In an exclusive conversation with Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, we explore the institution’s deep-rooted relationship with India, the significance of Indian students in its diverse academic community, and the growing collaborations with Indian institutions and industry leaders. As part of a high-profile delegation, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, the University of Glasgow recently visited Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi to engage with prospective students, strengthen partnerships, and explore new opportunities for research and innovation. In this interview, Sandison discusses why Indian students choose Glasgow, the University’s commitment to global collaboration, and the opportunities available for aspiring students from India.
1. What is the University of Glasgow’s delegation doing in India?
The University of Glasgow has very close ties with India, and we are proud of the partnerships and relationships we have developed over many years. We are honored that Indian students form the second-largest international population at our University, with more than a thousand students currently choosing to learn and research with us. It is important that we visit India as often as we can to showcase what our University can offer Indian students who are considering studying abroad, while also engaging with our partner organizations and developing new, innovative collaborations.
During this trip, we hosted a series of events for prospective students in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. The events included presentations, mini-lectures, networking opportunities, and chances for students to ask questions directly to academic staff, including details on scholarships and graduate destinations. These events were attended by academic staff from all four of the University’s colleges and our dedicated international team for India. The delegation also included two of the most senior members of the University: Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Rachel Sandison.
Members of the delegation also met key partners and stakeholders to discuss current and future collaborations across teaching and research, including Biocon, Syngene, Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB), Shrimad Rajchandra Mission in Dharampur, and OP Jindal Global University (JGU). India is, and always will be, a major strategic partner for Glasgow, which is why I am delighted that we continue to develop successful relationships across business and academia.
2. Why are Indian students so important to the University of Glasgow?
The University of Glasgow is a proudly international institution, and we value the presence and contribution of students from all around the world. We believe that providing opportunities for our students to share and learn from different cultures not only enriches their academic experience but also makes them well-rounded graduates and global citizens. Indian students offer unique insights that help the University of Glasgow deliver our vision—not just to be the best university in the world, but the best university for the world.
Indian students contribute enormously to life on campus, while also providing cultural, societal, and economic benefits to Glasgow, Scotland, and the UK.
3. What’s it like to be an Indian student studying in Glasgow, Scotland, and the UK?
Our Indian students particularly enjoy the fantastic facilities they have access to on our beautiful campus, as well as the friendliness of the people at the University and in the city of Glasgow more generally. They’re making the best use of their exposure to world-class facilities for learning and teaching, along with industry opportunities through their degree programs and career initiatives such as our Internship Hub, which helps them develop soft skills that enhance their employment prospects.
Food plays an important role in the student experience for Indian students, and easy access to ingredients for home cooking and authentic restaurants enhances their time in Glasgow. The weather, however, is a little less friendly than the local people! With a little preparation, though, this is easily overcome.
Beyond learning about the UK, studying in the UK allows students to be exposed to a wide range of other cultures. Students have the opportunity to connect with classmates from around the world through their studies or through the hundreds of clubs and societies, experience different cuisines and festivals, and develop a global network.
You can hear more about what our students enjoy about their experiences studying with us, and the advice they would give to students considering Glasgow or the UK, on our social media channels through the vlogs they produce: https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/meetglasgow/
4. Why would you recommend the University of Glasgow to Indian students considering studying abroad?
The University of Glasgow and our inspiring people have been changing the world for more than 570 years. Adam Smith laid the foundations of modern economics. James Watt powered the Industrial Revolution. Ian Donald showed us the first ultrasound image of a fetus. Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered radio pulsars. Today, our inspiring people continue to change the world for the better.
Changing the world is not only about making discoveries and creating new technologies—it’s about nurturing informed leaders, creative thinkers, and bold business minds. Glasgow has shaped the talents of some of the UK’s most influential political figures, award-winning writers, and human rights activists. We are a place where the synergy between research and teaching inspires ambitious individuals to succeed, where inquiring minds can develop their ideas, and where talented people are given the space to realize their dreams.
Most importantly, we are open to the world. Our doors are open to the brightest minds, regardless of background. We welcome collaboration and knowledge exchange with other universities, governments, and businesses. To continue being a world-class and progressive university, we are dedicated to bringing inspiring people together to change the world.
You can hear directly from our Indian students and their families here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/country/india/
Our Get to Know Glasgow podcast shares the experiences of some of our Indian students as they explore work and future employment opportunities throughout their studies. Chandra, one of our recent graduates, discusses why he chose to study at the University of Glasgow and his experience as a student. Alternatively, you can listen to Navya and her mother talk about everything Glasgow has to offer.
5. What do Indian students need to do if they’re thinking about studying at Glasgow?
We encourage future students considering the University of Glasgow to do their homework—there is a wealth of information available to help them understand everything the University has to offer, from course details to student life and insights into the city itself.
For undergraduate applications, students can apply via UCAS: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/
For postgraduate applications, students can apply directly to the University. While a few courses have specific deadlines, we generally encourage students to apply as early as possible due to the high demand for our degrees. Applying early also allows ample time for planning their journey to Glasgow.
We have a network of agents based in India who can further support students with their applications and guide them through the immigration process. At Glasgow, we are committed to supporting our future World Changers, which is why we have allocated over £15 million in international scholarships, including our World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship. A comprehensive list of all our scholarships can be found at: https://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/
6. Why is it important for Glasgow to have partnerships with institutions like Biocon and the Science Gallery Bengaluru?
At the University of Glasgow, our vision is not just to be the best university in the world, but to be the best university for the world. We recognize that this vision cannot be achieved alone—global partnerships with organizations like Biocon and Science Gallery Bengaluru play a crucial role in driving societal change. Our extensive international network of partners enables us to connect and collaborate with those who share our ambitions and pioneering spirit. The partnerships we prioritize across every continent have a tangible and positive impact. Developing meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with partners and stakeholders is mission-critical for the University. We are committed to ensuring that our partnerships are reciprocal, founded on mutual trust and respect. Giving students the remarkable opportunity to work and study with leading organizations like Biocon and SGB provides them with a unique experience to become genuine World Changers.
