South Africa
In 1851, the University of Glasgow welcomed its first South African student, Tiyo Soga, the son of a Xhosa-speaking chief and one of the first African ordained ministers in South Africa. Soga married a Scot, Janet Burnside, and two of their sons studied at the University of Glasgow. The younger of these two Allan Kirkland Soga, went on to become one of Africa’s leading political and legal thinkers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was editor of the newspaper Izwi Iabantu and founder of one of the political movements which was a forerunner to the African National Congress.
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and is home to the largest student population in Scotland. Glaswegians’ reputation for friendliness means that wherever you come from, it's easy to treat the city as your second home.
Contact Us
Helen Templar, International Officer (Middle East and Africa)
+44 (0)141 330 7010
helen.templar@glasgow.ac.uk
Helen-Marie Clayton, Senior International Officer (Middle East and Africa)
+44 (0)141 330 1960
helen.clayton@glasgow.ac.uk
You can find details of our future visits to South Africa on our Travel Schedule. If there are no visits scheduled at this time, please contact one of our International Representatives.
Student Network
If you would like to speak to a current student about studying at the University and living in Glasgow then please use our Student Network service. This is a great way to get the inside information about what it's like to be a student at Glasgow.
Movies about the University
You can watch movies about the University including student life and studying with us on our Student Life page.
We also offer a Welcome Service at Glasgow Airport for all new international students in September. You can find out more by watching our Airport Arrival video.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate
The University of Glasgow will consider students who have gained high scores in their National School exams for direct entry into first year. Students who have taken a recognised foundation or access programme or equivalent will also be considered, as well as those students who have studied GCE A Levels.
National Senior Certificate: Your entry requirements depend on when you completed high school.
Before 2009
For students who completed South African National High School studies before 2009: applicants will be considered with South African Higher Grade Matriculation Certificate Grades BBBB at Higher Grade, including any required subjects at Grade B (Higher Level).
From 2009/10
Graduates from the National Senior Certificate applying to degrees in science and engineering must have a minimum requirement of five subjects, four of which must be at Grade 6 or higher, including any required subjects at Grade 6.
For applicants to degrees in humanities or social science the minimum requirement is grade 6 in at least four NSC designated subjects.
Postgraduate Taught
For entry to most Postgraduate Taught or Research degrees, the minimum requirement is a good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) from a recognised university.
Partnerships with South African Institutions
The University works closely with The University of Cape Town and The University of South Africa.