Apply
How to apply
For the RCM’s Doctoral Programme and Exchange Programme you should apply using our online portal, Get Acceptd. See the relevant course pages for further details and links to the application form.
For all other courses you must apply through the UCAS Conservatoires application service, which is also used by most other UK conservatoires. International students apply through the same process. Applications submitted by any other method cannot be considered. Before starting, read the UCAS Conservatoires guidance to help you fill out the application form.
Step 1: Create an account in the UCAS Hub and enter your personal details and education history. Make sure to indicate if you have a disability and may need any extra support to enable you to audition.
Step 2: Select the course(s) you want to apply for. If you want to be considered for more than one course or principal study at the RCM, you may only need one application if only one assessment is required. Find out more or contact our Admissions team for advice before submitting.
Step 3: Answer the three Personal Statement questions to tell us more about yourself. See the UCAS Conservatoires guidance for advice on what to write.
Step 4: Provide contact details for someone who is happy to write a reference for you if we need one. From the 2026 admissions cycle we will not normally require a reference, so please tell your referee not to send one unless contacted by us directly. See the UCAS Conservatoires guidance for advice on choosing your referee.
Step 5: Pay the application and assessment fees and submit your application.
Step 6: If you are a composer, or your course or audition venue requires you to submit a video or other materials, make sure you do this by the relevant deadline. See our page on Where and How to Audition for more information. If you are a performer auditioning live in London there is nothing more to do; we will let you know your audition date a few weeks after the application deadline.
Applications for 2026 entry
Application deadlines vary depending on the course you are applying for and, in the case of performance courses, where you choose to have your audition. You can view specific course deadlines in the dropdown sections below.
Find out more about where and how you can audition
If you have missed a deadline late applications may be accepted. Please contact admissions@rcm.ac.uk to enquire.
BMus application deadlines
• Auditions in London: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025
• Performance degree video auditions: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025, video submissions by 27 October 2025
• Composition: UCAS applications and portfolio submissions by 2 October 2025
• Overseas auditions in Australia, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul & Tokyo: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 2 October 2025
• Overseas auditions in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong & New York: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 1 November 2025
GradDip application deadlines
- Auditions in London: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025
- Performance degree video auditions: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025, video submissions by 27 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Australia, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo & Seoul: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 2 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and New York: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 1 November 2025
MPerf application deadlines
- Auditions in London: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025
- Video auditions: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025, video submissions by 27 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Australia, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo & Seoul: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 2 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and New York: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 1 November 2025
MComp application deadlines
- UCAS applications and portfolio submissions by 2 October 2025
MMus(Perf) application deadlines
- Auditions in London: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025
- Video auditions: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025, video submissions by 27 October 2025
- Conducting: UCAS applications and video submissions by 2 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Australia, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo & Seoul: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 2 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and New York: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 1 November 2025
MMus(Comp) application deadlines
- UCAS applications and portfolio submissions by 2 October 2025
MSc application deadlines
For 2026 entry:
- UCAS applications by 14 January 2026
MMusEd application deadlines
- UCAS applications by 2 October 2025
ArtDip application deadlines
ArtDip in Performance
- Auditions in London: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025
- Performance degree video auditions: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025, video submissions by 27 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Australia, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo & Seoul: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 2 October 2025
- Overseas auditions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and New York: UCAS applications and pre-screening video submissions by 1 November 2025
Artist Diploma in Performance course information
ArtDip in Composition
- UCAS applications and portfolio submissions by 2 October 2025
Artist Diploma in Composition course information
ArtDip in Opera
- Auditions in London: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025
- Performance degree video auditions: UCAS applications by 2 October 2025, video submissions by 27 October 2025
PhD application deadline
For 2026 entry applications must be submitted by 27 November. For more information on how to apply, please follow the link below.
Advice for prospective students
My application experience at the Royal College of Music
Hear students’ experiences of going through the application & audition process.
Undergraduate Applicant's Guide
If you are interested in applying for the BMus study at the Royal College of Music, our handy Applicants' Guide contains all the key information you need to know.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are different for each course, so please see individual course pages for details.
Find the entry requirements for your course
All international students must also meet the RCM’s minimum English Language requirements to ensure you can successfully complete the course.
Read our English language requirements
You do not need to send us evidence of your academic or English language qualifications until after you receive an offer of a place.
Audition requirements
Make sure you are well prepared for your audition. Find out more about repertoire requirements and what to expect on the day.
Assessment fees
- All performance and composition courses (single principal study) - £115
- Joint Principal Study (BMus instrumentalists and composers only, not available for singers) - £165
- Msc in Performance Science - £50
- Doctoral programme - £100
Audition fee waivers are available for some UK applicants.
UCAS Conservatoires application fees - 2026 entry
Using UCAS Conservatoires incurs a £28.95 application fee. This is in addition to our assessment fees. You cannot use another system and both the application and assessment fees are paid online through UCAS Conservatoires. If you encounter any problems with their payment system please contact the UCAS support team.
Changing your mind
Applications via UCAS
UCAS allows you to amend your application details online. There is also a 14-day period during which you can cancel your application and request a refund. The 14-day period is counted from the date on your applicant welcome e-mail. You can find further information and guidance on the UCAS website.
Non-UCAS applications
Applicants for doctoral degrees or exchange programmes who would like to withdraw their application should email our Admissions team as soon as possible.
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'Studying at the Royal College of Music is an exciting and inspiring opportunity.'
'Coming here was exactly what I needed: high quality teaching in all aspects of performance, with many opportunities to perform and network. I couldn't have chosen a better place to study.'
'My time at the RCM has been the best couple of years of my life. Every day I get inspiration from my fellow students, teachers and the building itself.'
Find out more about applying
Royal College of Music
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