Glasgow Caledonian University

About GCU

• GCU is a public university based in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

• Its motto is “For the Common Weal” (i.e., for the common good) and it highlights a strong social mission — combining education, research and social impact.

• It has a global outlook: students from 120+ countries, extensive international partnerships, a dedicated international support team.

• The university offers industry-connected teaching, professional accreditation, and emphasises graduate employability and sustainable development.

Why choose GCU?

For an international student, here are reasons that make GCU a strong option:

• Strong international student support: GCU’s webpages say they aim to give international students “award-winning support” and that students come from more than 130 countries.

• Good outcomes: According to Scotland.org summary, GCU has 91 % of its graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduating.

• Modern campuses & two city options: The main campus in Glasgow city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly; additionally there is a London campus (for certain programmes) offering a UK capital city option.

• Industry relevance & research/social impact: GCU is ranked high for sustainability and social impact (see below) which indicates a contemporary orientation. For a student wanting relevance and practical-focus, that is a plus.

• Scholarships and financial incentives: GCU offers a range of scholarships and discounts for international students (see scholarships section below).

• Flexibility in course modes: The university offers full-time, part-time, online/distance learning options (good for international students who might need flexible delivery).

University ranking & reputation

Here’s a breakdown of the ranking picture for GCU:

• In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023, GCU was placed in the 601-800 band globally.

• According to the Complete University Guide 2025, GCU is ranked 75th out of 130 UK universities, and is described as the top modern university in Scotland in that guide.

• Subject-level strength: The university claims several subjects ranked in top UK top-10 (e.g., forensics science, physiotherapy) based on their news release.

• According to the Webometrics ranking (July 2025) GCU is ranked #1,224 in the world, #85 in the UK (approx) in that particular index.

• GCU is also ranked 1st in Scotland for sustainability in the People & Planet University League 2023/24.

Interpretation for international students:
While GCU may not be among the very top elite UK universities in overall global league tables, it has strong subject-performance (especially in health, sciences), good student support and outcomes, and very good value for many international students. If your chosen subject is one of its strong areas and you value employability, international experience and support, then GCU is a strong pick.

Campus Locations

• The main campus is in Glasgow city centre. GCU describes it as a “single-site campus” where everything is conveniently located in Glasgow. 

• The university also has a campus in London — known as GCU London, aimed largely at postgraduate/professional programmes.

• The Glasgow campus is described as pedestrian-friendly and central.

Types of courses (study levels)

GCU offers a broad set of study levels:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees: Their site says “we offer more than 80 degrees” at undergraduate level.

• Postgraduate taught (Master’s) programmes: GCU has “more than 70 courses” at postgraduate level.

• Part-time, flexible, online / distance learning: The postgraduate page mentions that you can study online & distance learning, part time.

• Research degrees: GCU offers postgraduate research study options (MPhil, PhD) and research studentships via scholarships/funding.

Mode of learning (on-site / e-learning / blended)

• On-campus / face-to-face: The Glasgow campus provides in-person learning with all facilities on site.

• Online / distance: GCU explicitly states “Learning from home – develop your skills with an online distance learning Master’s course” on the Study page.

• Part-time / blended: Many postgraduate and part-time courses list flexible modes (e.g., part-time MSc Computer Science 28 months).

Number of programmes offered

• Undergraduate: More than 80 degrees offered.

• Postgraduate: More than 70 courses at postgraduate level.

• In addition: wide range of part-time, online, distance, professional programmes across subjects.

• According to a profile summary: “Almost 400 different courses available” at GCU.

Highlights & strengths

• Top modern university in Scotland: According to the Complete University Guide 2025, GCU is ranked 75th out of 130 UK universities and is the top modern university in Scotland.

• Excellent sustainability & social impact credentials: Ranked 1st in Scotland for sustainability (People & Planet University League 2023/24) and strong in UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Strong industry and professional links: GCU mentions links with over 300 industry partners, accreditation and graduate apprenticeships.

• International outlook and student satisfaction: GCU claims to have one of the highest scores in Scotland for international student satisfaction.

• Dual-city option: Glasgow + London campuses give options to students depending on their budget and aspirations.

• Modern facilities: The campus is city-centre and digitally enabled, with student services, labs, simulation centres etc.

Key considerations for you as an international student

• Cost of living & location: Glasgow tends to have lower living costs than London. If you opt for GCU London campus you should budget more for accommodation, transport, and general living.

• Visa & immigration support: GCU’s international pages mention dedicated Visa & Immigration advice team for students and dependants.

• Check course mode and campus: Some courses may require on-campus attendance, labs, simulations; others may offer online/distance or London-campus versions.

• Scholarship timings and eligibility: Some scholarships are automatic based on application; others may require separate application or be limited by country. For example, the GREAT Scholarship for Kenya & Malaysia.

• Subject strength: If your chosen field is one of GCU’s strong subject areas (e.g., health professions, physiotherapy, optometry, forensics, sustainable development) you may gain added value. Review subject-specific reputation.

