Tips for international applications

Many conservatoires will continue to accept applications from international students until later in the year, nearer the beginning of the course. Just contact the conservatoire first before you apply to check they will consider your application.

Don’t leave it too late though, because if you do get a place, you’ll still need to arrange a visa and your accommodation.

Check the application deadlines

Contact us

All the advice and help you need can be found here on ucas.com, or by asking us questions on Facebook or Twitter. You can find our telephone numbers here.

Alternatively, you could choose to seek help from a local adviser – a member of staff at a school, advisory service or agency that provides information about studying in the UK.

• They can sometimes help you with your UCAS Conservatoires application or visa application.
• It’s your choice whether you use an adviser or not – they can offer valuable support, but if you don’t use an adviser you’ll not be disadvantaged in any way.
• Please note, some advisers may charge for their services if they are agents. 

You’ll also need to demonstrate your English language skills, so check with conservatoires how they want you to do this.

• You might need to take a specific English language test to get a place on a course.
• You can check if you need a student visa on the gov.uk website. If you do, you might need to take an English language test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If so, and if you get a place on a course, your conservatoire will let you know what to do, and will help with your visa application. If the visa you’re applying for asks you to prove your English language ability, the secure English language test (SELT) required must be taken in one of the SELT centres approved by the UK Home Office. View the approved secure English language tests and test centres that meet the Home Office’s requirements.

How to get a visa

The qualifications required are often stated in UK terms, such as A levels. Don’t worry though – you can also use equivalent international qualifications that you’ve completed already or you’re working towards now.

• This is different to how some countries manage applications for higher education. In the UK your school or college can provide predicted grades for qualifications you’re studying now that lead to higher education. That way you can apply earlier in the year to increase your chances of getting a place.
• When you search for courses, don’t worry if the entry requirements don’t specify your qualifications – many course providers accept alternative equivalent qualifications. Check on the conservatoire’s website or contact them to find out.
• You can get a statement about how your qualifications compare to UK equivalents from UK ENIC (the UK’s National Information Centre), or contact the UCAS Qualifications Hotline on +044 371 468 0472 (or 0371 468 0472 if you’re calling from inside the UK) or qualsenquiries@ucas.ac.uk.

More about entry requirements

There’s a wide range of performing arts courses available in the UK, with excellent standards of teaching and practical training, so there will be something to suit your goals in the creative arts.

1. Search for courses and see what you like best.
2. Each conservatoire has different specialities, so see which is most suitable for you.
3. Check that employers or professional organisations in your country will accept UK conservatoire qualifications.
4. Make sure the course has the performance opportunities and academic content you’re looking for to help you in your chosen career.

More about how to choose a course

There are various conservatoires you can apply to in the UK – all with different expertise. So rather than choosing the most famous, see which has the best course for you.

• Ask how many other international students or students from your country are studying there.
• Find out if the conservatoire has cultural or social clubs you would like to join.
• Remember to check entry requirements in the course descriptions to see what you need to do to get a place on a course.
• The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education ensures courses in the UK are high quality – take a look at their website to read conservatoire reviews.

More about how to choose a conservatoire

Throughout the website you will see notes like this one pointing out parts of the application process which are different for international applicants. Most of the process is the same, but there are extra considerations like matching international qualifications to the UK equivalents, and arranging visas.

Look out for these notes, and click below to get an introduction to the process, and a list of all the tips posted throughout the website.

It’s not possible to apply in an alternative language, but you can use some European characters in your personal details, personal statement, employment and referee details.

How to fill in the application

If you’re taking or have taken an English language test, you might be able to add the details here, so that conservatoires can verify the results.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) registration number
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test Report Form number

Other English language tests, such as Trinity’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE), Pearson Test of English (PTE), TOEFL, and Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency tests are widely accepted by UK higher education providers. If you’ve taken any other English language test or course, mention it in your personal statement.

How to fill in your personal details

You’ll be able to enter your passport number as well, which will help you if you need to arrange a student visa. Don’t worry if you don’t have a passport yet – you can add your passport number after you’ve submitted your application.

• Make sure you add as much detail as possible – including grades and results. Without enough information conservatoires might struggle to make a decision.
• Qualifications are listed by name and country, but don’t worry if yours isn’t there – just add it into the ‘other’ box.

How to fill in your previous qualifications

As an international student there are a few extra things you should mention.

1. Why you want to study in the UK
2. Your English language skills and any English courses or tests you’ve taken
3. Why you want to be an international student rather than study in your own country

More about how to write a personal statement

You may have to send proof of your results in certificates or transcripts. At UCAS, we’re able to send some of your results – including the International Baccalaureate – but for most international qualifications you’ll have to send them to the conservatoire yourself.

Different conservatoires may have different policies for how they want to receive results. Some might ask for them as soon as you apply – others might do their initial assessment of your application before asking to see proof of your results.

How to send your results to conservatoires

You might need to arrange a student visa to study in the UK.

• If so, you’ll need to prove your English language skills, and make an application through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• Your conservatoire will help you to apply, and you can enter your passport details here on ucas.com when you fill in your application or after you have submitted it.

How to arrange a visa

Fees can vary depending where you study and whether you’re from the EU or outside the EU.

Undergraduate fees

Postgraduate fees

EU students may be able to apply for a student loan. Alternatively any student may be able to find a scholarship.

Undergraduate finance

EU students are eligible for the course provider’s public funding, but other international students usually pay the full costs. However you may be eligible for other funding options below.

Postgraduate finance

You may be eligible for certain awards in Scholarship Search.

Undergraduate scholarships

There is a lot of a support for international students in the UK. Many conservatoires have international offices and student societies, activities and academic guidance, plus counsellors and advisers to help you feel welcome and supported throughout your time in UK higher education.

Support from your conservatoire