Fellowship application FAQs

Everything you need to know about applying for Fellowship. If you cannot find the answer you're looking for please get in touch. If you are already an RSA Fellow please check FAQs for Fellows. 

Can I apply for Fellowship? 

The Fellowship is an inclusive global community and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. You must be above 18 years of age, and demonstrate through your professional or personal life, an alignment with the values outlined in our Fellowship Charter.

Can I still become a Fellow during Covid-19?

Of course! We’ve produced a fantastic array of content to keep you informed and inspired as many of us chose to stay at home and interact virtually.

How long does it take?  

You can expect to have your application reviewed by the Admissions Panel within a maximum of 2 weeks of submitting your application. Once approved, your payment will be processed and you’ll receive confirmation of your Fellowship. 

Do I have to apply online?

The online application is quick, easy and environmentally friendly. However, a hardcopy application is available and can be completed offline and returned freepost if you prefer. Please note that while we work remotely through the Covid-19 pandemic, this may not be possible.

How likely is it that I will be accepted?

Our ethos is inclusive, and we value all who positively impact society. If there is demonstrable evidence from either your professional or civic life that you share the values outlined in the Fellowship Charter, we would be happy to welcome you into the Fellowship.

I’ve applied for Fellowship, can I use the House facilities straight away?

RSA House is open to Fellows, their guests and the public. As a Fellow, you will receive a membership card which can be used to sign into the House. Members of the public will need to report and manually sign it at reception.

**Covid-19 Update: The safety of our Fellows is always our top priority and as a result RSA House currently remains closed to Fellows. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.**

I’m interested in Life Fellowship

 Our Life Fellowship contribution is a one-off payment dependent on age, and length of existing Fellowship. The standard fee is £3900, which is reduced to £1950 for those people who have been Fellows for at least 10 consecutive years or for those aged 65 and over. If you would like to pursue Life Fellowship, please contact the Fellowship team.

Who else is a Fellow in my region?

Find out what events and projects are happening in your area, or use our Find a Fellow feature to find and connect with other Fellows in your area. If you would like to meet with some Fellows in your area, get in touch with our regional team.

Related links

Accessibility, RSA House and Covid-19

Can I have a tour of the House?

Absolutely, simply send an email to our Fellowship Team and someone would be more than happy to give you a tour of RSA House and answer any questions you may have over a coffee in our coffeehouse.

**Covid-19 Update: The safety of our Fellows is always our top priority and as a result RSA House currently remains closed to Fellows. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.**

I’m disabled and/or have access requirements

If you have any access requirements, please let the RSA know. RSA House is accessible via lifts has step-free access into the House as well. Our Durham Street Auditorium is fitted with an induction loop. If you have any additional questions, do contact either the Fellowship team or the House team.

**Covid-19 Update: The safety of our Fellows is always our top priority and as a result the RSA remains closed to Fellows. We will continue to review this throughout September and keep you updated.**

Payment questions

When do you have to provide payment to become a Fellow?

Payment is a part of the Fellowship application process. We recommend submitting your payment information along with your application: no payment is taken until after your application has been approved.

I’ve completed my application, but haven’t been charged yet? 

We will securely store your payment details and only take payment once your application to join the RSA Fellowship has been approved by the Admissions Panel. 

I’d like to pay by direct debit

Brilliant! Direct Debit is the most cost-efficient way of making payment, allowing the RSA to maximise the impact of your generous contribution. There is also the opportunity to pay monthly or quarterly. If you would like to make the change, please contact the Fellowship Services Team or by calling 0207 451 6939, and we will set up a Direct Debit for you. If you are not yet a Fellow, you will be given the opportunity to setup a Direct Debit when you apply.

What are your bank details?

Our bank details are as follows: 
  
 Messrs Coutts & Co. 44 Strand, London W1G 0QS 
 Sort Code: 18-00-02 
 Account Number: 05309476

 BIC/Swift Code: COUTGB22
 IBAN GB 24COUT18000205309476 
  
Please quote your RSA fellowship number in the transaction reference and email fellowship@rsa.org.uk to let us know that you’ve made your payment. 

Who do I address my cheque to?

Please address your cheque to RSA No. 1 Account. Please write your Fellowship number on the reverse of the cheque, and post it to: 

Freepost THE RSA

Please do not include any other address information (e.g. our street address) on the envelope as this may cause your cheque to be delayed. 

What is Gift Aid?

Contributions to the RSA can be treated as a charitable donation, which means that the RSA can claim back Gift Aid from HMRC. Through Gift-Aid, RSA can reclaim tax relief from the government of 25p on every £1 you give as a UK tax payer, at no extra cost to you.

Can I Gift Aid my Fellowship?

Of course! You will be given the option to Gift Aid your payment when you join and when you renew. Please get in touch with the Fellowship team if you have any problems. 

Am I eligible for Gift Aid?

To be eligible, you must be a UK tax payer and pay an amount of UK income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that the RSA and any other charities and CASCs that you donate to reclaim on your subscriptions and donations in the tax year (currently 25p for every £1).

I cannot afford my Fellowship contribution

We understand that an annual payment may not be affordable for all. You can make your contribution monthly (£15.17) or quarterly (£45.50) to help spread the cost of Fellowship through a Direct Debit from a UK bank account. Please contact the Fellowship Team if you are a current Fellow and would like to change the way you pay, or if you would like to discuss alternative payment options.

Miscellaneous

I’d like to make a donation to the RSA

Please see our donations page for a list of the ways in which you can donate to the RSA. Your support makes a real difference, helping people in communities across the world and enabling the RSA to deliver positive social change. 

I’ve seen someone misusing FRSA

Please send any information to fellowship@rsa.org.uk and we will pass the details on to our Governance Manager to follow up on.

RSA Certificates and Diplomas

The RSA no longer supplies certificates or diplomas due to demand for them being so low. Your Fellowship card and welcome letter serves as confirmation of your position within the RSA. 

I have a question about the history of the RSA or something in the RSA Archives

The RSA Archive preserves historical records relating to the RSA's activities and administration and makes them available for research. The archives date from the foundation of the Society in 1754 and provide a wealth of information about its history. They include minutes, correspondence, reports, drawings, prints, photographs and other printed and visual material. Find out more about the RSA archive.

Is the RSA still an examinations body?

The RSA ceased being an examinations body some time ago, but you should be able to get the information you're looking for from our successors, OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA examinations). You can contact OCR through the following routes: 
Email: vocational.qualifications@ocr.org.uk
Phone: 01223 553 311
Address: 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU

Haven't found what you’re looking for?
 If you have any further questions which aren't answered here, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

Related links

• Our Coffeehouse at RSA House
• RSA Archive