How much to budget to study abroad in Glasgow?

Embarking on an overseas education involves many financial considerations. Among these, tuition fees constitute the bulk of the study-abroad budget for many students. This component often depends on the course and university in Glasgow that you choose. For quick access to the options at hand, simply download the IDP Live app.

University of Glasgow

If you’re keen to pursue oncology - the study of cancer - the University of Glasgow is celebrated globally for its cutting-edge research in this field. Notably, the school ranks among the top universities in the UK based on the UK Universities QS Ranking 2024. It is also part of the elite Russell Group of Institutions, whose membership is exclusive to leading universities. For study-abroad students from non-EU and UK countries, tuition fees cost £21,600 per year for full-year courses, and £10,800 for semester-long programs.

Glasgow Caledonian University

For other medical majors, Glasgow Caledonian University makes an attractive choice as it is known as the largest provider of NHS healthcare graduates in Scotland. If you’re interested in business, the university’s business programs are recognized by prestigious professional bodies like the Chartered Banker Institute, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, and the Institute of Operational Risk. As a full-time student from a non-EU country, you can expect to pay an annual tuition fee from £13,000 to £18,950*, depending on your major and level of study.

University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgowis another institution to consider if your interest lies in business. Since 2004, the university’s Strathclyde Business School has been a proud holder of triple accreditation from leading business school accreditation agencies – AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB. Besides this, the institution’s engineering faculty is among the UK's best-equipped, with its engineering courses accredited by premier professional Engineering institutions. Studying at this university will require about £7,500/semester and £15,000/academic year.

If you’re still unsure which university suits you best, IDP's experienced overseas education placement consultants are here to guide you. Drawing upon our knowledge of university programs, application requirements and scholarship opportunities, you can rely on us for a smooth journey to Glasgow. Feel free to hit the message button on your screen anytime to drop us a question.

However, shortlisting of courses is just the beginning, for many universities also require you to show your English language proficiency through the IELTS test.

As an exam covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking, prepping for it alone can be daunting, and you don’t have to. IDP provides resources and even IELTS preparation courses to help you study strategically. And given our position as a joint owner of the IELTS test, you can trust us to gear you up to excel when you book your test with us.

Once you get a spot in your desired university, you can apply for your UK student visa up to six months before your course starts. For students from regions outside of the UK, this will cost you £490.

Application duration

You will typically receive a reply within three weeks. That said, you can also opt for 'priority service' priced at £500 to receive your results in five working days or choose the £1,000 'super priority service' to get a reply by the end of the next working day.

Health surcharge

In the last leg of your visa application, you will need to pay a healthcare surcharge. This costs around £470/year, with the final amount depending on your visa duration. To avoid unnecessary delays, you can consult IDP’s overseas education placement consultants for advice on student health cover and visa application matters.

When selecting your accommodations in Glasgow, several options are available.

University-owned housing

University-owned accommodations are among the most budget-friendly options for study-abroad students. A single room in a university accommodation at institutions like the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde typically costs about £140 onwards per week, including bills. Its benefits include:

• Convenience and cost savings: living on campus eliminates the need for travel, saving time and transport costs.

• Social interaction: being with fellow students fosters a vibrant social life and facilitates easy networking.

However, shared living areas may limit your privacy.

Off-campus housing

Renting a single room in a private student apartment ranges between £250 and £350 per week. If you share with other study abroad peers, it will cost about £175 per week, excluding things like food and utility bills.

• Independence: renting a flat provides an enhanced level of privacy and autonomy.

• Customisation: you get to choose your roommates and housing location, tailoring your living experience to your preferences.

However, do factor in the time and budget for daily commuting before confirming your apartment.

Homestays are another option where you get to live with a family in Glasgow. It balances privacy with familial comfort and cultural immersion, which is ideal if you seek a supportive living environment while pursuing your education overseas.

Understanding the challenge of sourcing affordable and safe housing options in a foreign country, IDP has curated a selection of housing options that cater to different needs and budgets. With each partner selected based on their reputation as a trusted provider of student accommodations, you can be assured of finding a home that fits your budget, safety and comfort requirements.

Flying to Glasgow

As you book tickets to jet off to Glasgow, a one-way flight could cost about AU$800 depending on where you’re flying from. But with these smart tricks, you can secure your flight while stretching your dollar:

• Fly midweek: flights departing on Wednesdays may offer good rates as travel demand could be lower on weekdays.

• Early birds benefit: flights in the wee hours typically cost less but do factor in the cost of ravelling to the airport at such times.

• Book early, save more: research suggests the sweet spot for booking is between 1.5 and 5.5 months before departure.

• Harness tech: apps like Hopper and Kiwi can forecast flight prices and guide you on the optimal time to buy. Meanwhile, specific Telegram channels also offer insights on deals.

• Choose budget airlines: if luxury isn't your priority, pick budget carriers and top up for things like extra legroom, baggage, or in-flight meals as needed.

Getting around the city

While studying abroad, travelling around will likely be one of your primary objectives, and you can get around Glasgow via three types of public transport:

• Bus: ‘First Glasgow’ is the city's main bus transportation provider with over 100 routes. Student tickets for City/Local zones cost between £13.10 and £46.40, while tickets for Network zones cost between £16.40 and £58.90. If you travel frequently, there are tickets for unlimited travel for four weeks priced at £61.80 (City/Local) and £77.40 (Network), respectively.

• Train: ScotRail covers all of Scotland's local and regional routes. If you plan to commute by train frequently, get a £30 Railcard to enjoy 33% off on fares for full-time students.

• Subway: a single subway ticket costs £1.75, while a round trip costs £3.30. If you plan to spend a day exploring Glasgow, go for the £4.20 daily unlimited travel ticket.

In addition, you can hail a taxi using Uber, the Glasgow Taxi, or the Gett app. Some universities might also provide benefits like free membership for the Glasgow OVO Bikes network. Should you one day look to work in this Scottish city, you’d be well prepared by then.

As a vibrant city rich in culture, you can be assured of a good time when you study in Glasgow. Numerous museums and galleries dot the city, with many offering student discounts. Meanwhile, cinema tickets cost about £10, enabling you to stay entertained while keeping your wallet relatively unscathed.

And if you’re looking to treat yourself, a meal at a restaurant costs about £15. Otherwise, you can catch up with friends over beers for about £4.50 per bottle. For the budget-conscious, check out our recommendations on things to do in Glasgow for fun activities and eateries where you can savour delicious dishes for £5 or less.

If you've got culinary skills (or are willing to develop them), prepping your meals is another way to save. Depending on your cuisine preference, budget around £160.47 for Asian ingredients and about £211.39 for Western ones.

Studying in Glasgow promises both an enriching academic and cultural experience. With proper budgeting and the right educational loans or UK scholarships, your overseas education can be made more affordable. Curious to learn more about the financial aid available? Chat with IDP's overseas education placement consultants today and let us help you make the most of this invaluable experience.