Applying to the RCM

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. This is a central service used for most UK conservatoire admissions, where you can also track your application and accept your offer.

Our main auditions take place in London in November and December. We also normally hold auditions in Asia and the USA, making it easier to audition closer to home if you need to. Whilst we encourage applicants to audition in person to have the chance to visit our campus and meet some of our teaching staff, for most programmes we also offer video auditions/interviews for applicants who cannot make it to an audition venue. Find out more about our overseas audition at venues.

All applicants who audition for our performance and composition courses are considered for scholarships on the basis of performance at audition, including applicants who audition by video.

The RCM also has student exchange partnerships with universities and conservatoires around the world. Find out about applying for incoming exchanges.

Our friendly Admissions and International support staff are here to support you throughout your application journey, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Entry requirements & how to apply

Applications for most courses are made through UCAS Conservatoires.  Register in the UCAS hub to create an account and begin your application.  UCAS Conservatoires provides helpful advice on completing your application form. 

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 the information on the relevant course page.

We accept a wide range of UK and international qualifications for admission. Courses have different entry requirements depending on the level of study.

All applicants must be able to meet the Royal College of Music’s minimum English language requirements in order to enrol. If you require a Student visa to study at the RCM, you must also meet the minimum English language requirements set by the UK Home Office.

Find out more about our English Language Requirements.

Auditions

Attending an audition is a big step on your route to becoming an RCM student and may feel daunting. But remember the audition panellists want you to feel welcome and do well! We recommend that you prepare as thoroughly as you can, so you can relax and perform at your best. Find out more about what to expect on the day and tips for preparing for your audition.

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

Don't forget

If you are thinking about studying at the RCM, as well as preparing your audition there are some practical things to consider when planning a move to the UK.

Make sure you read our information on visas and immigration, to find out if you need a visa and how to apply 

Visit our living in the UK pages for useful information about healthcare, insurance, banking and working during your studies.

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