Key dates for postgraduates
Congratulations on receiving your offer. Starting university is one of the most exciting times of your life.
By now you'll already be thinking about what lies ahead and what you should do to prepare for your course and all that follows. We're here to guide you along the way. This handy timeline breaks down all the important phases between now and when you start your course, and shows you the things to do next.
For February starters: You'll be emailed seperately with dates and more information about Registration.
| September start | January start | |
|---|---|---|
| From March | Email for availability | Applications for on-campus accommodation open via myRAU. You'll receive an email once the portal is open. |
| January - September | January - September | Postgraduate open days. A perfect opportunity to visit the University and get a feel for what life as a student is really like. For dates please check here. |
| From February | As soon as possible | Arrange student finance loans and check for any other additional support, scholarships, awards and bursaries you might want to apply for. Try to apply for your student loans as soon as possible to make sure they are in place in time for starting your studies. |
| From May | As soon as possible | For applicants holding a conditional offer, send your final results (final transcript and certificate) by email to admissions@rau.ac.uk. |
| Early May | October - November | If you're an international student needing a Student Visa you'll be sent an email asking you to complete the BIPF (Background Information Pro Forma on the myRAU portal. This must be completed as soon as possible and no later than June. |
| May - June | October - November | International students: TB screening tests - for visa applicants. If you're coming to the UK for more than six months and are resident in any of the countries listed on www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa you'll need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test. |
| Early May onwards | November onwards | International students: For those applicants who need a visa, CAS numbers are issued to unconditional firm offer holders who have submitted their BIPF (Background Information Pro Forma), paid the required £2,000 deposit and confirmed their passport details with Admissions. An email is sent to international offer holders in early May asking for confirmation of these details. |
| Late August | Mid-December | A confirmation email will be sent to all applicants who are holding an unconditional firm offer. |
| Early September | December | Get vaccinated. All students - British, European or overseas - admitted to UK universities are advised to be vaccinated against Meningitis and to ensure all of their vaccinations are up-to-date. Students on courses relating to agriculture should also ensure they are vaccinated against tetanus. |
| Early September | December | Get your money organised. Make sure your postgraduate loan is approved and set up an online payment for your tuition and/or accommodation fees. For queries contact studentfees@rau.ac.uk. |
| Early September | Mid January | Online self registration will open. You'll need to complete this before you arrive. You'll be able to request a permit to park on site at this point. You'll receive an email once the portal is open. |
| Before you arrive in the UK | Before you arrive in the UK | International students: Obtain sufficient UK currency or an international credit/debit card to cover you until you open a UK bank account. |
| September | January | International students: International Orientation Programme (optional). Dates to be confirmed |
| 21 September 2025 | N/A | Arrivals for on-site accommodation |
| 22-26 September 2025 | January | We look forward to welcoming you for on-site Student Registration and Induction Week. |
| Within 10 days of your arrival in the UK | Within 10 days of your arrival in the UK |
International students: Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (i.e. Student Visa) from the appointed collection point, either the RAU Admissions and Visa Compliance Office or Swindon Post Office. Ask Registry for a student status letter (state the bank you'll use) to allow you to open a UK bank account. |
Semester dates for 2025-26
For information about our semester dates, please visit www.rau.ac.uk/courses/semester-dates.