Royal Academy Schools | Royal Academy of Arts

Royal Academy Schools


  • The RA Schools has been a key part of the Royal Academy since its foundation in 1769. We offer a full-time, three-year programme to 10–17 postgraduate students each year. We charge no fees.


    On this studio-based academic programme, critical discussion is developed through lectures, group critiques, tutorials and artist talks. Given the high student-to-tutor ratio, each student’s art practice is subject to in-depth and sustained discussion.

    This programme is free and we offer financial support through bursaries and contributions to the cost of some materials. This support does not fully cover the cost of living and studying in London, and most students work part-time outside of the hours that the programme is in operation.

    Applications closed on 3 December 2023.

    • The restored Cast Corridor in the RA Schools

      The renovated Julia and Hans Rausing Campus

      The Royal Academy Schools has undergone historic renovation.

      Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, together with Julian Harrap Architects, the restoration and renewal project has preserved the heritage of the buildings and provides accessible, state-of-the-art facilities for the next generation of artists.

  • A taste of life at the RA Schools

    The RA Schools provides a shared space for exchange and discussion in the development of each student’s practice across contemporary fine art media. Our school is equipped with specialist facilities for a wide variety of processes, including casting, ceramics, woodwork, 2D and 3D printmaking, photography, and time based media.


    • The Starr Fellowship

      A fellowship at the RA Schools for a US artist

      Applications are closed for The Starr Fellowship, a year-long residency for a visual artist who is a U.S. national, at the Royal Academy Schools.

      The Fellowship provides a bursary of £26,000 and a studio in the school to support the development of the Starr Fellow’s practice.

      The Starr Fellow will also gain teaching experience by contributing to the RA Schools programme. They have access to the RA Schools’ resources, including lectures and talks, technical facilities and expertise, and the RA’s extensive Collection, Library and Archive. At the end of the Fellowship, the artist is invited to exhibit their work.

      The ideal Starr Fellow will:

      • Be a US national currently based outside of the United Kingdom.

      • Have an established practice in the United States, and will have taken part in exhibitions or other projects.

      • Have teaching experience and an MFA or similar (desirable), or want to extend their teaching experience

      For more information about the Royal Academy Schools and our facilities please see our Prospectus.

      Applications open autumn 2024

      Starr Fellow in the RA Schools studios