University of Glasgow’s International Leadership Scholarship: Full Guide

How would you like to walk the grounds of one of the oldest universities in the world? If you’re an international student with leadership experience, the University of Glasgow offers you a leg up in the form of a leadership scholarship.

Located in Scotland and founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow isn’t just one of the oldest universities in Europe. The institution is a regular on the lists of the world’s top 100 universities. As of 2025, it’s featured in the rankings of the Times Higher Education (#87), QA (#79), and U.S. News (#62). Its alumni include eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, and three First Ministers of Scotland.

If you want to find yourself among students and faculty aspiring to change the world, the University of Glasgow’s 312 programs are worth considering. The university is also a true melting pot of cultures and perspectives. Almost half (45%) of its student body comes from abroad.

Here’s how the University of Glasgow rewards talented international students with a Global Leadership Scholarship (formerly known as the International Leadership Scholarship).

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The University of Glasgow will award 281 scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. There are no caps for the number of scholarships awarded per country or geographical region.

Put simply, you’re eligible for the scholarship if you come from one of these countries and fall under the International fee student category:

Which Programs Qualify for the Scholarship?

First things first: you’ll need to be accepted into a one-year Master’s program at the University of Glasgow to qualify for the scholarship. Here’s the full list of eligible programs, grouped by the type of awarded degree:

How to Apply for the Scholarship

Before you can apply for the scholarship itself, you’ll need to get accepted into an eligible program at the University of Glasgow. To that end, apply for admission and receive an offer, either a conditional or an unconditional one.

Once you do, fill out a separate application form on the university’s website. The university will let you know whether you’ve been approved within six weeks.

Applications typically open in October (that’s the case for the 2025/26 academic year). There’s no hard-set deadline for the scholarship.

Important: Your grades matter. Academic excellence is one of the eligibility criteria: you have to demonstrate grades equivalent to UK 1st Class Honors.

How Much Will You Get?

The scholarship comes in the form of a discount on your tuition fees. That is to say, you won’t receive the money itself in your bank account. The discount itself amounts to £10,000 off the applicable tuition fees.

Important: You can’t combine this scholarship with any other one, external or not.

Why Study at University of Glasgow?

Not sure whether the University of Glasgow is the right fit for you? Here are five good reasons to consider it before deciding on your future alma mater:

• Strong research capabilities. The University of Glasgow isn’t just a regular feature on the lists of the world’s top 100 universities. The university is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group, an association that brings together research-intensive institutions.
• Commitment to sustainability. The University of Glasgow lives by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It’s also featured in the world’s top 20 universities for sustainability.
• Melting pot of cultures. Almost half of all students on campus come from one of 140 countries outside the UK, making it a vibrant multicultural environment.
• Extensive alumni network. The university’s alumni include not just eight Nobel Prize Laureates but also prominent figures like television writer Steven Moffat and actor Peter Capaldi.
• Modern campus facilities. You’ll find quiet study spaces, learning centers with advanced tech, and collaborative workspaces on campus.

7 Signs University of Glasgow Is a Good Choice for You

You’ll probably find yourself right at home at the University of Glasgow if you:

• Strive for academic excellence
• Want to develop your leadership, critical thinking, and intercultural skills
• Wish to develop real-world skills within the field (e.g., internships, projects, research programs)
• Want to innovate and push the envelope of your field through research
• Plan to build an international career and want to acquire highly sought-after professional competencies
• Would love to work alongside ambitious, initiative-taking students
• Aspire to follow or work toward sustainability goals

A Word on Working as a Student

The University of Glasgow fully supports students who want to undertake part-time employment alongside their academic programs. In fact, the institution’s Careers Service can help you find and take advantage of job opportunities offered by the university itself or by other businesses in Glasgow. The Careers Service also hosts a part-time Student Job Hub and provides ample opportunities to meet with potential employers.

Important: As an international student, you’ll probably have to enter the UK on a student visa. When awarded for full-time studies, this visa allows you to work, but you’re limited in:

• The kind of work you can do. Permanent employment and self-employment are off the table.
• The number of work hours. Your work is capped at 20 hours/week during the term, but you can work full-time between terms.

In Closing

The Global Leadership is a great opportunity to make tuition at the University of Glasgow easier on the pocket. But even if you don’t get awarded the scholarship, don’t give up: you can finance your studies with a part-time job or try your chances with other scholarships.

To maximize your chances of getting the coveted scholarship, make sure your grades meet the eligibility criteria and keep a good track of your leadership experience. Keep in mind that leadership isn’t about holding a title: it’s about uplifting others and ensuring things get done.

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