South Africa

Every year the RAU welcomes students from across Africa who come to the UK to receive a world-class education. The International Team at RAU are always keen to help and support International students seeking education opportunities in the UK.

At the RAU we offer a variety of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Research programmes.

The RAU holds a Student Visa Sponsor License No: VT0Q9ERW3.

Fees & Scholarships 

Tuition fees

Standard international tuition fees apply for most of our courses but there are some that may vary. For more details on standard and non-standard fees visit our undergraduate fee and postgraduate fee pages.

You can also check your chosen course page to see if a non-standard fee applies to your course. Find the course page by searching our undergraduate course and postgraduate course listings.

Scholarships

The Royal Agricultural University offers a number of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a range of subject areas. In addition to this, a number of external organisations grant awards which may be of interest to RAU applicants. 

Please click for details of the funding opportunities available to international undergraduate students.

Please click for details of the funding opportunities available to international postgraduate students.

Entry Requirements 

International Foundation Year

We run an International Foundation Year programme in partnership with our partner, INTO London World education Centre based in London. 

To enquire about the programme please get in touch with our admissions team: ​admissions@rau.ac.uk.

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors)

​South Africa Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement) or National Senior Certificate for courses requiring:

A-Level requirements Equivalent in South African qualifications
BCC BCCCC (65555)
CCC CCCCC (55555)
CCD CCCCD (55554)
CD (Foundation degrees) CCCDD (55544)

Additionally, all applicants for Bachelor degree courses must have English and Maths at min. Grade C (Standard grade) or E (Higher grade).

Alternatively we accept:

  • International Baccalaureate min. 26 points
  • A-levels or
  • USA equivalent qualifications

Foundation degrees

A-level requirements Equivalent in South African qualifications
CD (Foundation degrees) CCCDD (55544)

Applicants for Foundation degree courses are expected to additionally have:

  • Maths at min. Grade C (Standard grade) or E (Higher grade) and
  • UKVI IELTS English 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5

Alternatively we accept:

  • International Baccalaureate min. 24 points
  • A/AS-levels or
  • USA equivalent qualifications

IELTS and other accepted English language qualifications

Undergraduate courses:

  • IELTS band score 6.0 overall or above with no less than 5.5 in each component of the 'academic' IELTS test. (The test must have been taken within two years of the start of the course)
  • Alternatively*, South African National Senior Certificate/South African Matriculation certificate English grade C/4 or above

*Applicants for Foundation degree courses must provide a Secure English Language Test (i.e. IELTS).

Transfer into Year 2 or Year 3

Academic transfers to RAU into Years 2 and 3 are possible. Contact admissions@rau.ac.uk to find out more.

GDA/GCA

  • An Upper Second class UK (Hons) degree in a non-cognate area or equivalent
  • IELTS band score 6.0 overall and no less than 6.0 in each of the components of the ‘academic’ IELTS test. (The test must have been taken within two years of the start of the course)

Postgraduate Taught degrees (MSc and MBA)

  • Bachelor Honours degree 2:1 or higher
  • IELTS band score 6.5 overall or above with no less than 5.5 in each component of the 'academic' IELTS test. (The test must have been taken within two years of the start of the course)

Postgraduate Research degrees

  • MScR - Applicants require a UK honours degree at Upper Second Class or higher or equivalent qualification
  • PhD - Applicants require a Master's degree or equivalent
  • Mature candidates with significant relevant work experience and lower academic qualifications may also be considered for entry, following personal interview with the Director of Research
  • IELTS (Academic) band score of minimum 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in Writing and no less than 5.5 in any other component. (The test must have been taken within two years of the start of the course)

UK Visas and immigration

International students would normally require a visa for studying in the UK. For further information and guidance visit: 

Preparing for your studies in the UK

Applying to the RAU

Undergraduate

All students intending to study an undergraduate degree in the UK are required to apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). To learn more about UCAS, application deadlines and the support we provide to help you make your application see:

Postgraduate

You can apply for postgraduate taught and research programmes directly to us via our online application form. These forms can be found on the relevant postgraduate course pages:

Representatives 

Meet us

Our international team regularly travels to countries around the world, attending conventions and fairs and visiting schools and colleges. For further information and to view upcoming trips, visit our international events page

Representatives in your country

We work with a small number of approved international representatives who can help you apply and enrol on your chosen programme. Please email us if you would like to contact a country representative: international@rau.ac.uk.