Information for High School Counsellors and Teachers

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out the answers to our most commonly asked questions from high school counsellors and teachers below:

Eligibility

Do you accept students with mixed qualifications?

Yes. The UofG is happy to consider applicants presenting mixed qualifications, provided they meet the academic requirements for their chosen programme.

Does taking more than the required 3 AP's, honors or dual credit courses make an applicant more competitive?

The UofG values students who pursue a rigorous academic curriculum. While meeting the published entry requirements is the primary consideration, taking additional challenging courses can demonstrate strong academic preparation. However, exceeding the minimum requirements does not automatically improve an applicant's chances of admission, as decisions are based on overall academic performance and readiness for the chosen degree.

What English Language qualifications does UofG accept? What can my students do if they don't meet the English Language requirements of their chosen programme?

The UofG accepts a wide range of English language qualifications. Some students may also be exempt from providing an English language test depending on their educational background. For information about UofG's Pre-Sessional English programmes, click here.

I don't see my country's qualifications listed on the programme page. How can I know if they are accepted?

You can find equivalent regional qualifications listed on the relevant page for your country (i.e. USA).

What can students do if their school qualifications aren't accepted for entry?

Students who do not meet the direct entry requirements may be eligible for an International Foundation Programme through Glasgow International College. GIC provides a pathway to undergraduate study at the UofG.

 

Applications and Admissions

Which undergraduate degrees are students required to interview for?
An interview will be part of the selection process for:
You may also be interviewed if you’re applying for entry into Year 2 in any subject.
 
How do my students apply using UCAS?
Find out more about the UCAS application process here.
 
How do my students apply using Common App?
Students applying to UofG for Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences subjects can apply through the Common Application by selecting the UofG and their chosen undergraduate programme. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
 
Can I apply to UofG with UCAS and the Common App?
Students should submit only one undergraduate application to the UofG — either through UCAS or the Common Application. Submitting applications through both platforms is not necessary and may cause delays in processing.
 
If a student used all their choices on UCAS can they apply to UofG on the Common App?
No. Students can apply to a maximum of five UK university choices in total across UCAS and the Common Application combined. If a student has already used all five choices through UCAS, they cannot submit an additional application to the UofG through the Common App.
 
Do I need to submit the student's transcript as part of the application?
Yes. Students should submit a transcript to date as part of their application, as it can be used for admissions assessment and to support consideration for scholarships, including the World Changers Scholarship.
 
What is the difference between a UCAS personal statement and common app essay?
A UCAS personal statement focuses on the student’s academic interests, preparation, and motivation for their chosen degree subject. The Common App essay is broader and focuses more on the student’s personal experiences, character, and growth. For students applying through the Common App, we understand that the essay is typically US-focused and may request an additional essay or information to support the academic side of their application.
 
Does UofG assess applications holistically?
Applications are reviewed individually with emphasis placed on academic achievement and meeting the entry requirements for the programme of study.
 
Can my student apply undecided?
No. Students applying to the UofG apply for a specific degree programme and must demonstrate interest and preparation for their chosen subject area.
 
Do you require SAT/ACT scores?
It depends on the qualifications a student is presenting. The UofG accepts multiple routes for entry from the US, and SAT or ACT scores may be required as part of one route, while other applicants may qualify through APs, GPA with advanced coursework, or other accepted qualifications. Students should refer to the published US entry requirements for their intended programme.
 
Do you accept dual enrollment courses?
Yes. The UofG recognises dual enrollment (dual credit) courses as part of a student's academic profile. Depending on the programme and the level of study completed, dual enrollment courses may also be considered alongside other qualifications to help meet entry requirements.
 
How are GPA and class rank evaluated?
The UofG considers GPA as part of the overall academic profile, alongside the qualifications required for entry (such as APs, IB, or SAT/ACT where applicable). Class rank is not required.
 
Can students apply directly to professional degrees?
Yes. Unlike in the US, students can apply directly from high school to professional degree programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy. These programmes have specific entry requirements and may require additional admissions tests or interviews.
 
