University of Glasgow invests more than £1 million in paid student opportunities
Published: 1 June 2026
The University of Glasgow has invested more than £1 million in student wages and paid internships for the second consecutive year, reflecting growing demand for on-campus employment opportunities and paid work experience alongside study.
The University of Glasgow has invested more than £1 million in student wages and paid internships for the second consecutive year, reflecting growing demand for on-campus employment opportunities and paid work experience alongside study.
Having already surpassed the £1 million mark for the 2025–26 academic year, the University is on track to invest a record £1.5 million in student employment through paid internships and part-time roles.
The figures reinforce Glasgow’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading cities for student employability and work experience opportunities.
Located in the city’s vibrant West End, the University sits within a thriving network of student-friendly employers, including independent cafés, restaurants, bars, retail businesses and cultural venues. The nearby city centre also provides extensive opportunities through Glasgow’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors.
At the same time, wider investment in Glasgow’s economy is opening opportunities beyond traditional part-time work. The Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) – a partnership between the University of Glasgow, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council – now accounts for 15% of all jobs in Glasgow City, connecting students to industries including technology, innovation and research.
The University itself is a significant employer of students, offering paid roles that help students develop professional skills and gain workplace experience alongside their studies. Opportunities include student ambassador roles, internships, student content creator positions and peer career support roles. These on-campus positions are particularly popular as they offer flexible, accessible work opportunities that can be balanced around academic commitments, while also aligning with UK international student visa work regulations.
Ananya Bansal, Events & Promotions Intern at the University of Glasgow, said: “As an international student, having the opportunity to work alongside my studies has been incredibly valuable. My internship has helped me gain professional experience, develop new skills and build confidence in a UK working environment.”
Alina Chauhan, Student Ambassador at the University, added: “Being a Student Ambassador has helped me grow both professionally and personally. It’s given me flexible work around my studies, introduced me to new people and helped me feel more connected to the University community”.
The University’s wider employability programmes continue to expand. One of its flagship initiatives, the ‘Find A Solution’ programme, funds paid internships with third-sector organisations across Scotland. This year, 48 internships were offered exclusively to University of Glasgow students, with each placement providing 160 hours of paid work experience while helping organisations tackle operational and social challenges.
University data also shows that around 50% of Glasgow students have undertaken part-time work during each of the last three years, while national labour market figures suggest student employment opportunities in the city have remained resilient since 2020.
Demand from employers is also increasing. The University’s dedicated part-time jobs fair, launched in 2024–25, attracted more than 1,100 students in its first year. Attendance rose to more than 1,350 students in 2025–26, with 23 organisations recruiting directly from campus.
Sarah Armour, Assistant Director, Student Services (Careers, Employability & Opportunity) at the University of Glasgow, said: “Students today are looking for more than a degree alone — they want opportunities to earn money, build experience and networks while they study. The investment in student job opportunities reflects both the strength of Glasgow’s economy and the University’s commitment to helping students graduate with practical skills and real workplace experience.”
For students looking to combine academic study with practical experience, Glasgow continues to offer a strong environment to build confidence, develop professional skills and gain valuable workplace experience while studying.
This emphasis on employability is reflected in graduate outcomes, with 94.8% of graduates moving on to a positive destination within 12 months of graduation. The figure highlights the impact of the University’s continued investment in practical experience, employer partnerships and career support throughout the student journey.
First published: 1 June 2026