Loading…

UNITED KINGDOM

Chelsea College of Art and Design

public · Founded 1895 · Languages: English

In short

Chelsea College of Art and Design is a world-renowned specialist institution within the University of the Arts London, offering BA, MA, and MFA programs in fields like fine art and graphic design. It provides excellent facilities, strong industry links, and a prime London location for students aiming for global creative careers.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1895
Students: 1,800
International students: 700
Acceptance rate: 22%
Tuition (intl): €24–28k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: United Kingdom

Chelsea College of Arts is a world-renowned specialist art and design college in London, part of the University of the Arts London (UAL). Founded in 1895 and located near Tate Britain in Pimlico, Chelsea offers BA, MA, and MFA programmes in fine art, graphic design, interior design, curating, and textiles, equipping graduates for leading careers in the global creative industries.

Why study here

Part of UAL, consistently ranked among the world's top art and design universities.
Prime London location near Tate Britain, galleries, and the global art market.
Outstanding studio, workshop, and fabrication facilities supporting experimental practice.
Strong links to the international commercial and non-commercial arts sectors.
Cross-college community spanning six UAL colleges with diverse creative disciplines.

Student life

Chelsea students enjoy a vibrant creative community in one of London's most culturally rich neighbourhoods. The Chelsea Space gallery provides an important public-facing platform where students and alumni exhibit work. Students access UAL-wide events, societies, and sports facilities, while the proximity to Tate Britain, the Saatchi Gallery, and countless independent galleries makes cultural immersion part of daily life.

Fees

InternationalApproximately £22,000–£26,000 per year for international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

HomeUK undergraduates pay £9,250 per year; postgraduate fees vary by programme.

LivingLondon living costs estimated at £12,000–£16,000 per year.

Fees are set annually by UAL and may increase each year. Scholarship opportunities are available through UAL.

Admissions

PortfolioA strong portfolio demonstrating creative practice and conceptual thinking is central to all applications.

Undergraduate entryTypically 3 A-levels at BBC or equivalent; Foundation Diploma in Art and Design preferred.

Postgraduate entryAn honours degree in a relevant subject, plus portfolio and statement of intent.

IELTS Academic6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (undergraduate); 6.5 overall (postgraduate)

TOEFL iBT79 (undergraduate); 88 (postgraduate)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings by Subject – Art & Design (UAL)2

University scholarships

UAL International Postgraduate Scholarship£5,000 tuition fee reduction

UAL Creative Arts BursaryUp to £3,000 per year for eligible home students

Accreditation

Chelsea College of Arts is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London (UAL), a degree-awarding body regulated by the Office for Students (OfS) in England.

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated living costs for international students in London?

International students should budget approximately £12,000–£16,000 per year for living expenses in London. These costs can vary depending on individual lifestyle and accommodation choices.

What English language proficiency is required for international students?

For undergraduate programs, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 is generally required. Postgraduate programs typically require a score of 6.5 overall.

What are the typical entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs?

Undergraduate entry usually requires 3 A-levels at BBC or equivalent, with a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design being preferred. Postgraduate entry typically requires an honours degree in a relevant subject, alongside a strong portfolio and statement of intent.

Does Chelsea College of Art and Design offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the University of the Arts London (UAL) offers scholarships for international students, such as the UAL International Postgraduate Scholarship which provides a £5,000 tuition fee reduction.

What makes Chelsea College of Art and Design a good choice for art and design students?

As part of UAL, consistently ranked among the world's top art and design universities, Chelsea offers outstanding facilities and a prime London location. The college also boasts strong links to the international arts sector and a vibrant cross-college community.

Last updated 3 July 2026