Royal College of Music (RCM) International Scholarships
Automatic scholarship consideration for every applicant to the Royal College of Music in London, one of the UK's leading conservatoires, with dedicated full-fee awards for international performance and composition students.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Partial FundingDeadline
Course application deadlines typically fall between October and January; auditions run November-December
Country
United KingdomAbout the Royal College of Music (RCM) International Scholarships
The Royal College of Music (RCM) in London is one of the world's top conservatoires for classical and contemporary music performance and composition, consistently ranked among the best music schools globally. Every applicant to an RCM performance or composition course - whether auditioning in person in London or submitting a video audition - is automatically considered for a scholarship; there is no separate scholarship application to complete.
International students, who make up a large share of the RCM's postgraduate population, can be awarded named scholarships that are deducted directly from their tuition invoice rather than paid out as cash. Full international-fee scholarships exist across many instrument and voice categories, funded through the RCM's Future Music Fund and individual donor-named awards, and the value of an award is applied straight to the fee bill once confirmed.
One notable dedicated international award is the Alastair Jackson International Opera Award, reserved for an exceptional singer from Australia or New Zealand pursuing the two-year postgraduate Artist Diploma in Opera, which includes a full-fee scholarship plus a travel and living-expense allowance - illustrating the kind of highly specific, generously funded awards available to strong international candidates across the College's scholarship portfolio.
Because scholarships are awarded purely on the strength of the audition (not a separate essay or interview), the single most important step for an international applicant is preparing the strongest possible audition programme and, where an in-person audition is offered, travelling to London during the main November-December audition period rather than relying solely on a recorded submission.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
One of the UK's oldest and most respected conservatoires, with alumni across major orchestras, opera companies, and film scoring
Located in South Kensington, London, alongside the Royal Albert Hall and Imperial College, in the heart of the city's classical music scene
Scholarship consideration is automatic and built into the audition process, with no extra paperwork
Strong network of donor-funded named scholarships specifically for international students
Small studio class sizes with internationally recognised principal study teachers
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in United Kingdom
The UK remains one of the top destinations for classical music training, with London hosting several world-class conservatoires; scholarship support is essential given international tuition and cost-of-living in the capital.
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
5 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Step 1: Submit an RCM course application through the College's online portal by the published deadline
Step 2: Prepare and submit audition materials, or book a place at the London audition period (November-December)
Step 3: Attend the audition (in person or via video) - this same audition automatically triggers scholarship consideration
Step 4: If offered a place, the Admissions and Scholarships Committee nominates the applicant for an available award
Step 5: Award notification arrives with the offer letter, typically within around two weeks, and is applied to the tuition invoice
Application Timeline
September
Applications open
October-January
Application deadline
Varies by course and audition round
November-December
London auditions
Within ~2 weeks of audition
Offer and scholarship notification
September (following year)
Enrollment
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Whenever possible, choose the in-person London audition slot over a video submission - live auditions are generally viewed most favourably for both admission and scholarship purposes
Prepare a varied, well-contrasted audition programme that shows range across style and technical demand
Apply early - some award pools and audition slots fill before the final application deadline
Check whether your home country/nationality qualifies you for any named scholarship with specific eligibility criteria
Budget realistically for London living costs even with a partial scholarship, since fee waivers do not cover accommodation
Contact RCM Admissions directly (admissions@rcm.ac.uk) with specific questions about international scholarship eligibility
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No. Every applicant auditioning for a performance or composition course at RCM is automatically considered for a scholarship - there is no separate scholarship form.
Amounts vary by named award; some cover a portion of international tuition, while fully funded named scholarships can cover the entire international fee, occasionally with a living/travel allowance.
Yes, video auditions are accepted, though attending the in-person London audition period is generally recommended where feasible.
Scholarships are available for Bachelor's, Master's, Artist Diploma, and some doctoral/research routes, though award pools and amounts differ by level.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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Deadline: Course application deadlines typically fall between October and January; auditions run November-December
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