What IELTS score do you need for the Royal College of Art?

Nationals of a majority English-speaking country, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US, do not need to prove their English. A second-class (upper division) degree or equivalent from a university in the RCA's degree list (the same countries minus Canada) within five years also exempts you, except for MPhil/PhD applicants.

If your degree was taught and examined in English elsewhere, such as India, Pakistan or Nigeria, the RCA asks for an official letter from your university confirming the whole course was taught and assessed in English, and the degree must be equivalent to a UK 2:1. Your eligibility is assessed only once you have your final transcripts, and the RCA notes UKVI may require Ecctis verification of a non-UK degree.

You do not need the test before you apply, but official results are due by Tuesday 1 June 2027, and a CAS cannot be issued until you meet the requirement. The RCA runs BALEAP-accredited 10-week and 6-week pre-sessional courses; a lower-second degree from the listed countries makes you eligible for the summer 10-week course.

For a Student visa, UK Visas and Immigration asks for English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study and B1 below degree level, per gov.uk. At degree level, gov.uk adds, your university can assess your English itself and may ask you to take a different test.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your RCA programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.