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Applying to the RCM

Flags of the world in the RCM bar
The Royal College of Music has a long tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world. With musicians from more than 50 different countries studying here, our broad community of staff and students makes the RCM an exciting and diverse hub of musical activity.

Applications for most of our courses are made online through UCAS Conservatoires, where you can also track your application and accept your offer. We have audition venues in Asia and the USA, making it easier for many of our international applicants to undertake their audition closer to home where possible. The RCM also has exchange partnerships with universities and conservatoires around the world. Applications for exchanges can be made at your home institution. 

Courses available at the RCM

Explore the range of study options available, the entry requirements for each and how to apply

Exchanges

Find out everything you need to know about coming to the RCM on an exchange programme

Entry requirements & how to apply

We accept a wide range of UK and international qualifications for admission. Different courses at the RCM have different entry requirements. While most courses use UCAS Conservatoires for applications, there is a different process for doctoral and exchange applications.

To find out the entry requirements and application procedure for the course you are interested in, please refer to our course listings where you will find these details explained separately for each course.

Video auditions for 2023 entry

We are planning to audition in London for 2023 entry but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead. This option is open to all Principal Study specialisms, with the exception of Conducting, for which we hope to hold final round auditions live in London in Spring 2023.

We are planning on holding auditions for most principal studies at some of our overseas locations. Please check our Choosing where to audition page for updates.

Further information on deadlines and submission requirements for auditions by video recording can also be found on our Choosing where to audition page.

All candidates will automatically be considered for scholarships on the basis of their audition, including those who audition by video.

Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application. Some applicants may be asked to participate in a short video interview after their audition recording is assessed.

Find out more about auditioning by video

Auditions

Attending an audition is a big step on your route to becoming an RCM student. You will want to be as prepared as possible, musically, technically and in terms of knowing what to expect on the day. Please be aware that you cannot take a teacher or translator into your audition room with you, so be prepared to speak in English.

Audition requirements are set by each faculty. Further information can be found by following the links below.

Brass audition requirements

Composition audition requirements

Conducting audition requirements (postgraduate level only)

Historical Performance audition requirements

Keyboard audition requirements

Percussion audition requirements

Strings audition requirements

Vocal audition requirements

Woodwind audition requirements

Audition venues in London, Asia & the USA

Deadlines, fees and audition dates are different at different venues – check which is best for you

Preparing for RCM auditions

Find out how best to prepare for your Royal College of Music audition

Don't forget

If you are thinking about studying at the RCM there are lots of things you need to do in order to plan your time, prepare and budget accordingly.

Make sure you read our information on visas and immigration, which tells you if you need a visa, how to apply for one and directs you to the most important pages on the UK Government website.

Similarly, our section on living in the UK contains vital information about insurance, banking and healthcare, which every international student will need to consider carefully.

Visit the RCM

If you are able to visit the RCM in person, you are welcome to attend our annual Open Day, which is packed with live music, introductions to the faculties, a selection of open lessons, informative talks and opportunities to meet current RCM students. 

Open Day 

If you cannot make it to our Open Day, but you will be in London, you should consider taking a tour for prospective students.

Tours

If you are unable to visit the UK before making an application there are several ways you can explore the RCM online. You can take a virtual tour of our building and enjoy a series of interactive digital exhibitions from our historic collections at Google Arts & Culture.

Virtual tour & digital exhibitions

We also live stream several events online every season, allowing you to see and hear the high standard of RCM performers.

Watch events online

Enquiries

If you have any queries about applying to the RCM or about moving to the UK as an international student, please feel free to contact our International and Admissions teams who will be happy to offer advice.

Contact us

English language requirements

All applicants must be able to demonstrate that their level of English language ability meets the Royal College of Music’s minimum requirements in order for their application to be accepted.

If you require a visa to study at the RCM, you must meet the English language requirements before the RCM is permitted to sponsor your visa application.

Find out more