English language requirements

You will need to provide your score from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. IELTS score requirements for each programme are shown on the programme web pages. The test must have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.

Either IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI are acceptable.

If you have not already taken an approved English Language Test and achieved the required score, then we will advise you to book a test as soon as possible if all of the other elements of your application are successful.

Note: If you have received a second class (upper division) degree or above from a university in a majority English-speaking country within the last two years, you are exempt from this requirement when applying for our Master's and Graduate Diploma programmes.

English language test results must be submitted to the College no later than one month prior to the start date of the programme. We encourage prospective students to work hard on their English language even before an offer might be made. Applicants are rarely able to improve their English by more than a full point on the IELTS scale over the course of six months, so strongly advise that candidates consider whether they will be able to achieve the required English language scores before making their application to the College.

We accept IELTS online test and PASSWORD Plus as an alternative to IELTS.

Either IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI are acceptable.

If you have not reached the required English language level to begin your programme at the RCA, the College offers an online eight-week online EAP Pre-Sessional course from July to August every year. Please see below for the required IELTS equivalent level to join the 8 week Pre-Sessional course.

We also offer a four-week online version of the Pre-Sessional course in August. This is for students who have reached the required IELTS score for their programme but wish to improve their language and academic skills in a context specifically designed for Art and Design postgraduate students at the RCA. The pre-sessional course provides a valuable chance to practise academic English in the context of art and design with authentic and relevant tasks and materials.

Our Pre-Sessional courses are accredited by the global forum BALEAP - the British Association of English for Academic Purposes.

Find out more about our Pre-Sessional courses and how to join.

We also provide In-Sessional support once you begin your RCA programme. Find our more about our In-Sessional support.

In addition to the RCA’s minimum requirements, students who need a student visa for their studies at the RCA will need to show that they have met the Home Office’s minimum requirements for entry clearance into the UK. For detailed guidance on English language requirements for all higher education students coming to the UK, please see the Home Office information.

Usually you will need to provide your score from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. IELTS score requirements for each programme are shown on the programme web pages. Equivalent qualifications and scores accepted by the RCA are shown below.

We are aware that, following the Covid-19 global pandemic, a number of approved English language test centres around the world have been closed. Below you'll find alternative online equivalents that we now accept.

If you have not already taken an approved English Language Test and achieved the required score, then we will advise you to book a test if all of the other elements of your application are successful.

We accept online tests as well as tests taken at test centres in person. Please see below ‘Equivalent IELTS scores’ for the tests we accept. You will need to provide evidence that you have achieved the correct language requirements for your Programme.

As well as IELTS, the College accepts Password Plus, an online English test that will enable you, on successful completion, to achieve the standard necessary to register for a programme of the College. The Password Exam operates a similar format to the IELTS examination, testing on your English listening, reading, speaking and writing ability. Please visit the Password Plus website to purchase an exam.

Note: If you have received a second class (upper division) degree or above from a university in a majority English-speaking country within the last two years, you are exempt from this requirement when applying for our MA programmes.

If you have studied a degree or postgraduate diploma (taught in English) in one of these countries you will not usually have to present other evidence of English language ability.

No other country may be considered as being ‘majority English speaking’ for visa purposes.

You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:

• you’re a national of Canada
• you’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA
• you proved your level of English in a previous visa application

List of majority English language countries

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom
• United States of America