International

International and European Students

As one of the leading Art Schools in the UK, The Glasgow School of Art welcomes international students to all of its programmes. The School offers an environment in which difference is encouraged and diversity of background and approach is valued.

International students at the School come from over 79 countries, ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Each year we welcome more than 90 students from our Exchange and Study Abroad partners, who each, in their turn, further contribute to the international dimension of the learning experience at the School.

As a relatively small institution, and one that is very focused, we are a creative community, situated in the centre of the city of Glasgow. Students are encouraged to engage with Glasgow which becomes more than just the city in which to live. It becomes a source of both inspiration and research. Glasgow is home to over 80,000 students at its 5 institutions of higher education, which might explain why it's been voted Britain's best student city. International students will find Glaswegians friendly, and the city is renowned for offering a warm welcome.

To find out more about living in Glasgow, view the GSA Guide to Glasgow at the end of this page.

‍Orientation

All new students, full-time, visiting and exchange will be invited to take part in a series of activities during the first weeks of the semester designed to provide you with enough information to pursue your studies. You will be able to access details of this through the Pre-Enrolment Gateway. You will be sent details of how to access this usually from June onwards before your programme starts in September.

You will be inducted into your department, which will involve you being shown the relevant health and safety procedures and finding out what your programme of study entails. It will be explained to you how you will be assessed and examined and a tour of the facilities will be central to the induction.

Accommodation

If you are looking accommodation you should contact the GSA welfare team as soon as possible and staff will offer you as much assistance as possible. You can read find out more on our accommodation pages here. It is essential that you arrange some temporary accommodation before you arrive in Glasgow, particularly if you are travelling from abroad.

Please note that Office Hours in the School are 09.00 - 17.00 hours, Monday to Friday.

‍Student Visa Requirements

Students from outside of the UK and Ireland planning to study at GSA for more than 6 months may need to apply for a UK Student Visa to live and study in the UK.

GSA’s Guide to Applying for a UK Student Visa information is in the video below.

• The UK Government have added a small increase to the visa application fee,
• Some students will not receive a BRP (visa card) but instead will be provided with a digital immigration status (eVisa), which can be used to view and prove your immigration status online,
• Students are no longer required to registry with the Police,
• There are currently no Covid-19 related travel/quarantine restriction in the UK
• The UK Government have announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge will be increasing to £776 per year for students.  An implementation date for this increase has not yet been announced.

Full details can be found in GSA’s updated Guide to Applying for a UK Visa The UK Government have produced a short introductory Guide to Applying for a UK Visa

HOST UK

GSA is a partner organisation with HOST UK.  HOST UK is a charity, supported by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and many universities. They offer international students the opportunity to be guests in the homes of approved hosts all over the UK in order to promote international friendship and cultural exchange.

Spend a weekend in a UK home and experience true British culture for yourself. Meet new people, learn about the country, and immerse yourself in a different culture. For further information please visit www.hostuk.org.