More than 48,000 full-time and part-time students attend the city's three universities. The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is the second oldest in Scotland and also one of the city's major attractions. The University of Strathclyde originated as Anderson's Institution in 1796, becoming the Royal College of Science and Technology in 1956, and a university in 1964. Glasgow Caledonian University was incorporated in 1993. Many more students are enrolled at further education colleges and specialist colleges, including the internationally renowned Glasgow School of Art, and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Near by Paisley also has a university. The university’s history dates from 1897, when the Paisley Technical College and School of Art was founded; it became Paisley College in 1987 and achieved university status in 1992. Over 10,000 students and 1,300 staff are based at three campuses: Ayr, Dumfries, and Paisley. The 15 academic departments are arranged into three faculties (communications, engineering, and science; education and media; and health and social science) and the Paisley Business School. In addition there is a graduate school for postgraduate research students and a Department of Continuing Education.