Benefits of studying at UK conservatoires
Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available in a huge range of subjects – all based around individual tuition and frequent opportunities to perform in bands, orchestras, choirs, operas, dance and musical theatre.
Studying in the UK, you will develop a fantastic mix of valuable skills, experience diverse cultures, gain exposure to innovative industries, and sample academic excellence.
How to apply
You do all your research and applying for courses online through the UCAS website.
Firstly, the way that UK higher education works means there are different rules for UK, EU and international students. We’ll highlight the similarities and differences throughout ucas.com, but it might be worth checking our guide to UK higher education terms.
- Then get started on what to study, when to apply and how to get a place and a visa.
- Then find a course, and look out for our advice on how to choose a suitable course and conservatoire.
- Then start applying, if possible submitting your application before 1 October (18:00 UK time) for most music courses, or 15 January (18:00 UK time) for other courses. Exceptions can sometimes be made for international applicants though, or for postgraduate courses. Please check conservatoire websites for full details.
- Then look at finance and support, if you’ll need to arrange visas and to pay course fees or adjust to life in the UK.
Tips for international applications
We have specific advice for international students throughout our website.
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All the tips are listed here too
EU referendum: what does it mean for you?
If you're an EU national who's applied to study in the UK, you may be concerned about the recent referendum result, and what it means for you. Here are a few things you can do to find out more about Brexit.
- The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) looks after the interests of international students and those who work with them. Read UKCISA's latest article on the EU referendum.
- Take a look at what universities are saying about Brexit – you can find links to their websites in our search tool.
- Read the statements below about the latest support arrangements for EU students.
Started your studies in 2017/18?
England
EU students will be eligible for student loan and grants, and will continue to be eligible for the duration of their course. Check GOV.UK and the Student Loans Company website for further information.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Irish Government has now confirmed that all EU applicants are able to apply for a tuition fee loan, up to their maximum tuition fee amount.
Scotland
Eligible EU students will continue to have access to free tuition, including tuition fee support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
Wales
Eligible EU students will continue to receive support from Student Finance Wales. Read the Welsh Government's website and Universities Wales’ post for more information.
Started your studies in 2018/19?
England
The Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for financial support, with full access to student loans and grants, even if their course finishes after the UK’s exit from the EU.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Irish Government has now confirmed that all EU applicants are able to apply for a tuition fee loan, up to their maximum tuition fee amount.
Scotland
The Scottish Government has confirmed that EU nationals are guaranteed free tuition for the duration of their course.
Wales
Eligible EU students will continue to receive support from Student Finance Wales. Read the Welsh Government's website and Universities Wales’ post for more information.
Starting your studies in 2019/20?
Scotland
The Scottish Government has confirmed that EU nationals are guaranteed free tuition for the duration of their course.
Northern Ireland
The Department for the Economy continues to examine accessibility provisions for EU students which are in place in the rest of the UK. It will make an announcement in due course about the 2019/20 academic year, to ensure there is a consistent approach for access to the UK HE sector.
Covering the cost of your studies
Before you decide which conservatoire to attend, you need to be absolutely certain you can pay for:
- the full cost of your tuition fees – check conservatoires’ websites for their fees
- everyday living expenses
- music
- instruments or costumes
- travel
Take a look at our finance pages to find out more about student finance and the support available.