To join as an RAFVR member, you must be a full-time registered student studying for your first degree, with at least five remaining terms (or two years) remaining at university. You must also be over 17 and a half on joining and under 23 and a half  on graduation. You must have been born in the United Kingdom, or a country which was, at the time, a member of the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland. In addition, you must have been a citizen of one of those countries since birth. You may also join if you have dual British/other nationality.

Selection of RAFVR applicants involves an interview with the UAS Officer Commanding and confirmation of your medical history. You will be expected to demonstrate officer potential and a genuine interest in taking an active part in UAS life. If selected for UAS training, you will be enlisted in the RAFVR with the status of Officer Cadet. Being an Officer Cadet does not make you a commissioned officer, and UAS membership for RAFVR members carries no obligation on the part of the RAF to offer you a commission - and no obligation on your part to join the RAF. However, once you have attested as an Officer Cadet in the RAFVR you become subject to Air Force Law and are expected to behave in a way that does not bring the RAF into disrepute. If you fail to make what your UAS Officer Commanding regards as satisfactory progress - or you yourself request it, your UAS membership can be terminated.

 If you are selected for UAS membership, you will be expected to attend training nights once a week during term time, as well as a two-week summer camp each year. You will also have the chance to do at least ten hours of flying each year. Glasses and contact lenses are acceptable, however you may be subjected to different medical requirements to apply to the RAF. For UAS's, the medical standard is comparable to a DVLA Class II.