International students who want to study on an RAU Undergraduate or Postgraduate, Taught, full-time programme or do their PhD studies here will need to obtain a Student visa before the start of their studies.

New student route

On 5 October 2020 at 09:00 the Tier 4 route closed and has been replaced by the Student route. If you have already applied under the Tier 4 route you do not need to take any action. The two routes are very similar and are updating our website to reflect these changes

The Graduate Route launched in July 2021

The Graduate Route is a post-study work visa available to international students who have successfully completed an eligible degree at undergraduate level or above at RAU and who have a valid Tier 4 or Student Visa at the time of application. The Graduate Route also replaces the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) visa.

The Graduate Route is an unsponsored, post-study work visa. Graduates in this visa will be able to work in the UK for the duration of the visa. The type of work included

Since 1 December 2020 there have been changes in the UK Immigration rules.

Please click the link to see if you need a visa to come to the UK.

In order to enter the UK you must hold a valid visa.  

The Standard Visitor Visa can be used for the following reasons: 

This visa is for English language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months.

Check if you need a visa to study in the UK.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein 

If you started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. 

In addition to the courses available to study at the RAU, the University has a strong presence in China, with collaborative relationships with seven Chinese universities, each of which offer opportunities for study abroad and exchange programmes for students who wish to gain some international experience during their time at RAU.

Below is a list of the China Programme partner Universities and the courses they offer: 

The RAU International Partnerships Office has been established to develop collaborations and partnerships with a range of global partners.

These arrangements encourage international students to study at the RAU and also offer current RAU students the opportunity to study abroad. New arrangements and opportunities are being added all the time, so please contact the International Office to see what is available.

Professor Xianmin Chang, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (China Programmes)

Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees.

Remember that accommodation and living costs are not included in these fees. If you choose to live on-campus, accommodation costs can be found here. 

The UK is one of the most popular countries in the world to study. It is renowned for its high educational standards, its heritage, safety and popular culture.

How will I find life at the University?

With students from over 40 different countries, the University provides a sense of community for students and staff, while offering a stimulating, unique learning environment.

The RAU is delighted to be part of a scheme from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Commissioned by Universities UK and GuildHE as a voluntary exercise to demonstrate the commitment of UK higher education to deliver high quality trans national education (TNE) experiences for students, the Quality Evaluation and Enhancement of UK Transnational Higher Education Provision (QE-TNE) scheme relates to benchmarking and assuring the quality and standards of international teaching provision by UK universities.