Do you limit the number of students that you admit from a particular school or country?
No. The UofG does not set quotas or limits on the number of students admitted from a particular school or country. Applications are considered individually based on academic qualifications, programme requirements, and the applicant’s overall suitability for their chosen degree.
 
What is the minimum score for the LNAT for students applying to Law?
The UofG does not publish a minimum LNAT score requirement. Applicants must complete the LNAT, and the result is considered alongside their academic qualifications and the overall strength of their application.
 
What is the minimum score for the UCAT for students applying to Medicine?
The UofG does not publish a fixed minimum UCAT score for Medicine. The UCAT score is considered alongside the applicant’s academic qualifications and other elements of the application.
 
How many places are there for international students?
The UofG does not have a fixed number of undergraduate places reserved for international students across the University. The number of places available varies by programme and depends on factors such as capacity, demand, and regulatory requirements. For Medicine, there are a limited number of places available for international students due to UK government and professional body regulations. The number of international places can vary by year; applicants should refer to the Medicine admissions pages for the most up-to-date information.
 
How often are students with predicted grades below the entry requirements made an offer?
Offers are normally made to students who are predicted to meet the published entry requirements for their chosen programme. Applications are considered individually, but students predicted below the requirements should not assume they will receive an offer, particularly for competitive programmes.
 
Do you accept transfer students?
Yes, however it is not straight forward. UofG undergraduate degrees are structured differently from US degrees, and students typically apply to join a specific year of study. Credit recognition is assessed on a case-by-case basis after admission and is dependent on how previous study aligns with the Glasgow curriculum. Transfers from other Scottish or even UK degrees are assessed on an individual basis and depend on factors such as the programme, available capacity, academic background, and the relevance of previous study.
 
What advice do you have for students interested in applying to study Medicine at UofG?
See these FAQs from the Medical School for guidance.
 
What is your acceptance rate?
The University of Glasgow does not publish an overall acceptance rate. As we clearly publish our entry requirements, most applicants apply only if they are eligible, making an overall acceptance rate less meaningful. Admissions decisions are based on the requirements and competitiveness of each individual programme.

Post-Application

How can I communicate changes to an applicant's predicted grades?

If an applicant’s predicted grades change after they have submitted their application, the updated information should be provided through the appropriate application route where possible. You can also contact the Undergraduate Admissions team or your country representative with updated predicted grades or supporting information.

 

How and when can a student apply for accommodation at UofG?

Students can apply for accommodation when they have firmly accepted an unconditional or conditional offer of study from UofG.
This year, students must apply by the 14th of July and, if conditional, meet their conditions of study by the 25th of August.
Please note that it can take up to 72 hour for students' records to import to the accommodation database after they accept their offer, which may cause some delay.
 
When will my student receive a decision?
The timing of decisions varies depending on when the application is submitted, the programme applied for, and the volume of applications being processed. The UofG aims to make decisions as soon as possible, but some applications may take longer, particularly for competitive programmes or where additional information is required. Students should regularly check their application portal and email for updates. UCAS applicants should also monitor their UCAS Hub for decisions.
 
How can I communicate extenuating circumstances?
If a student has experienced circumstances that may have impacted their academic performance, these should be shared as part of the application process, typically in the reference.
 
What is a conditional offer?
A conditional offer means a student has been offered a place at the UofG, provided they meet specific conditions before enrolment. These conditions typically include achieving the required final grades or submitting outstanding documents, such as final transcripts or exam results.
 
What is an unconditional offer?
An unconditional offer means a student has been offered a place at the UofG and has already met all the academic and admissions requirements. No further academic conditions need to be met before enrolment, although students may still need to submit final documents or meet any administrative requirements.
 
How does my student accept or decline their offer?
Students accept or decline their offer through the application platform they used to apply (UCAS or Common App). They should follow the instructions and deadlines provided in their offer and ensure they respond by the published deadline.
 
My student has been made an offer but is now considering dropping a subject. What do they need to do?
Students should contact Undergraduate Admissions before making any changes to their programme of study. Dropping a subject may affect whether they continue to meet the conditions of their offer, and Admissions will advise whether the change will impact their eligibility.
 
