GSA Academic Calendar

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA), located in Glasgow, Scotland, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, typical of many UK institutions. The academic year is generally divided into two main semesters: Autumn and Spring, with a shorter Summer period often dedicated to exhibitions, portfolio reviews, or independent projects. The Autumn semester typically begins in mid-to-late September and runs through mid-December, followed by a winter break. The Spring semester usually starts in mid-January and concludes in late May or early June, with final assessments or degree shows often extending into the summer for art and design students. A distinctive feature of GSA’s calendar is its emphasis on studio-based learning and intensive project periods, which may include unique scheduling for critiques and exhibitions.

• Autumn Semester Start: September 15–20, 2025 (exact date to be confirmed; orientation for new students typically occurs in this week).
• Winter Break: December 15, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (includes Christmas and New Year holidays).
• Spring Semester Start: January 12–15, 2026 (return after winter break with coursework resuming).
• Easter Break: April 3–17, 2026 (approximate, aligning with UK public holidays).
• End of Academic Year/Exhibitions: May 25 – June 5, 2026 (includes final assessments and degree shows for graduating students).

• UCAS Application Deadline: January 29, 2025 (standard deadline for most UK universities, including GSA, for equal consideration).
• Portfolio Submission Deadline: Early February 2025 (specific date varies by program; required for most undergraduate art and design courses).
• Decision Notification: March–April 2025 (applicants typically receive offers or interview requests during this period).
• Confirmation of Acceptance: Early May 2025 (deadline to accept offers, often tied to UCAS timelines).
• International Student Deadline: June 30, 2025 (earlier deadline for visa processing and additional documentation).

The academic calendar at Glasgow School of Art aligns closely with standard UK university schedules, particularly in its semester structure and holiday breaks, which correspond to national holidays like Christmas and Easter. This alignment facilitates coordination with other institutions for transfer students or collaborative projects. For international students, the calendar offers reasonable flexibility, with extended breaks allowing for travel or cultural adjustment, though the intensive nature of art and design programs may require additional time management. Unique to GSA is the scheduling of degree shows and exhibitions in late spring or early summer, which serve as both academic assessments and public showcases, reflecting the school’s focus on professional practice. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical UK university patterns and past GSA calendars, as official dates may not yet be published.