Application process: frequently asked questions

Information on eligibility to study at the RCA can be found on our Eligibility and key dates page.

Programmes also have specific entry requirements. You can browse the programmes through the Programme finder. You will find details of the entry requirements under the requirements tab on each programme page.

Candidates are selected entirely on merit. Applications are welcomed from all over the world and from a wide range of backgrounds, educational approaches and experiences. The selection process will consider creativity, imagination and innovation – as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high standards overall.

Information on eligibility to study at the RCA can be found on our Eligibility and key dates page.

Programmes also have specific entry requirements. You can browse the programmes through the Programme finder. You will find details of the entry requirements under the requirements tab on each programme page.

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate that you have a reasonable knowledge of the English language.

Depending on the programme you’re applying for, we accept a variety of English language tests. Full details can be found on the English language requirements page.

If you haven’t reached the required English level for your programme, we offer an eight-week intensive English for Academic Purposes pre-sessional course. Details can be found on the EAP (English for academic purposes) Pre-sessional courses page.

The application process depends on the type of degree you are applying for. Review the relevant webapge for your programme:

Graduate Diploma application process webpage.

Master's application process webpage.

MPhil and PhD application process webpage.

You might find it useful to attend one of our online sessions about the application process. Visit the Open events page to find out more.

Details of application deadlines can be found on our Eligibility and key dates page.

No, you do not need to pay an application fee to apply.

Applicants are only permitted to register once with the portal. Creating multiple accounts in the portal is not permitted.

An applicant may not apply for the same programme more than once in a single admissions cycle. Applicants can apply for a maximum of two different programmes in a single admissions cycle. A separate portfolio submission is required for each programme to which a prospective student applies. If your application is unsuccessful the College may refer your application to another suitable programme for consideration.

We suggest applying as early as possible, even while you’re completing your final undergraduate year. If you receive an offer, it will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of your undergraduate course.

More information about the application process can be found on the Apply to study at the RCA page.

You might also find it useful to attend one of our online events or open events. Find out more by visiting our Open events page.

We are not able to offer deferred places for any of our Master's programmes. If you would not be able to enrol in September 2025 you should not apply this year; you should wait until applications for the September 2026 intake open.

See our Eligibility and key dates page for more information on the dates for notification of outcomes.

If the programme you are applying to requires a reference, they will contact your referee directly and ask them to fill in a reference form.

You need to provide a minimum of 1 referee.

It is not possible to delete an application which has been started, but please be assured that only the applications you submit will be considered for admission.

You can only currently apply for the Graduate Diploma, which starts in May 2025. Applications for the May 2025 intake close on 19th April 2025 at 11.59am (British Summer Time). Applications for the September 2025 intake will open at a later date.

Yes.

Each programme has its own specific requirements. Portfolio requirements can be found on the programme pages, under the Requirements tab. You should provide evidence of your creativity, imagination and innovation – as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high standards overall.

We also organise online events to hear from our admissions tutors directly and ask any questions you might have. These events will be posted on the Open events page.

Each programme has its own specific requirements. Portfolio requirements can be found on the programme pages, under the Requirements tab.

We also organise online events to hear from our admissions tutors directly and ask any questions you might have. These events will be posted on the Open events page.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore work by current students and recent graduates. You can explore the work of our most recent graduating students at RCA2024. An archive of previous student exhibitions can be found at Showcase. Students often add their social media pages to their showcase page if you want to explore their work further.

We regularly organise online events to hear from our admissions tutors directly. During these sessions you can ask any questions you might have. These events will be posted on the Open events page.

We regularly organise online events to hear from our admissions tutors directly. During these sessions you can ask any questions you might have. These events will be posted on the Open events page.

Each application and portfolio is unique. You should provide evidence of your creativity, imagination and innovation – as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high standards overall. Consider how to do this as well as showcase your unique interests and experiences.

We appreciate work is often multi-disciplinary and our programmes welcome applications from many different backgrounds and disciplines. The selection process will consider creativity, imagination and innovation – as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high standards overall. It is important for your portfolio to reflect this.

On occasion if the programme you are applying for thinks you're a better fit for another programme they may refer your application to that programme.

We regularly organise online events to hear from our admissions tutors directly. During these sessions you can ask any questions you might have. These events will be posted on the Open events page.

If you encounter a difference in the number of upload spaces, you can upload portfolio records one, two and three normally. In portfolio record four, you can upload a document with additional pages to include portfolio record four and portfolio record five. Between the records four and five, keep a blank page with the wording "Portfolio record 5 next".

The application system does not allow the RCA to change your name. We will change your name if and when you have received a student offer. Meanwhile, your application should progress normally with the entered name.

Admissions Officers will contact you if any documents are missing and will ask you to send them. You cannot upload any additional documents manually.

You will receive a confirmation email to the email you registered with.

You cannot alter your research proposal or personal statement after you have submitted your application.

This is a system error, which is being fixed. Please ignore it for now. Applications will not be reviewed by the academic programme until they have been submitted.

No, you can't edit your application once you've submitted it.

Your application will be reviewed. If you have to upload any additional documents you will be contacted. Once your application is complete it will be sent to an Academic who will review your application and decide whether to make you an offer on your chosen course, offer you a place on another course, put you on the Waitlist or reject your application. We will contact you with an outcome after 20 January 2025.

You can upload a maximum of two previous qualifications.

