University of Glasgow acceptance rate 2025, every year a great number of exceptional students from all over the world apply to the University of Glasgow, a prominent university in the United Kingdom. Known for its rich history, world-class research, and diverse academic programs. However, acceptance rates become one of the main worries for many applicants during a very competitive application season.
Gaining admission can be competitive, making it essential to understand the acceptance rate, entry requirements, and strategies to improve your chances. In this guide, we will break down the University of Glasgow acceptance rate for 2025, discuss undergraduate and postgraduate requirements, explore factors that influence admissions, and provide valuable tips to strengthen your application.
Read Also: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the German Job Seeker Visa in 2025
Overall University of Glasgow Acceptance Rate
The University of Glasgow has a 70% undergraduate acceptance rate and a 52% postgraduate acceptance rate, per the most recent data. Over 33,000 students were admitted to the University of Glasgow for the 2023–2024 academic year, with 15% of those students being international. Admissions have been increasing over the past ten years, even if they are declining for the 2022–2023 school year. After the 2019–2020 school year, it continued to have more than 30,000 admissions annually.
Due to high demand, acceptance rates for some competitive programs—like medicine, veterinary science, law, and business—are much lower. Acceptance rates for postgraduate applicants vary greatly according to the program, applicant pool, and research needs. With admission rates ranging from 30% to 50%, master’s programs in the social sciences, business, and STEM fields are typically very competitive.
Acceptance Rate by Faculty (Estimated Figures)
- Medicine & Veterinary Medicine: 15-20%
- Law & Business: 30-40%
- Engineering & Sciences: 50-60%
- Humanities & Social Sciences: 60-70%
Russell Group vs. University of Glasgow Acceptance Rate
The average University of Glasgow acceptance rate is 58.3%, ranking it twelfth out of the 24 Russell Group universities. The University of Southampton had the highest admission rate at 84%, while the University of Oxford Street had the lowest acceptance rate at 19%, making it the most difficult university to get into.
| Russell Group Acceptance Rates | |
|---|---|
| University of Southampton | 84.0% |
| University of York | 79.0% |
| University of Sheffield | 78.6% |
| University of Nottingham | 74.0% |
| University of Exeter | 73.0% |
| University of Liverpool | 69.2% |
| Newcastle University | 68.2% |
| Cardiff University | 67.2% |
| Durham University | 67.2% |
| University of Warwick | 63.0% |
| University of Glasgow | 58.3% |
| University of Bristol | 55.0% |
| Queen Mary University of London | 51.3% |
| University of Manchester | 51.0% |
| University of Edinburgh | 47.0% |
| University of Leeds | 47.0% |
| University of Birmingham | 45.1% |
| King’s College London | 41.3% |
| Queen’s University Belfast | 35.0% |
| Imperial College London | 25.9% |
| University College London | 24.8% |
| University of Cambridge | 21.2% |
| London School of Economics | 16.3% |
| University of Oxford | 16.0% |
Read Also: Best Universities in Seattle 2025: An Overview of Rankings, Costs, and Course Offerings
Acceptance Rates by Major & Programmes
While the overall University of Glasgow acceptance rate ranges from 55% to 70%, each majors and programs have various prerequisites and admission challenges, so you need to adjust your application strategy to fit your desired specialization.
| Acceptance rates for different majors | |
|---|---|
| MSc Veterinary | 89% |
| MSc Psychology | 79% |
| MSc History | 73% |
| LLM Law | 64% |
| MMus Musicology | 56% |
| MLitt English Literature | 53% |
| MSc Statistics | 48% |
| MSc Chemistry | 45% |
| MSc Economics, Banking and Finance | 44% |
| MAcc Accounting and Finance | 43% |
| MBA | 28% |
Read Also: University of Toronto Acceptance Rate: Details, Requirements and More
Program adoption is influenced by a wide range of factors. For instance, the University of Glasgow’s top institution, Adam Smith Business School, receives the most applications and faces the fiercest competition. Because of their excellent subject rankings and promising employment prospects, the School’s financial engineering, international accounting, financial management, and other specializations have far lower acceptance rates than other specializations.
