This information is intended for students coming from overseas to study. If you are already in the UK and need to extend your student visa, please click here for information relevant to you.

If you are coming to the RCA to study and you are not an EEA or Swiss national, you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa before travelling to the UK. It is not possible for students of any nationality to apply for leave to remain in this category upon arrival in the UK.

Please note the information below is for guidance purposes only. Students are advised to consult the UK Border Agency website and guidance prior to making any application.

You will need to complete the VAF 9 application form and Appendix 8 general student self-assessment form.

Application for a Tier 4 visa cannot be made until three months prior to your official start date.

You will need to include the following documents with your application:

• Passport(s)/travel document(s)
• Two recent passport photographs
• Payment – £298
• Evidence of qualifications (as stated in your CAS)
• Evidence of English language ability (as stated in your CAS)
• Evidence that you meet the tuition and maintenance costs
• A letter from your parent/legal guardian if they are supporting you financially, and evidence of their relationship to you

All documents provided should be in English. Officially certified translations are accepted where necessary.

Low Risk National

If you are a national of one of the countries listed here, you are considered to be a 'low risk national'.

In order to apply for your visa the College will need to issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). This is a unique reference number which proves that you have been offered a place at the College, and includes information about the course and you the applicant.

Once you have accepted an offer of a place at the College, you will be asked to send a copy of your passport and to pay a deposit. Upon doing this you will be issued with a CAS. For most students this will be in June.

You will be sent an email confirming your CAS number and details of the information included on the CAS. You will need to enter the number in your application form, but do not need to submit the actual email.

You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the first-year tuition fee and maintenance costs for up to nine months for you and any dependents.

One month's maintenance for students studying in London – £1,000
One month's maintenance for each dependent – £600

Information on how you can demonstrate these funds can be found in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance on the UK Border Agency website.

If you are not from a country that the UK Border Agency considers to be a majority English speaking country, then you will need to demonstrate that you meet the UK Border Agency English language requirements.

A list of majority English language speaking countries, details of minimum language requirements and acceptable documentation can be found in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance (Paragraphs 91 to 117).

If you are a national of one of the countries listed here, you will be required to register with the police within seven days of arriving in the UK.

If you are staying in London within the Metropolitan Police area you should register in person at the Overseas Visitors Records Office on Borough High Street. Please click here to view a map.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm

In order to register you will need to take:

• Your passport
• Registration fee (£34)
• Two passport photographs

Once registered, you will be given a Certificate of Registration.

You must inform the police of any changes to your address within seven days and of any changes to the other details on your certificate within eight days.

If you have any queries about the visa application process, you should contact the Student Support Office.

UK Border Agency

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)