Slade, Goldsmiths, RCA... which one is actually worth it in 2026?

I'm an international student looking for some real talk about these three London MFA programs. What's the vibe actually like on the ground right now?

1. Slade
I know it's prestigious and the theory focus is strong, but looking at recent degree shows, the work feels a bit... dated? Very 90s, quite conservative and shy. Does the heavy theory actually translate into vibrant, forward-thinking discourse among students, or is the atmosphere as stagnant as the work looks?

2. Goldsmiths
This is where I actually want to go, but the constant news about financial troubles and admin chaos is a real red flag. What's the current state of the MFA? Is the Goldsmiths crit still genuinely rigorous, or is the program falling apart? Are industry/gallery people still showing up to degree shows?

3. RCA
£40k for a 10-month program feels like a lot. Aside from the brand name, are there genuine strengths to the studio culture? Is the Battersea campus actually state-of-the-art? And are those industry connections still translating into real opportunities, or has the international student factory reputation started to hurt it?

Would love to hear from current students or recent grads especially.

Thanks