques. What are the deadlines for housing applications?
Ans. There are no deadlines for housing applications. GCU allots rooms as soon as they are available to students. Students can contact the accommodation office to send out an application form or it can be downloaded online.
Ques. As an international student, do I have to submit any other forms to avail scholarship?
Ans. Generally, GCU considers international students for scholarships from their application form itself. Only a few scholarships need separate forms.
Ques. What is the cost of living at GCU?
Ans. A rough monthly guide gives the cost-of-living GBP 1,100 which comprises accommodation, energy bills, food/household goods, local transport, social activities, telephone/internet, clothing, and books/printing.
Ques. What are the IELTS score requirements at Glasgow Caledonian University?
Ans. Students have to submit proof of English Language Proficiency using minimum test scores of 6.5 bands in IELTS Academic. For the students who haven’t taken IELTS, the university accepts substitute tests with following score:
- 78 in TOEFL Ibt
- 55 in PTE Academic
- Minimum Grade C in CAE OR Level III Pass in Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English.
Ques. What is Glasgow Caledonian University known for?
Ans. The university is extremely popular in the UK for its links with industries and corporations. Several courses at Glasgow Caledonian University offer students industry experience and placement options.
Ques. What is the acceptance rate at GCU?
Ans. The Glasgow Caledonian University is quite selective in terms of admission. The average acceptance rate for GCU courses is 28%, as per the recent admission statistics. Some programs at GCU have even more competitive acceptance rates.
