Glasgow University's Student Population: How Many?

The University of Glasgow is a large university with a diverse student population. Founded in 1451, it is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and is recognised internationally for its ground-breaking work. The university has inspired many notable alumni, including eight Nobel Laureates, three First Ministers of Scotland, and two UK Prime Ministers. With a rich academic history, Glasgow is also known for its pioneering role in British higher education, catering to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds.

In terms of student population, the University of Glasgow enrols over 25,000 students, including both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The university attracts students from various parts of the world, with a significant number of international students. The university's main campus is located in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, offering a vibrant and cultural environment for its students.

Undergraduate and postgraduate numbers

The University of Glasgow is a large university, with a total student population of over 25,000. The exact number of students varies depending on the source, with one source citing 39,775, another 42,990, and another 21,165 undergraduate and 11,300. Glasgow is the largest university in Scotland by total enrolment.

The university has a diverse student population, with a mix of home and international students. In the 2016-17 academic year, the university had a domicile breakdown of 71:11:18 of UK:EU:non-EU students, respectively. The university attracts students from over 140 countries and is immensely proud and supportive of its diverse international community.

The University of Glasgow has a rich history, founded in 1451 by a charter or papal bull from Pope Nicholas V. It is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. The university has inspired many notable alumni, including three UK Prime Ministers, three Scottish First Ministers, and eight Nobel Laureates.

The university has a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with over 120 undergraduate courses across STEM subjects, medicine, the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Glasgow is part of the Russell Group, a group of universities that focus on world-class research and education. The university has an impressive research record, with six out of seven research units in the College of Science & Engineering and two-thirds of research in the College of Arts assessed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

International student numbers

The University of Glasgow is a diverse academic community, with students and staff from over 140 countries worldwide. It is a popular destination for international students, with a large proportion of its student body coming from outside the UK.

In 2022/23, the University of Glasgow had a total of 39,775 students enrolled, including 13,210 students from non-EU countries. This made up around a third of the total student population.

The University of Glasgow is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of their background or circumstances. It offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support students facing financial difficulties, including the Undergraduate Talent Scholarships, which are awarded to 50 students annually.

The University's international student support services include a dedicated disability service and support for international students, as well as a confidential Nightline chat service available to all students.

The University of Glasgow's diverse and vibrant community, along with its strong global connections, makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking a world-class education.

Student satisfaction

The university has two student unions, an unusual feature that provides students with a wide range of extracurricular activities. The Glasgow University Union (GUU) boasts nine bars, two libraries, a debating chamber, a snooker and pool hall, a convenience store, and a coffee shop. The Queen Margaret Union hosts new music, local bands, big-name acts, student-run club nights, and a variety of events such as quizzes, open mic nights, and a fortnightly poetry night. With something to suit all tastes and interests, Glasgow University offers over 250 clubs and societies, ranging from sports and cultural groups to faith groups, hobby clubs, and special interest societies.

The university also provides extensive student support services, including help with finances, accommodation, and career prospects. The Students' Representative Council offers a Nightline confidential chat service, available to all students between 7 am and 7 pm. Counselling workshops, groups, and courses are also available, in addition to one-on-one wellbeing sessions. Each student is assigned a dedicated academic tutor to help with any educational issues. The university's disability service and support for international students reflect its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Glasgow University's impressive facilities also contribute to its high student satisfaction. The university library offers over 2,200 study spaces, hundreds of PCs, and a collection of rare books, archives, and manuscripts. The James McCune Smith Building, completed in 2021, provides modern study and research facilities. The university's two sports centres offer a six-lane swimming pool, tennis courts, exercise studios, and a sauna.

With a vibrant and diverse student community, Glasgow University offers a well-rounded and satisfying student experience. Its commitment to student support and extensive extracurricular offerings ensure that students can thrive academically and socially during their time at the university.

Student union

The Glasgow University Union (GUU) is one of the largest and oldest students' unions in the UK, serving students and alumni since 1885. The GUU is a hub for socialising and cultural activities, providing its members with facilities for debating, dining, recreation, socialising, and drinking. It also has a nightclub, The Hive, and is one of the largest licensed premises in Scotland with nine bars (and a tenth portable bar for functions).

The GUU organises social events, provides catering and entertainment, and offers free membership to students at any point in their university career. Alumni can become Life Members by applying to the Board of Management. The union's affairs are controlled on behalf of the membership by a 26-member board of management, featuring 17 elected student positions, seven alumni positions, and two ex-officio seats for the President of the Glasgow University Sports Association and the Past President.

The GUU has a strong focus on debating and has produced more World Debates champions than any other university. It has won the World Universities Debating Championship five times, the European Universities Debating Championships once, and the John Smith Memorial Mace a record 16 times. The Convener of Debates is responsible for internal and intervarsity debating activities and is elected from the Union membership.

In addition to debating, the GUU offers a range of other activities, including Open Mic nights, comedy nights, and club nights. The Games Committee runs free weekly events and an annual 'Month of Games', including competitions in snooker, darts, dodgeball, drinking, and Iron Stomach.

The GUU also has two libraries, the Elliot Library and the Bridie Library, available for study and social events. The Reading Room is dedicated to Donald Dewar, former President of the Union, Secretary of State for Scotland, and First Minister of Scotland.

The annual 'Daft Friday' black-tie ball is the highlight of the Union's social calendar, attracting over 2000 students and featuring a secret theme, entertainment, and the James Bridie Memorial dinner.

The University of Glasgow also has a separate Queen Margaret Union (QMU), originally established for women in 1890. The QMU is known for its live music heritage and has hosted big-name acts such as Nirvana, Queen, Charli XCX, and Biffy Clyro. It also hosts student-run club nights, quizzes, open mic nights, and spoken word events.

Student societies

The University of Glasgow is a public research university in Glasgow, Scotland, and is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has an "eclectic body of clubs and societies", including sports teams, political and religious groups, and gaming societies. The university has two independent students' unions, a sports association, and a students' representative council.

• Glasgow University Conservative Association
• Glasgow University Dialectic Society
• Glasgow University Boat Club
• Glasgow University Shinty Club
• Glasgow University Muslim Students Association
• Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association
• Glasgow University Student Television
• Glasgow University Medics RFC
• Glasgow University RFC
• Glasgow University Indian Society
• Glasgow University Malaysian Society
• Glasgow University Tech Society
• Glasgow University Cannabis Society
• Glasgow University Pole Dancing Club
• Glasgow University Nintendo Society
• Glasgow University Dinner with a Stranger Society
• Glasgow University Bad Movie Society
• Glasgow University Grim Reapers Quidditch Club
• Glasgow University Taylor Swift Society
• Glasgow University Fantasy Society
• Glasgow University Shrek Society
• Glasgow University Dead Poets Society
• Glasgow University A Capella Society
• Glasgow University Charcuterie Society
• Glasgow University Aeronautics
• Glasgow University Adam Smith Economics Society
• Glasgow University Artificial Intelligence (UofG)
• Glasgow University Entrepreneurship Society
• Glasgow University Games Development Society
• Glasgow University Trading & Investment Club
• Glasgow University Hummus Society
• Glasgow University Business Club
• Glasgow University Consulting Society
• Glasgow University Criminal Law Society
• Glasgow University Women in Business & Finance

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