Short Description
The RA Schools is a contemporary school of art offering free postgraduate level study. Focusing on the professional education of artists, the programme provides an open, informed and critical environment for participants to develop their practice, contribute to dialogue and exchange ideas.
Our programme comprises three years of full-time studio-based study, it is highly participative and collaborative. Artists studying here take part in group critique, tutorials, seminars, lectures and innovative forums for discussion. We offer specialist workshops and expertise.
Our core tutors are active artists, and we call on a number of practitioners from diverse disciplines to contribute. The small number of students ensures that the individual practice is subject to sustained discussion.
The RA Schools is a part of the Royal Academy of Arts, an artist–run organisation established in 1768. It is an independent, privately funded charitable institution led by eminent artists and architects. The purpose of the RA is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.
Eligibility
Students at the RA Schools are a dynamic and diverse group that is representative of the breadth of contemporary art practice.
In an applicant, we look for:
● A committed and evolving contemporary fine art practice
● A commitment to focus on study and the studio over three years
● The capacity to be critically engaged both with your own work and with that of others
● The drive to make an active contribution to all aspects of the programme
● Engagement with the contemporary, making art now
There is no upper age limit for candidates. The current age range of artists in the RA Schools is from early 20s to late 40s. There are between 10-17 places per year.
Submission Requirements
• Personal details
• Education
• Application statement (x4 in-depth questions. Approx 150 words each)
• Media/portfolio (1–16 images, audio, video or a proportion of all three)
• Application fee payment
• Reference (please see the references section for more information)
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
There are no course fees. A key principle of the RA Schools is that our programme is free of charge to every applicant offered a place.
The Royal Academy secures funding to support our student bursaries. Successful applicants are typically provided with an annual bursary of no less than £4,000 per academic year, divided into three portions which are then transferred at the start of each term. You will not need to apply for this.
As a student at the RA you would be free to use the UK Charity Commission website to search for trusts and foundations etc. that may consider supporting you during your time at the RA. However we work with many of the applicable supporters, therefore we ask that you first get in touch with our office team to check that we don’t already have an existing relationship with the funding body.
It is also worth noting that we are able to provide students with significant financial need with additional bursary funds. All bursaries are allocated on a financial need basis.
We are also often able to offer students experiencing significant financial difficulty additional funding through our Student Support Fund. Students apply by providing a detailed Financial Assessment.
Entry Fee
There is a $46.00 application fee.
Location
London, United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 8 December 2025
Website Link: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/page/ra-schools-prospectus