Do you accept deferral requests?
Yes. Deferral requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and should be requested through the appropriate application route or by contacting the Undergraduate Admissions team. Deferral availability may vary by programme. We are unable to consider applications for deferred entry for Dentistry, Nursing, Teacher Training, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine programmes.
 
My student has received their final exam results/transcript and met their offer conditions. When will they expect to hear confirmation of their place?
Once the UofG receives and verifies final results, students who have met their offer conditions will have their place confirmed as soon as possible. Timing can vary depending on the qualification type and when results are received.
 
My student has received their final exam results/transcript and have not met their offer conditions. When will they receive a decision from UofG?
If a student has not met their offer conditions, their application will be reviewed by the UofG once final results, from all qualification, are received. This can happen late in the cycle. Decisions are made as soon as possible, but timing may vary depending on the programme, availability of places, and whether additional information is required.
 
When does registration take place?
Registration takes place shortly before the start of the academic year, with most undergraduate students registering online in August. The University will email students with instructions and key dates once they are eligible to register.
 
When will my student select their courses for enrolment?
Students select their courses as part of the registration and enrolment process before the start of the academic year. Course selection typically takes place in August, with guidance provided by the University and academic advisers where appropriate.

Student Life

How is a Scottish degree at the UofG structured?

Scottish undergraduate degrees are typically four years in length and allow students to specialise in their chosen subject from the start. The first two years often provide some flexibility to study related subjects before focusing more deeply on the degree programme in the final two years, leading to an Honours degree.

Can students change their major after enrolling?

Students may be able to change their degree programme after enrolment, subject to academic approval, space availability, and meeting the entry requirements for the new programme. Changes are generally easier during the early stages of a degree and are not always possible for highly competitive or professionally accredited programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, or Law.

Can students double major?

Scottish degrees are structured differently from the US system, and students typically apply for and study a specific degree programme from the start. While some programmes allow students to study more than one subject area, a traditional US-style double major is not generally available. Students should check the structure of their chosen programme for available subject combinations or flexibility.

Can my student join a sports team?

Yes. Students can join sports clubs and teams at the UofG, regardless of whether they are recruited athletes. Glasgow has a wide range of student sports clubs through the University Sports Association, offering opportunities for students to participate at different levels, from recreational to competitive.

Do Glasgow graduates go onto graduate school in the US?

Yes. UofG graduates continue on to postgraduate study and professional programmes around the world, including in the US.

Is a Glasgow degree recognised in the US?

Yes. A UofG degree is internationally recognised, including by institutions and employers in the US.

Can students work during their studies?

Yes. International students studying at the UofG may be able to work during their studies, subject to the conditions of their UK Student visa. Most students are permitted to work part-time during term time and full-time during official vacation periods, but students should check the latest UK visa guidance before starting work.

Is accommodation guaranteed?

The UofG guarantees an offer of University accommodation to eligible new international undergraduate students who apply by the published deadline. Accommodation is subject to students meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the application process on time.

What scholarships are available for students at UofG?

We have a number of scholarships available for new students. Please search our Scholarship Database to find out which scholarships your students can apply for.

How can students visit UofG?

UofG offers Open Days throughout the year, which students can attend to learn more about academic programmes and campus life. See information about when these are here.
 
Students and counsellors are also welcome to visit our campus in Glasgow all year round, and can book a campus tour here.
 
To request a tour outside of the scheduled dates we ask that you please complete our Ad-Hoc Tour Request form here. This allows us to collect all the relevant details. We will then look to secure a current student guide to provide a private tour – note that this will be subject to student ambassador availability.
 
Once the form is submitted, we will be in touch soon to let you know whether we can accommodate your request for a campus tour.
 
Are there any ways for my students to speak to current UofG students, to learn more about life in Glasgow?
Yes! Students can join our UniBuddy communities to speak to current students and meet others who are applying to Glasgow. They can also join our Info Sessions and Q&As for prospective students on Zoom.
 
What support services are available to students at UofG?
Our dedicated Disability team provide support for disabled and neurodivergent students at every stage in their academic journey.
For more general support with academic life and settling into Glasgow, our International Student Support team are here to help through a wide range of services.
 