• Accommodation & living arrangements: As in many UK universities, booking early is wise; especially in city-centre campuses.

• Apply in good time: Cover your documents, English language tests (if required), visa processes, and accommodation bookings. Use virtual campus tours to familiarise yourself.

Scholarship

1) Undergraduate — “New to GCU” international scholarships

• What: International fee-paying undergraduates studying full-time on GCU Glasgow campus are eligible for up to £2,500 per academic year as a tuition fee discount (applied at enrolment). Some awards may be automatic (assessed on application).

• Who can apply: Self-funding international students on eligible full-time on-campus UG courses. Check the course page for exclusions.

• How awarded & applied: No separate form required for many of these — eligibility is assessed during application and the discount is applied when you enrol. Always confirm via your offer letter or Scholarships team.

2) Postgraduate taught — “New to GCU” + Regional + Ambassador scholarships

• New to GCU Postgraduate scholarships: GCU runs a set of tuition-discount scholarships for international applicants starting postgraduate taught programmes; amounts and eligibility vary by nationality/region and intake (e.g., a regional scholarship for Malaysian nationals of ~£3,500 or a 10% waiver for other schemes). Some awards are automatic (assessed at application).

• Postgraduate Ambassador Scholarship: Full tuition for one or more international students who can demonstrate alignment with GCU’s mission for the Common Good (you must have an unconditional offer for a master’s at Glasgow or London campus and apply by the stated deadline). This is competitive — prepare a strong personal statement showing service, leadership and impact.

• Early payment discount: If you pay early you may be able to claim an additional 5% discount on fees over a threshold after other GCU scholarships are applied.

3) GREAT Scholarships (GCU + British Council / GREAT Campaign)

• What: Substantial awards — £10,000 tuition contribution for selected nationalities (GREAT Scholarships are co-funded with the UK Government/British Council). GCU has offered GREAT Scholarships for countries such as Kenya, Malaysia, Indonesia (check current eligibility).

• How to apply & deadline: GCU advertises country-specific GREAT Scholarships syllabuses and timelines; one round shows an application deadline of 1 Nov 2025 for January/September 2026 intakes. Apply to your programme and follow the GREAT application instructions on GCU’s GREAT scholarship page.

4) Loyalty & alumni discounts

• Loyalty discount: If you have previously graduated from GCU (or one of its founding institutions) you may be entitled to 30% off privately funded tuition for a subsequent UG or PG taught programme (not for research degrees).

5) Research & PhD funding (studentships)

• Where to find projects: GCU advertises funded PhD studentships and projects via its PhD opportunities search (Powered by FindAPhD) — filter by “funded”. Individual schools also run competitive studentships (e.g., NHS/industry co-funded, school allocations).

• Fees & stipends: Fees for international research students are published (example: PhD international fee ~ £17,200 per year for 2025/26 — verify the latest fee table on the research fees page). Studentships may cover fees and include a stipend — check each advert.

Eligibility, required documents & how to apply (step-by-step)

1. Pick your campus & programme (Glasgow or GCU London; some scholarships are campus- or country-specific).

2. Apply for the course through UCAS (UG) or GCU direct (PG) and obtain an offer (conditional/unconditional). Many GCU scholarships are assessed automatically from your application.

3. Check your offer & student portal — scholarship discounts/eligibility details are normally shown in your offer letter or student portal. If the award requires an application (e.g., Ambassador Scholarship), follow the explicit application instructions and deadlines on the scholarship page.

4. Common documents you’ll need: passport, proof of nationality, academic transcripts, degree certificates, English language evidence, personal statement (for competitive awards), CV, portfolio/audition (for creative courses), evidence of household income (for means-tested bursaries if any).

5. Deadlines to note: GREAT Scholarship rounds and country/regional awards have specific deadlines (one GREAT round shows 01 Nov 2025). Regional PG scholarships often list deadlines around Jan 2026 for Sept 2026 entry; check the scholarship page for your country.

6. If you’re applying for a PhD: search funded PhD projects on GCU’s PhD search, contact potential supervisors, and apply to the studentship following the project advert. Check whether the studentship covers fees and stipend.

Practical tips & realistic expectations

• Many GCU scholarships are automatic (assessed from your application)—so apply early and make sure your application is complete.

• Large awards exist but are competitive (e.g., GREAT £10k and Postgraduate Ambassador full-tuition). Prepare strong supporting statements that match GCU’s values (Common Good, employability, impact).

• Discounts vs full scholarships: Typical first-line help for international UG students is a tuition discount (e.g., up to £2,500/yr). Full tuition scholarships are rarer and competitive.

• Combine where allowed: GCU permits an early payment (5%) discount after other scholarships have been applied (check T&Cs). Loyalty discounts (30%) apply if you’re a GCU alum — excellent if you plan to return for further study.

• Check visa & funding rules: Discounts reduce the tuition you must show for a Student Route visa, but you must still meet overall maintenance funds; confirm with the Visa/International team.