International Students

VISAS

 

Students from outside the UK and Ireland are likely to require a visa to study at the GSA. If studying for less than six months (e.g. Study Abroad or Exchange students) you can join GSA with a Standard Visitor Visa. Students coming to the GSA for more than six months are required to apply for a Student Visa from the UK Visa and Immigration department (UKVI).


The UK Visas and Immigration UKVI website provides detailed information on the visa application process, both for Student Visa and the Short-Term Study Visa: gov.uk/visas-immigration The UK Council for International Student Affairs provides useful information on the UK immigration system: ukcisa.org.uk


If you require support with your visa application or advice about the UK’s immigration law and requirements please contact our Student Welfare Service on welfare@gsa.ac.uk.


Please do not rely on unprofessional immigration advice from friends or tutors who may not be properly informed.


It is a good idea to start preparing for your visa application early. To apply you will require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which will be issued by the GSA Admissions Office admissions@gsa.ac.uk.


You may also require financial evidence, educational and English language certificates, passport photographs and translations of all documents if they are not in English.

Health

 

All migrants coming to the UK for more than 6 months may be required to pay a health surcharge to ensure access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same terms as a permanent UK resident. The surcharge for students is £776 per year, and is payable in full at the time of your visa application

 

 

Support

 

In addition to the support provided for all students we also recognise that students from out with the UK sometimes require additional support. At GSA, the Learning Support and Development Service provide in-session second language support sessions to support students with English language communication skills, and guidance to adjusting to studying in Scotland. The language support sessions are free to all GSA students.

Accommodation

 

The GSA has two halls of residence, both located within a couple of minutes’ walk of the main GSA Garnethill Campus. All applications and allocations for halls of residence are handled via the GSA Accommodation Office. Information on all sites, a guide to applying for a place and an application form are available on the GSA website. www.gsa.ac.uk/accommodation Students looking for private accommodation are advised to start their search early. Like many UK cities, there is often a shortage of available student accommodation within Glasgow - students are advised to start their accommodation planning and preparations as soon as possible. GSA’s Student Welfare Service provide regular Q&A sessions offering advice about finding accommodation in the city. If you are needing advice on finding accommodation in the private sector (private flat or a room in a flat haring with other students) contact our Student Welfare team. Welfare@gsa.ac.uk

 

 

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY

 

Many students at GSA have disability related needs. The term disability includes: long standing illness or health condition; physical impairment or mobility issues; mental health condition; social/ communication difference; sensory impairment - such as a hearing or visual impairment; specific learning differences - such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, Asperger’s or ADHD. If you have a long-term medical condition or disability that may impact on your learning or on your ability to participate, we can provide specific guidance and support throughout your studies.

 

 

LEARNING SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

 

Help and advice about learning at GSA is available to all students. Learning Support Tutors can help you explore study strategies and skills and help you overcome any difficulties you may have with your studies. Specific support is available to students developing skills for learning in English. learningsupport@gsa.ac.uk

 

 

COUNSELLING SERVICE

 

Our Counselling Service offers students the opportunity to talk through personal and troubling issues in a safe and confidential environment with a professionally trained counsellor. counselling@gsa.ac.uk

 

 

ADVICE FOR LOOKED AFTER YOUNG PEOPLE AND CARERS

 

At the Glasgow School of Art we are committed to supporting carers and young people with experience of care who have applied or are thinking about applying to the GSA. to find out more about the support available, please contact Graeme Fraser in our Student Support Department g.fraser@gsa.ac.uk Young people with experience of care can also access information and support from Who Cares Scotland: whocaresscotland.org and Become Charity: becomecharity.org.uk

Tuition Fees


Tuition fees vary depending on whether you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, and where you are applying from. For up to date details on fees for students from Scotland, the rest of the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), the EU and International students visit our website.

SCHOLARSHIPS The GSA


The GSA has a range of scholarships available to new students. Each scholarship has its own application criteria, however all scholarship applicants must have met the academic entry requirements for study at the GSA and hold either an Unconditional or Conditional offer letter or e-mail, which must accompany their scholarship application.


When applying for a GSA scholarship you should note that some of the scholarships offer a contribution towards tuition fees to assist you during your study at the GSA, whilst others provide a maintenance grant. The value of the scholarship does not reflect the full cost of undertaking fulltime study.


Details of available scholarships, deadlines, criteria, frequently asked questions and application forms are available on the GSA website.


For more information on sourcing other funding to help you whilst you are studying at the GSA, please contact the Student Welfare Service: welfare@gsa.ac.uk

Funding your study


International students should check with the student funding bodies in their home country. The British Council provide some information on potential financial support for international students:


study-uk.britishcouncil.org


Please note, those intending to study on a Student Visa are required to provide evidence that they can pay their tuition fees and their living costs before they apply for the visa.