Who should I contact if I have any more questions?
If you have more programme or region-specific questions then you can reach out to our in-country representatives who are happy to help with any questions that you or your students might have.
 
How can I sign up to hear updates from UofG?
You can sign up to our mailing list here to receive updates from UofG in future.

 

Fees and Funding

Can US students use FAFSA or Federal loans?

Yes. Eligible US students may be able to use US Federal Student Aid to support their studies at the UofG. Students should complete the FAFSA and check the current eligibility requirements, loan limits, and application process before enrolling.

Can students use a 529 plan to pay for tuition?

Yes. Many US students are able to use 529 education savings plans to help cover eligible education expenses at the UofG. Students and families should check with their 529 plan provider to confirm eligibility and understand how funds can be used.

My student has a UK passport, are they considered a home student?

Not necessarily. Having a UK passport does not automatically mean a student is classified as a Home student for tuition fee purposes. Fee status is based on residency and other eligibility criteria, not citizenship alone.

What is the cost of attendance?

The cost of attendance includes tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. Tuition fees vary depending on the programme and fee status, while living costs will depend on a student’s lifestyle and accommodation choices.

When will my student receive their loan letter?

Students using US Federal Student Aid will receive their loan documentation after their financial aid has been processed and their funding has been confirmed, typically in July.

What are the timelines with FAFSA?

Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens for the academic year they intend to enrol. After receiving an offer, the University of Glasgow's US Financial Aid team will provide instructions on the remaining steps and required documentation. Applying early helps ensure funding is in place before the start of the academic year.

How does my student pay their tuition with student loans?

US Federal student loans are disbursed directly to the University of Glasgow. The funds are first applied to tuition fees, and any remaining balance is refunded to the student to help cover eligible living expenses, in accordance with US Federal Aid regulations.

How do you pay your tuition fees?

Students can pay their tuition fees online through the University of Glasgow's payment portal. The University accepts a range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, approved international payment services, sponsorship, and (where eligible) US Federal Student Aid. Payment plans may also be available for self-funded students.

When is tuition due?

Tuition fees are typically due at the start of the academic year, although payment deadlines vary depending on the student's funding arrangements. Students paying through instalments, sponsorship, or US Federal Student Aid should follow the payment schedule provided by the University.

Do you offer a payment plan?

Yes. The University of Glasgow offers flexible payment plans for self-funded students, allowing tuition fees to be paid in instalments rather than as a single payment. Details on available payment options are provided during financial registration.

Immigration and Visas

How do you apply for a visa?

International students who require a visa to study in the UK must apply for a UK Student visa after receiving their offer and meeting the conditions of their admission. Students should apply for their visa as early as possible once they receive their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

What are the fees for a UK Study Visa?

Students applying for a UK Student visa must pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during their studies. As visa fees are set by the UK Government and may change annually, students should check the latest costs before applying.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid as part of the UK Student visa application. It provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which is your health coverage, during a student's studies. The IHS is paid upfront for the full duration of the visa, covering the full length of the student’s programme (for example, all years of study). The fee is set by the UK Government and may change.

Do I need to take out health insurance?

No, not generally. Students studying in the UK for more than six months pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their student visa application. This gives them access to the National Health Service (NHS) healthcare for the duration of their visa, including doctor visits and emergency medical care.

What is a CAS?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic reference number issued by the UofG to eligible international students who have accepted an offer and met the requirements to study in the UK. Students need their CAS to apply for a UK Student visa. The CAS confirms key details about the student’s programme and sponsorship by the University.

When will my student receive their CAS?

Students will receive their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once they hold an unconditional offer, have accepted their offer, and completed any required pre CAS checks. The CAS is issued closer to the start of the academic year, typically starting in June, and is required to apply for a UK Student visa.

Can students stay in Scotland after their studies?

Yes. International students may be eligible to remain in the UK after completing their studies through the Graduate Route visa, which allows eligible graduates to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for a period of time after graduation. Students should check the latest UK visa requirements and eligibility criteria before applying.