The large volume of applications also resulted in poor acceptance rates for other commercial programs. Liberal arts degrees like philosophy, history, and environmental management, on the other hand, are more accepted, have fewer applicants, and are comparatively less popular. Even lower acceptance rates derive from the fact that engineering and medical schools have limited enrollment and high laboratory equipment and clinical opportunity requirements.
| Most Competitive Programs | |
|---|---|
| MSc(DentSci) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | 7.50% |
| MSc(DentSci) Endodontics | 8.60% |
| MSc Creative Industries and Cultural Policy | 14% |
| MSc Management with International Finance | 15% |
| MSc(MedSci) Applied Neuropsychology | 18% |
| MSc Medical Physics | 19% |
| MSc Media Management | 20% |
| MSc Conservation Management of African Ecosystems | 21% |
| MSc Management | 25% |
| MSc International Strategic Marketing | 25% |
| Least Competitive Programs | |
|---|---|
| PgCert Child Health | 96% |
| MSc Medieval History | 94% |
| CPD Teaching English for Academic Purposes | 92% |
| MSc Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies | 92% |
| MSc Geoinformation Technology and Cartography | 90% |
| MSc Stem Cell Engineering | 90% |
| MSc Geospatial and Mapping Sciences | 90% |
| MLitt Art History | 86% |
| MEd Professional Practice | 86% |
| MSc Sensor and Imaging Systems | 85% |
Read Also: University of Toronto Acceptance Rate: Details, Requirements and More
Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Applicants
To gain admission to undergraduate programs, students must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
- A-Level Students (UK Applicants): At least AAA – ABB, depending on the course.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Students: A minimum of 36-40 points.
- Other International Qualifications: Equivalents vary; applicants should check country-specific requirements on the university’s official website.
2. English Language Proficiency
Non-native English speakers must prove proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS – Minimum 6.5-7.0 overall.
- TOEFL (iBT) – Minimum 90-100 overall.
- PTE Academic – Minimum 60-70.
3. Additional Course-Specific Requirements
- Medicine & Dentistry: Requires UCAT scores, multiple interviews, and high academic performance.
- Engineering & Sciences: Mathematics and science subject prerequisites apply.
- Law: Personal statement and possible LNAT test required.
Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Applicants
For Master’s and PhD programs, applicants need:
1. Academic Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) or equivalent.
- Some programs may consider 2:2 degrees with relevant experience.
2. English Language Proficiency
Same requirements as undergraduate students (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
3. Additional Requirements
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Explains your academic background, goals, and reasons for choosing Glasgow.
- Letters of Recommendation – Usually two references from professors or employers.
- Work Experience – Required for some programs like MBA or Public Policy.
Factors Affecting Admission Chances
Several factors can impact your admission success:
- Strength of Application: Academic records, personal statements, and recommendations play a crucial role.
- Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles, internships, and volunteering enhance your profile.
- Competition Level: More applications mean lower chances, especially in Medicine, Law, and Business.
- International vs. Domestic Applications: Some courses may have specific quotas for international students.
Read Also: Resource Management in Education: Methods, Outcomes & Careers
Application Procedures University of Glasgow
- Visit the UCAS website
- Click the application form for the University of Glasgow.
- Make an account with your email address or mobile number.
- Enter your personal information, including your name, gender, and birthdate.
- Enter your educational background and attach the necessary files.
- Select a course
- Use internet banking or a debit or credit card to pay the application cost.
- Submit your application form
- Selected students may be required to attend an interview for certain programs.
Documents Required
- Official academic transcripts
- English language proficiency test scores
- Scanned copy of the passport
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- CV/ Resume
- Two Reference letters
- Other program-specific requirements
Alternative Pathways to Admission
If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, consider these alternative routes:
- Foundation Programs: Offered by the University of Glasgow for students who need additional preparation.
- Clearing and Adjustment: Available for UK students who didn’t secure their first-choice university.
- Transfer Programs: Some students transfer from another institution after completing their first year elsewhere.
University of Glasgow Campus Overview
The University of Glasgow boasts a stunning and historic campus, combining Gothic architecture with modern facilities. It is one of the oldest universities in the UK, founded in 1451, and offers a vibrant academic environment with world-class research centers and student-friendly spaces.
1. Main Campus – Gilmorehill
- Located in Glasgow’s West End, Gilmorehill is the primary campus.
- Home to the iconic Main Building, designed in a neo-Gothic style.
- Facilities include the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, Hunterian Museum, University Library, and Adam Smith Business School.
2. Garscube Campus
- Situated six miles from the main campus, Garscube is dedicated to Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences.
- It houses research facilities, sports complexes, and student accommodations.
3. Dumfries Campus
- Focuses on interdisciplinary research, environmental studies, and humanities.
- Offers a peaceful learning environment in southern Scotland.
4. Teaching & Research Facilities
- Advanced labs, digital learning spaces, and libraries enhance student experience.
