University Guide
Royal Agricultural University
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU), based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, was founded in 1845 as the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world. Today, it continues to deliver education and research dedicated to caring for the land and supporting those who depend on it.
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the Royal Agricultural University.
Rankings
The RAU ranked 1st for 'graduate prospects - on track' in the Complete University Guide 2026. It also ranked second overall in the UK in the 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards in the Small or Specialist category, and was also ranked second in the South West England Small or Specialist category. In 2026 they were runners-up in the submission-based award for Cost of Living Support provided for their students. The RAU ranked 8th for Student Experience in the UK Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and was awarded Silver in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) ratings – September 2023.
Employability
Graduate Outcomes Survey results: 85% of Graduates were in employment and/or further study 15 months after graduation; 88% of Graduates with a known disability were in employment and/or further study 15 months after graduation; 78% of Postgraduates were in employment and/or further study 15 months after graduation.
Fees
For 2026/27 full-time tuition fees for UK students are £9,790 and £16,950 for international students studying a BSc, Foundation and Top-up course.
Bursaries
There are many forms of financial support on offer at the RAU for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students. The funding opportunities include bursaries, scholarships, awards and external awards. Full details may be found on their website.
Accommodation
The Royal Agricultural University offers catered and self-catered accommodation, with the half-board option as standard. The bedrooms are a mixture of standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities and ensuite rooms, and they offer quiet bedrooms for students who prefer a more tranquil environment. Individual prices range from £7,455 (standard single half board room) a year to £9,310 (large ensuite half board) and can be found here. Half board is based on 14 meals per week (breakfast and dinner).
Need a place to stay in Cirencester?
We have lots of available student accommodation in Cirencester.
Students' Union
The RAU Students’ Union (RAUSU) represents and champions students’ interests and ensures that their time at the RAU is the best it can be. This includes all aspects of student life from their academic experience, accommodation to wellbeing and finances. They organise social and fundraising events including Welcome Week, RAG Rally, May Ball and others throughout the year, as well as a wide range of clubs and societies.
Famous for
Alumni include Suzanna Hext, Captain Guy Disney, Derek Bell, Lisa Letchford and James Buckman. The Royal Agricultural University has a global community of over 18,000 alumni.
News
A team of students from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been crowned the winner of this year’s AICC Ceres Rural Crop Challenge 2026 at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.
Accommodation for Students says
"The largest town of the Cotswolds, located on the beautiful River Churn, Cirencester is home to 1,100 students of the Royal Agricultural University, the oldest agricultural college in the English speaking world. Those interested in the Roman period will benefit from the town’s Corinium Museum which has an extensive Roman collection. Its location in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, a country feel, and good rail connection to London and other parts of the west from the nearby Kemble rail station makes Cirencester an attractive location for students".
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