A GLASGOW School of Art student who overcome traumatic teenage years has been given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study at one of America’s most prestigious institutions.

But what is supposed to be an exciting prospect for 21-year-old Neha Apsara has turned to despair, as she’s forced to raise $14,000 to meet tight visa restrictions.

 The independent student, who was disowned by her family in Blackburn aged just 16 and previously fell victim to domestic abuse, is having to fundraise to meet the difficult demands.

She is begging the public to help “give her a voice”.

The third year Fine Art Photography student told the Evening Times how she was warned against applying for the semester abroad at the internationally renowned California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) because so many students before her had been rejected.

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She said: “I was told I wouldn’t get it as so many people have previously applied from my course but were never successful, but I applied anyway.

“I was first accepted in April or May, and that’s when I was told I’d need that huge figure in the bank.

“Because of that, I never went for the interview and just put the whole thing on hold.

“The uni said they might have space for the second semester, then in October they got back to me saying they have space for next semester – so I’ve actually been accepted twice!”

Neha added: “I was just in complete shock when I was accepted.

“I was told I wouldn’t get in and there was no hope.

“I had put so much work into it but in my head there was no chance, so when I found out I was just like ‘oh my god’.”

So far, Neha has raised around £700 out of her £11,400 goal.

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She says the figure is set so high to ensure students don’t chose to stay or need to work in America while they study.

And while she is overwhelmed with the support so far, she knows it’s a far-cry from the total she needs to raise.

“It’s so bureaucratic and it’s sad,” she added.

“There are so many talented people, more than just me, who deserve spaces on exchanges like these but just can’t or are put off applying.

“Please help give me a voice, not enough women of my heritage or background are given an opportunity like this, so please help me achieve it.”

Neha added that any funds raised not needed during her semester will be donated to Glasgow Women’s Aid and Hemat Gryffe – an Asian, black and minority aid group.

You can view and donate to her GoFundMe here.