- Major ongoing projects include the new Western Campus development, and expanding research and medical studies.
Get the Best Student Accommodation near the University of Glasgow
If you’re looking for the best student accommodation near the University of Glasgow, several excellent options are available:
- Scotway House: Located just 0.8 miles from the university, this accommodation offers modern amenities, including a gym, cinema, co-working lounge, and all-inclusive bills. Prices start from £230 per week
- Bridle Works: About 1.6 miles from campus, this property features a rooftop terrace, karaoke room, and gym. It offers flexible payment options and starts at £227 per week
- Vita Student West End: This premium option is only 0.7 miles away and provides en-suite rooms, a gym, and a library. Prices begin at £305 per week
- Gibson Street: Just 0.3 miles from the university, it offers flexible payment terms, housekeeping, and maintenance services. Prices start from £266 per week
- iQ Cullen House: Located about a mile from campus, this option provides dual occupancy, gym access, and study areas.
How to Improve Your Chance
1. Enhancing academic achievement: Since the academic hurdle for various majors has been lowered by the University of Glasgow 2025, achieving higher than average grades will have more evident benefits. To demonstrate how well their major background aligns with popular majors like computer science and business, students applying for these programs should concentrate on raising their scores in foundational courses like math, programming, and finance.
2. Attainment of language competence: You can select the test in which you are most proficient because the University of Glasgow accepts scores from LanguageCert Academic SELT and Password Skills Plus in addition to IELTS. Some programs allow for a case-by-case review, but if your language skills are lacking, you can also apply for a language course (as long as you satisfy the minimal requirements).
3. Appropriate specialization selection and application processes: Prioritizing new or cold specializations can improve your chances of being accepted to the University of Glasgow if you take the facts into account. For students with similar backgrounds, the new specializations for 2025 (such as MSc Cybersecurity and MSc Business Analytics) are worthwhile because they have limited competition. Furthermore, because the University of Glasgow uses a dual admissions process, it is advised that you apply as soon as possible to prevent subsequent spot shortages.
4. Making use of collaborative initiatives and regulations: The University of Glasgow softens its requirements for students from partner universities if they are enrolled in a cooperative model (such as the SQA HND program) and accepts the first three years of grades from the home university.
5. Optimisation of application materials
- Personal statement: In addition to highlighting your academic interests, career goals, and program fit, you should provide concrete examples of your skills, such as research projects and internships. For a Master of Computer Science degree, for instance, you may highlight your experience with data analysis or programming projects.
- Letters of Recommendation: Select recommenders who are knowledgeable about your academic or practical talents, and highlight abilities that are relevant to the major you are applying for (e.g., research ability, teamwork).
- Practical Experience: Science and engineering applicants should show lab or development project experience, whereas business applicants should give relevant internships (e.g., marketing, financial analysis).
Read Also: Fully Funded McCall MacBain Scholarships in Canada 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the University of Glasgow Acceptance Rate 2025
1. What is the overall acceptance rate at the University of Glasgow in 2025?
The University of Glasgow has an estimated acceptance rate of around 70%, but this varies significantly by program. Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Business have much lower acceptance rates, sometimes below 30%.
2. How competitive is admission for international students?
Admission for international students can be more competitive depending on the program. Some courses have limited seats for non-UK applicants, and students must meet both academic and English language proficiency requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
3. What are the most competitive courses at Glasgow?
Programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Veterinary Medicine, and Business are among the most competitive, often requiring higher academic grades, entrance exams (e.g., UCAT for Medicine), and strong personal statements.
4. What GPA or grades do I need to get into Glasgow?
For undergraduates, A-level students typically need AAA–ABB, while IB students require 36–40 points. For postgraduate admission, a minimum of a 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) or equivalent GPA is usually required.
5. What can I do if I don’t meet the admission requirements?
Students who do not meet direct entry requirements can consider foundation programs, pathway courses, or transfer options to gain admission. The university also offers a Clearing and Adjustment process for eligible applicants.
In conclusion, through an in-depth analysis of the University of Glasgow acceptance rate in 2025, we can draw the following conclusions although there are some fluctuations in the acceptance rate, The meritocracy principle is always upheld at the University of Glasgow. Applicants should not only focus on academic results but also the quality of their statements, letters of recommendation, and other documents to highlight their unique strengths when preparing their applications.
In addition, early preparation and planning is also the key to success. For those who do not meet direct requirements, alternative pathways such as foundation programs or transfers provide additional opportunities. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, thorough preparation and strategic planning are key to securing a spot at Glasgow in 2025.