Information for students from South Africa

Undergraduate

You make your application through UCAS, an online application system. The system allows you to choose up to five different universities and apply with one application.

Applications open on 1 September for entry the following September. The normal closing date is 26 January, but some courses will accept applications until 30 June. You are advised to apply as early as possible as courses have limited places.

You should refer to individual programme pages to see whether your course has any additional application requirements. Applications are usually assessed within two months and can be managed online via UCAS.

Once we've made a decision on your application you'll receive either an unconditional offer, a conditional offer or a rejection. Find out more about what these offers mean in our video:

Postgraduate

For the majority of postgraduate programmes you can apply via our website. Simply click the ‘apply now’ button on your chosen programme page. Some programmes have different application procedures, so always check the programme page before making your application.

Once we've made a decision on your application you'll receive either an unconditional offer, a conditional offer or a rejection. Find out more about what these offers mean in our video:

What to include in your application

As well as information about your education history, and the course you’re choosing, you’ll also need to provide a personal statement as part of your application. This is your chance to explain how your academic experience is relevant to the course you want to study. You’ll also have an opportunity to tell us about relevant extracurricular activities you’ve taken part in and how they make you stand out.

Find out more about what to include in your personal statement at undergraduate or postgraduate level:

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English need to be able to demonstrate the required level of English language competence to enrol on our programmes.
Find our more about out English language requirements.

Undergraduate

For direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes you’ll need A-levels, an International Baccalaureate or a recognised Access or Foundation course. We’ll also accept students with a Matriculation endorsement in the South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate.

When we consider your application we’ll assess your test scores and academic grades alongside your personal statement, reference letter and extracurricular activities.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate taught
For entry to postgraduate programmes you will normally need a Bachelors degree in relevant subject. Refer to individual course pages to see whether there are any additional application requirements.

Research degrees
You will normally need to have completed a Masters degree in a subject relevant to your proposed postgraduate study. There may also be other specific entrance requirements. You can refer to individual course pages to find out what these are.

Programmes for international students

We offer courses that have been specifically designed for international students. You may want to consider these if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These will help you with your English language and academic skills and are run by our English Language Centre.

Find out more about the courses we offer.

Study Abroad

Normally, you will need to have been attending university for at least 1 year. Find out more about the programme on our Study Abroad pages.

Fees

Find out more about our fees.

Scholarships and bursaries

Goldsmiths has a series of scholarships for international students applying for postgraduate and research programmes.  If you’re an alumni you may also be eligible for discounted fees. For further information, please use our scholarships finder. 

Find out more about applying for a visa.

We regularly host open days and campus tours. If you’re unable to visit Goldsmiths in person then we also run regular online events, including webinars, virtual tours and chat sessions.

Agents in South Africa

We work with several agents in South Africa who can give you information about studying at Goldsmiths and help you with the application process.

There is a sizeable South African community in London.  Generally international students find it easy to transition to life in London, but if you’re struggling then we can offer a whole range of support. This includes PAL (our student led mentor scheme), and our on-site Careers Service and Counselling Service. Find out more about the support we offer. 

Take a look at how some of our students have adjusted to life in the UK:

Healthcare

You are eligible for NHS healthcare if you are enrolled on a full time course lasting six months or longer. Please ensure you register with a local GP. The nearest hospital is Lewisham hospital.

Feeling homesick?

Sites like The South African are a good place to keep up to date with news from home and find out about South African events in London including concerts, film festivals and arts events.

Food and drink
After a taste of home? There are a number of online shops including Sanza which offer delivery of South African foods and home comforts. Time Out London has a list of their favourites, which is regularly updated.

Places of worship
London caters for members of all faiths, and celebrates all of the major religious festivals. To find out more bout places of worship visit www.cityvisitor.co.uk/southeastlondon/placesofworship