Question 1

Is Global Banking School a real university?

Accepted Answer

GBS is not a university in its own right. It is a UK Government-designated alternative higher education provider regulated by the Office for Students. It does not award its own degrees - programmes are validated and awarded by university partners including Leeds Trinity University, Bath Spa University, University of Suffolk and Ravensbourne University London, and your certificate is issued by that partner university.

Question 2

Is GBS legit and recognised by employers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GBS is regulated by the Office for Students, quality-reviewed by the QAA and designated for Student Finance England funding. Because the degree is awarded by a publicly funded UK university, the qualification on your certificate is the same one that university issues to its own students.

Question 3

How much are GBS tuition fees in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Home undergraduate tuition is £6,935 per year, the alternative-provider fee cap, and is fully covered by an SFE Tuition Fee Loan if you are eligible. International tuition is around £10,000 per year. Always confirm the current rate with GBS before you enrol.

Question 4

Can I get student finance at GBS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are an eligible Home student. GBS courses are designated by the Department for Education, so you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £6,935 per year plus a Maintenance Loan of up to £13,762 in London, £10,544 outside London or £8,877 living at home. Repayments start on Plan 5 terms once you earn over £25,000 a year.

Question 5

Where are the GBS campuses?

Accepted Answer

GBS teaches at seven UK campuses: Greenford (UB6 0HE), Stratford (E15 2SN), Holborn, Wembley, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. The four London sites are collectively marketed as GBS London.

Question 6

What are the GBS entry requirements?

Accepted Answer

For HND and foundation-year entry you need 48 UCAS points, a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at MPP, an Access to HE Diploma, or relevant work experience if you are 19 or older. For a Level 6 top-up you need a completed HND at Merit or above in a related subject. English is GCSE grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or IELTS 5.5.

Question 7

When are the GBS intakes in 2026 and 2027?

Accepted Answer

GBS runs three intakes every year: September 2026, January 2027 and May 2027. Individual course pages also list October, January and June starts, so check the intake for your specific programme.

Question 8

Does GBS use UCAS?

Accepted Answer

No. GBS accepts direct applications. You apply online with ID, transcripts and proof of address, attend a short interview, and usually get a decision within 3 to 5 working days. Lightning Enrolment can submit and track the application for you at no agent fee.

Question 9

GBS or a traditional university - which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

GBS is cheaper (£6,935 versus £9,535 a year), has smaller classes, three intakes a year and accepts applicants without A-Levels through HND or work experience. A traditional university awards its own degree directly and offers wider campus life. Both give the same access to Student Finance England.

Question 10

Can mature students study at GBS without formal qualifications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Applicants aged 19 and over can be admitted on the strength of relevant work experience and a successful interview, which is one of the main reasons career-changers choose GBS over a traditional university route.

Course	Subject area	Duration	Intakes
HND in Business	Business & Finance	2 years	October, January, June
HND in Health and Social Care Practice	Health & Social Care	2 years	October, January, June
HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security)	Digital Technologies & Computing	2 years	October, January, June
HND in Construction Management for England (Construction Design and Build Technician)	Construction Management	2 years	October, January, June

Course	Subject area	Duration	Intakes
BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year	Business & Finance	4 years	October, January, June
BA (Hons) Global Business (Business Management) with Foundation Year	Business & Finance	4 years	October, February, June
BSc (Hons) Business and Tourism Management	Business & Finance	4 years	September, January, June
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management	Business & Finance	4 years	September, January, June
BSc (Hons) Project Management with Foundation Year	Project Management	4 years	October, February, June
BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year	Digital Technologies & Computing	4 years	October, February, June
BSc (Hons) Construction Management with Foundation Year	Construction Management	4 years	October, February, June
BSc (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Social Care with Foundation Year	Health & Social Care	4 years	October, January, June
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year	Psychology	4 years	September, February, June

Course	Subject area	Duration	Intakes
BA (Hons) Business and Management (Level 6 Top-Up)	Business & Finance	1 year	October, February, June
BSc (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Social Care (Level 6 Direct Entry)	Health & Social Care	1 year	October, January, June
BSc (Hons) Construction Management (Level 6 Top-Up)	Construction Management	1 year	October, February, June

Course	Subject area	Duration	Intakes
MSc Global Business	Business & Finance	1 year	October, February, June
MSc Project Management	Project Management	1 year	September, February, June

Item	2026/27 amount	Notes
Home undergraduate tuition (HND, foundation, top-up)	£6,935 / year	Alternative-provider fee cap, fully covered by an SFE Tuition Fee Loan if eligible.
SFE Maintenance Loan - living in London	up to £13,762 / year	Paid to you in three instalments.
SFE Maintenance Loan - outside London	up to £10,544 / year	Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds campuses.
SFE Maintenance Loan - living at home	up to £8,877 / year	If you live with parents while studying.
International tuition (indicative)	approx. £10,000 / year	Confirm the current rate with GBS before applying.

Global Banking School (GBS): Campuses, Courses, Fees and Entry Requirements

Is GBS a real university? Quick answer

GBS campuses in the UK

GBS Greenford

GBS Stratford

GBS Holborn

GBS Wembley

GBS Birmingham

GBS Manchester

GBS Leeds

GBS courses 2026/27

Level 4/5 (HND)

Degree with Foundation Year

Level 6 (Top-Up)

Postgraduate

GBS fees and student finance

GBS entry requirements

HND and foundation-year degrees

Level 6 top-up degrees

English language

Who awards a GBS degree?

Intakes and applying

Global Banking School FAQs

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