You do not need to have met the College’s English language requirements at the point of application. However, if you do receive an offer you will need to meet the requirements prior to enrolment. If you require a visa to study in the UK, you will also need to demonstrate you meet the English Language Requirements before the RCA can support your Student Visa application.

For more details and information on what English Language tests we are currently accepting, please visit the English language requirements page.

You only need to arrange a Student Route Visa once you have an offer of a place. The RCA will support this process by issuing a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ (CAS) to accepted students. Students must have also met all conditions of their offer, including passing an accepted English language test, before we can issue a CAS.

You can find out more about the student visa route on our Student visa page.

You can find information about English Language support on the English for Academic Purposes page.

You can find out who needs a Student Visa, how to apply, and general guidance on immigration and the student visa route on our Student visa page.

You can also find information on visa application process in these open events recordings.

Yes, the RCA employs hundreds of students a year as casual workers, as event stewards, programme ambassadors, tour guides, content creators, shop assistants and much more. Students will be able to apply for student jobs at the start of the academic year.

If you are an overseas student on a Student Visa Route, this will depend on the conditions of your Visa. Most students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. See the UKCISA website for more information.

The RCA scholarship page outlines the available RCA scholarships and awards.

Guidance on applying for RCA scholarships can be found on the RCA Scholarships page.

For more information, see our latest Open Events and Event Recordings.

Information about external funding options for UK and International students including Government loans, charitable funding and external scholarships can be found on the Funding your studies page.

For more information, see our latest Open Events and Event Recordings.

Different scholarships have different eligibility requirements, for example financial need, ethnicity, and programme of study. Some are awarded for academic excellence. Please visit the RCA Scholarships page to find full details.

For more information, see our latest Open Events and Event Recordings.

The RCA Disabled Student Bursary and the Snowdon Scholarship are available to support students with disabilities.

Please visit the RCA Scholarships page for full details.

Student Support at the RCA offers support, advice and guidance for disabled students. Find out more in our Student Support pages.

We are committed to ensuring that financial need is not a barrier to studying at the RCA, and any student unable to secure their place through a deposit can apply for deposit exemption status.

The timeline for RCA scholarship applications can be found on the RCA Scholarships page.

Advice for writing your statement can be found on the RCA Scholarships page.

For more information, see our latest Open Events and Event Recordings.

Information for international students can be found on the External funding for Master's programmes (International) page.

For more information, see our latest Open Events and Event Recordings.

Information about MPhil and PhD funding can be found on the Funding for MPhil and PhD students page.

For more information, see our latest Open Events and Event Recordings.

The Funding and Scholarships team operate in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK Data Protection Act 2018. The aim is to ensure that personal information is used in a way that is fair to individuals and protects their rights.

Information about how we collect and use personal data can be found on our data protection website page.

The timeline for RCA scholarship applications can be found on the RCA Scholarships page.

Information about fees, including who is considered home or international can be found on the Fees page.

You can find out more about what RCA Graduates have done next in our Graduate Career Report.

The Royal College of Art is committed to ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed. Advice and practical workshops on all aspects of business and creative careers are built into the curriculum of all our MA degrees, and upon graduating many alumni continue to be supported by a business aftercare scheme.

More details about professional development is available on the Careers support page.

Many students work part-time whilst studying however if you are an overseas student on a Student Route Visa, this will depend on the conditions of your Visa. Most students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. See the UKCISA website for more information.

We have a careers team who can support you with finding part time work.

Visit our Careers support page for more information.

Yes, the RCA employs hundreds of students a year as casual workers, as event stewards, programme ambassadors, tour guides, content creators, shop assistants and much more. Students will be able to apply for student jobs at the start of the academic year.

London is a welcoming, diverse and creative city to live in. Visit our guide to Living in London to find out more.

Information on finding somewhere to live can be found on our Accommodation in London page.

The RCA campuses are well connected to public transport. Details of our campus locations can be found on the Our campus page.

You can find information on the Transport for London website about travelling in London. You can also use apps like Citymapper to look at your commute options.

Find more information about getting around London on our Living in London page.

There are lots of cyclists in London, and many roads have designated cycle lanes.

TfL run free cycling training to help with awareness on London's busy roads etc.

Find more information about getting around London on our Living in London page.

You can find out more about the cost of living, and find some tips for managing costs on the RCA’s Cost of living page.

Student Support can also offer financial advice and support. Find out more on the Student Support team page.

We have a live chat service where you can talk to current RCA students. Visit Chat to our students page.

The RCA has an agreement with Imperial College London, where students can access certain shared services, including a gym membership. Imperial is just a few minutes' walk from the Kensington campus.

There is a free shuttle bus that runs between all three campuses at key times of day, as well as public transport links.

The workshops and technical facilities are open to all students. They are not exclusive to one specific programme or School.

Some workshops require advance booking, the completion of a technical orientation, induction, or a consultation with a technician before being able to use them. A selection of process-specific workshops may prioritise students on specialist programme where those facilities are most needed, while other resources are open for drop-ins and available on a first-come, first-served basis when the campus is open.

For safety reasons, the majority of workshops and technical areas require the completion of an induction before access is permitted – however, many of these inductions are available online, and some can be completed before you start at the RCA via our Moodle e-learning platform.

Some equipment can only be operated under supervision by technicians and other equipment can only be used by technicians. We operate a red, amber, green traffic light system to mark each piece of equipment so you can easily identify these.

Further information about the RCA workshops and technical facilities can be found on the Facilities page.