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International Students

International Students at GCNYC

Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC) welcomes applications from international students passionate about sustainability and business. Social responsibility and impact are a central aspect of our Master of Science degrees in sustainable business and fashion, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Come join our community of changemakers in downtown Manhattan who are committed to sustainable innovation and creating responsible business models that operate for the Common Good!

Optional Practical Training (OPT) & STEM OPT

As an international student on the F-1 student visa, you are eligible to apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. Additionally, as GCNYC’s Master of Science programs are STEM designated, you receive a two-year extension for a total of three years of OPT.

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to your program of study at GCNYC. Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension (additional 24 months). Please note, you may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

GCNYC will continue to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster for all new students pursuing their degree in person.

While we are strongly encouraging all eligible international students to receive their approved COVID-19 vaccine in their home country prior to arrival, we will work closely with those individuals who are unable to do so and facilitate vaccination in New York as soon as possible.

International Student Application Requirements

Online Application
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Click the link above to start the application process. Note: there is no application fee.

Résumé
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Submit an up-to-date résumé or curricular vitae for the Admissions Team to review.

English Language Proficiency
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All master’s programs require a solid grasp of the English language, both written and spoken. Applicants who did not complete a degree at an institution where the medium of instruction is English are required to submit IELTS or equivalent scores for the Admissions Team to review.

Minimum score requirements:

IELTS: 6.5 (no single element below 5.5)

TOEFL: 85 (school code: C614)

PTE: 59 (school code: 67L)

Duolingo: 95 – 100

The Admissions Team accepts test scores taken within the past two years. If scores are older, the test must be retaken.

Post-Secondary Institution Transcripts
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Glasgow Caledonian New York College requires all post-secondary school transcripts for admission. Unofficial transcripts are allowed for application review but official transcripts must be submitted upon admittance into a Master’s program. If your degree is from an institution outside the United States, the Admissions Team requires you to submit a course by course evaluation of post-secondary credentials from a NACES-approved agency, demonstrating U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency. Official, translated and evaluated transcripts must be sent electronically, via courier, or brought in person upon arrival to the College.

If you are using a courier, please send the official, translated and evaluated transcripts to:

Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC)

Admissions Team

64 Wooster Street, New York, NY, 10012

Statement of Purpose
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maximum 750 word statement focusing on:

  • Your motivations for applying to the program;
  • At least two of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and how you plan on moving these goals forward in your professional and personal life; and
  • An area of interest you would like to further explore within the social impact and/or sustainability field.

Two Letters of Recommendation (OPTIONAL)
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Letters of recommendation are optional!

If you would like to include letters, please enter your recommender’s contact details in the recommendation section of the online application. They will receive an email with instructions and next steps.

Video Interview
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The Admissions Team requires a video interview with international student applicants once all application materials are complete and thoroughly reviewed. A member from the Admissions Team will reach out with more information.

 F-1 Student Visa Process Overview

GCNYC allows international students to pursue their Master of Science degree on an F-1 student visa. The infographic below or the official government site clearly outlines the eight steps involved in studying in the United States, including the government rules international students must follow on an F-1 student visa.

 Step-by-Step Visa Process 

  1. You apply and are accepted into one of GCNYC’s full-time Master of Science programs.
  2. The Admissions Team as the designated school official (DSO) will create your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, review your International Student Financial Declaration Form and create an I-20 Form, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”. 
  3. After receiving a GCNYC-signed Form I-20, you must go online and pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee to the U.S. government. Be sure to save your receipt, you will need it for your visa appointment.
  4. You can apply for a visa at any U.S. embassy or consulate. You must bring your Form I-20 and other required documents to apply for y0ur student visa. The process can vary by embassy or consulate.
  5. You will arrive in the United States no more than 30 days before your program start date and present your Form I-20 and valid student visa to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry. 
  6. To maintain lawful status during your program, you must take a full course of study, not work without prior authorization and speak with your DSO if you cannot finish classes before the program end date, or have any other concerns about maintaining lawful status.**
  7. You have the option to transfer schools, or if eligible, apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. You are eligible to receive a two-year (24-month) STEM extension for a total of three years of OPT.
  8. An F-1 student has 60 days to depart the United States after completion of their program of study or OPT/STEM OPT.

**An F-1 student may work only when authorized including: on-campus, off-campus if financially needed and with authorization from USCIS, curricular practical training integral to their program of study, or OPT-related to the student’s major and with authorization by USCIS. 

Additional Resources for International Students in the United States

GCNYC’s Neighborhood

Glasgow Caledonian New York College is located in the heart of SoHo in downtown Manhattan. Visit NYC’s official SoHo guide to learn about the neighborhood’s history, fame and attractions.

New York City is easily accessible through public transportation including subway trains and buses. Learn more about the Metropolitan Transit Authority through their Schedule Planner or how to travel outside Manhattan on the Metro North Railroad and Long Island Railroad.

International Student Housing in NYC

New York City is full of opportunity, including housing arrangements. While GCNYC does not offer on-campus housing, there are many resources to find the perfect home away from home. While it is not an exhaustive list, the below will give you an idea of the types of housing opportunities available to international students: