This page provides an overview of how to apply to Glasgow Caledonian University as an international student. This includes application routes, required documents, key dates, and visa guidance.
Undergraduate study - Apply through UCAS
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All undergraduate applicants, including international students, must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS will forward your application to GCU. Some postgraduate courses also require UCAS applications - please check your course page for details.
Visit UCAS for more information on applications.
Postgraduate study - Apply direct
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The easiest way to apply for a postgraduate course is online.
To start a new application, click on the "Apply" button on the course webpage.
You can continue your application anytime through the GCU portal.
Visit the GCU applications portal.
Apply with help from an approved education agent
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We're committed to ethical and student-focused recruitment and are proud to be a signatory of the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF).
If you would like support with your application, you can apply with help from one of our approved in-country representatives.
Contact a GCU representative in your country for advice on applying.
What do I need to apply?
Personal statement
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Your personal statement is very important as it tells us why you wish to study your chosen course. If you're applying for an undergraduate course, you will need to answer these questions as part of your UCAS personal statement:
Why do you want to study this course or subject? How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? Tips for writing a strong personal statement:
You must use your own written work and not text copied from the GCU website or text generated with AI Stay within the word limit - keep it concise and well-structured Include your plans after graduation and how this course will help you achieve your goals Outline why you wish to study in the UK as an international student.
Letters of reference
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Letters of reference provide us with additional evidence of your ability to complete your course. You can either:
Upload or attach your letters of reference to your application Ask your referees to submit this information directly at admissions@gcu.ac.uk . Please send in your references at the time of application and not prior to submitting.
Academic and professional transcripts
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Undergraduate applications
If applying for an undergraduate course, you will need to include academic transcripts from your previous schooling or relevant subjects to your chosen course.
Postgraduate applications
If applying for a postgraduate course, you will need to include academic transcripts with full details of the modules you studied at undergraduate level, or Higher Education equivalent.
Additional certificates
For all applications, be sure to include any other academic and/or professional certificates you have achieved in your previous academic study. You may also include any skills gained from Continuing Professional Development (CPD) while employed.
We're committed to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as we believe in accessible education.
Find out how your experience can count towards university with RPL.
Supporting documents
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As an international student, you will need to send us a number of additional documents to support your application. These include:
Copies of any previous/current visas Proof of English language proficiency A scanned copy of your passport View the links below for information about our VISA team, our accepted English language certificates and more details on additional documents.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check
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Some courses require a Scottish PVG check. This will be noted on the relevant course page.
When you apply for these courses, the relevant academic school will start your application to the PVG scheme. Disclosure Scotland then carries out criminal record checks, and you’ll get a disclosure which shows the results of these checks.
If you’re applying from outside of Scotland, you’ll also need to submit a local police check.
For details on the PVG scheme, visit mygov.scot.
Disabled students
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We encourage you to disclose any disabilities that might affect your university experience at this stage. Applications are considered on merit, so sharing a disability or health condition won’t affect your application. It just helps us provide the right support to help you succeed.
Find admissions guidance for disabled students.
Will I need a Visa? We're here to support you from application through to graduation. Our visa team can provide tailored advice, including visa-related info, post-study work eligibility, and more. Find out about the process of applying from outside the UK.
Visa Immigration Support and Advice (VISA) Team
The VISA Team provides tailored advice to international students for visa-related matters.
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Credibility interviews
Information on Home Office Credibility Interviews to support your visa application process.
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Student Visa applications (outside UK)
Step-by-step guide on obtaining a UK Student Visa from outside the UK.
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Student Visa applications in the UK (extending or switching)
Here you'll find guidance on switching to the Student Visa in the UK or extending a Student Visa.
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