University of the Arts London (UAL) is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design (2020 QS World University Rankings ®). Our 6 world-renowned Colleges offer a wide range of art, design, fashion, communication, media, screen and performing arts courses at pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. We offer a range of support for students from South Africa including local representatives who can provide specialist advice and in-country events giving you the chance to learn more about UAL.

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Talk to our representatives

If you’re thinking about applying to UAL, our South African representatives can help. They’ll support you locally and in your language through every stage of the application process, free of charge. This includes providing information and specialist advice about UAL and the courses we offer, your application and portfolio, visas and immigration, arranging interviews with our academic staff and help with travel to the UK. You can also contact your local British Council office or register your interest with us for more information and updates.

Entry requirements

Always check your chosen course’s webpage for specific entry requirements. If English isn’t your first language, visit our English language entry requirements information page for details on required IELTS scores. Some courses require a portfolio as part of the application process so take a look at our portfolio advice page before applying. Entry onto some courses may also depend on the outcome of an interview at the application stage. Get in touch with our local representative if you have any questions.

Foundation and pre-degree courses

Application to a pre-degree course, including the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (you may know this as a freshman year), usually requires South African students to have an Upper Secondary School Diploma and a portfolio of work.

Undergraduate courses

Application to an undergraduate course (you may know this as a bachelor's degree) usually requires South African students to have an Upper Secondary School Diploma and, where needed, a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or relevant pre-degree qualification, and a portfolio of work.

Postgraduate courses

Application to a postgraduate course usually requires South African students to have an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree in a subject related to the proposed area of study, a personal statement and, where needed, a study proposal and references. Many of our courses also ask for a portfolio and some also require work experience.