Ravensbourne University International Student Guide 2025 Admissions · Visas · Student Life
Everything international creatives need for a confident move to Ravensbourne in 2025—from entry requirements and visa steps to housing, living costs, and support services.
🎓 Introduction
Ravensbourne University London sits at the heart of the Greenwich Peninsula, surrounded by media studios, design agencies, and emerging tech brands. Its digitally driven courses and industry partnerships attract students from more than 90 countries.
If you are joining Ravensbourne from overseas in 2025, this guide walks you through admissions, visa preparation, accommodation, living costs, student life, and support so you can settle into London with confidence.
Start preparations 9–12 months before intake—early planning gives you time to gather documents, secure housing, and organise finances.
📝 Admissions for International Students
📌 Entry Requirements
Study Level
Academic Requirements
English Proficiency
Undergraduate
High school qualification equivalent to UK A-Levels (IB Diploma, CBSE/ISC, US High School Diploma + SAT/ACT, etc.)
IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 80+, or PTE 55+
Postgraduate
Recognised bachelor’s degree (UK 2:2 equivalent). Creative courses typically require a portfolio.
Same minimum English thresholds; stronger scores recommended for research-based programmes.
💡 Need language support? Ravensbourne offers pre-sessional English courses for applicants who narrowly miss the required scores.
🖥 Application Process
Explore programmes—browse design, media, fashion, and technology courses that fit your vision.
Submit your application—use UCAS for undergraduate study; apply directly via the Ravensbourne website for postgraduate routes.
Prepare documentation—academic transcripts, personal statement, portfolio or showreel, CV (for postgraduate), and English test results.
Receive your offer—offers may be conditional (pending documents/exam results) or unconditional.
Accept and pay deposit—secure your seat; deposits count toward first-year tuition.
Secure your CAS—once you meet all conditions, Ravensbourne issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Apply for your visa—use the CAS to start the Student Route visa process.
Portfolio-heavy courses value originality—show research, prototypes, and iterative thinking rather than only polished outcomes.
📑 Visa Requirements (2025)
International students coming from outside the UK require a Student Route (Tier 4) visa. Arrange the following before submission:
Valid CAS from Ravensbourne listing course details and tuition fees.
Proof of funds covering first-year tuition plus at least £1,334 per month for nine months of London living expenses.
Approved English language test results, unless exempt.
Current passport, passport-sized photos, and tuberculosis test (if from a listed country).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services.
💡 Submit your visa application no later than 3 months before intake to allow for document requests or biometrics appointments.
🏠 Life at Ravensbourne University
🌍 Campus & Location
The award-winning Ravensbourne building neighbours the O2 Arena and Design District. You’ll be immersed in a creative ecosystem with quick Jubilee line access to central London and Canary Wharf.
🏘 Accommodation Options
Partnered halls: Unite Students, Scape, and iQ offer furnished rooms with inclusive bills and communal study areas.
Private rentals: Shared flats in Greenwich, Deptford, Charlton, or Lewisham start around £750–£1,200 monthly per room.
Homestays: Ideal for first-year international students seeking local support while adjusting to UK life.
💡 Reserve accommodation as soon as you accept your offer—spaces near North Greenwich fill rapidly before September.
🍴 Living Costs Snapshot
Food & groceries: £200–£300 per month (mix supermarket brands with fresh markets).
Transport: £100–£150 per month with a student Oyster card and 16–25 Railcard for longer trips.
Utilities & internet: £50–£80 monthly when renting privately.
Social & leisure: £150–£250 monthly for galleries, gigs, or London cultural events.
🎉 Student Life & Community
Ravensbourne’s smaller cohort means tight-knit networking, collaborative studio culture, and direct feedback from tutors and industry guests.
Events & showcases: Degree exhibitions, guest lectures, hackathons, and cross-disciplinary briefs with industry partners.
City experiences: Explore free museums, late-night exhibitions, film festivals, and pop-up design markets across London.
“Working in Ravensbourne studios by day and pitching ideas to London agencies by night kept me inspired and connected.” – International Motion Graphics Alum
💼 Support for International Students
✈ Pre-arrival Help
Visa and travel webinars, airport arrival guidance, and packing checklists.
Accommodation matchmaking and timelines for deposit payments.
👩🏫 Academic & Language Support
Portfolio development workshops and critique sessions.
Academic writing support, referencing help, and English refreshers.
🤝 International Student Advisors
1:1 sessions for visa compliance, healthcare registration, and banking setup.
Guidance on part-time work regulations and CV preparation.
🧠 Wellbeing & Community
Counselling services, mental health first aiders, and peer mentoring networks.
Faith and cultural support with links to local community groups in Greenwich.
🚀 Career Development
Internship and placement alerts via industry partners including BBC, Apple, Nike, and Ogilvy.
CV, showreel, and interview coaching tailored to creative roles.
Enterprise support for freelancing, pitching, and launching creative businesses.
📈 Why International Students Choose Ravensbourne
Industry-focused curriculum designed with active professionals and real clients.
Technology-rich studios equipped for XR, motion capture, prototyping, and broadcast media.
London connections giving daily access to agencies, galleries, and global brands.
Personalised teaching with small cohorts, practical critiques, and collaborative briefs.
Supportive international community that celebrates cultural diversity through events and societies.
❓ FAQs: International Students at Ravensbourne
Q1. What qualifications do international students need?
Provide high school credentials comparable to A-Levels for undergraduate entry, or a recognised bachelor’s degree for postgraduate study. Creative applicants should prepare a portfolio.
Q2. How do I submit my application?
Apply via UCAS for undergraduate courses or directly through the Ravensbourne website for postgraduate programmes, then upload transcripts, personal statements, and portfolio links.
Q3. What are the main Student Route visa requirements?
You must show a CAS, proof of tuition and living funds, English test results if required, valid passport, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Q4. Can I work while studying?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time in official vacation periods, provided you maintain attendance and academic progress.
Q5. Does Ravensbourne help with accommodation?
While it does not own halls, the university partners with trusted providers and offers listings, contract advice, and events to connect students seeking housemates.
🎯 Conclusion
Ravensbourne University London blends creative ambition with real-world industry links. By preparing your admissions documents, confirming visa requirements early, and budgeting for London living, you can focus on building a portfolio that stands out on the global stage.
Reach out to Ravensbourne’s international team, join pre-arrival webinars, and connect with future classmates now to make a confident start in 2025.