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Campus of Royal College of Music
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Royal College of Music

London, United Kingdom · Public · Est. 1883

Updated 28 Oct 2026

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Established

1883

Type

Public

Location

London, United Kingdom

Ranking

Not ranked

Photo: Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0

About the university

The Royal College of Music (RCM) opened in 1883 and stands in South Kensington, opposite the Royal Albert Hall. It trains more than 900 performers, composers and researchers from more than 60 countries, at bachelor's, master's, artist diploma and doctoral level.

Places are offered on audition, or on a portfolio and interview for composers. Main auditions are in London in November and December, with venues normally also in Asia, North America and Australia, and video auditions for most programmes. Overseas fees for 2027/28 are £32,600 a year for the four-year BMus and £34,100 a year for most master's courses. All applicants who audition are considered for merit scholarships, which are taken off tuition fees.

Opened
1883, by the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VII)
Type
Public music conservatoire
Students
More than 900 undergraduate, master's and doctoral students
International
Musicians from more than 60 countries
Campus
South Kensington, London, directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall
Applications
Through UCAS Conservatoires; deadline for most courses 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry

Rankings

    Popular courses with Indian students

    View all 10 courses with filters

    Fees for international students

    Course fees
    CourseDurationFee / year (GBP)Approx. in rupees
    Bachelor of Music (BMus)4 years full time£32,600≈ ₹39.8 lakh
    Master of Music in Performance (MMus)2 years full time (3 years part time)£34,100≈ ₹41.6 lakh
    Master of Music in Performance (MMus), fast track12 months full time£41,700≈ ₹50.9 lakh
    Master of Performance (MPerf)2 years full time (3 years part time)£34,100≈ ₹41.6 lakh
    Master of Music in Composition (MMus)2 years full time, or 12 months fast track (fast track has a higher fee)£34,100≈ ₹41.6 lakh
    Master of Composition (MComp)Full time (see the course page for length)£34,100≈ ₹41.6 lakh
    Graduate Diploma in Vocal PerformanceFull time (see the course page for length)£34,100≈ ₹41.6 lakh
    Artist Diploma in PerformanceFull time (see the course page for length); for students who have completed master's-level study£33,200≈ ₹40.5 lakh

    Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

    Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Royal College of Music with similar universities in the UK.

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    Scholarships

    • Undergraduate and taught postgraduate

      RCM performance and composition scholarships

      Value: Varies; for international students the award is taken off tuition fees

      Eligibility: Merit-based, from the audition, video audition or (for composers) portfolio and interview. There is no separate application.

      Official page (opens in a new tab)
    • One undergraduate and one postgraduate

      ABRSM International Scholarships

      Value: Full tuition fees plus a £5,000 a year stipend (2025 figures; 2026 details to be confirmed)

      Eligibility: International students nominated by the RCM Admissions Committee after auditioning in London during the main audition period.

      Official page (opens in a new tab)

    Admission requirements

    Undergraduate

    • BMus places are offered on audition (performers) or portfolio and interview (composers).
    • The standard UK requirement is two A levels at grade E or above; the BMus page links to a list of accepted international qualifications.
    • Apply through UCAS Conservatoires; the deadline for most applications is 1 October 2026.

    Postgraduate

    • Master's courses need a bachelor's degree or equivalent international undergraduate degree, usually in music, plus a successful audition.
    • The Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance is designed for graduates of three-year degrees, especially from a non-conservatoire background.
    • Artist Diplomas are for students who have already completed master's-level study.

    Documents

    • UCAS Conservatoires application
    • Valid passport
    • Academic certificates and transcripts
    • Audition (in person or video) or composition portfolio
    • English test result from the RCM's approved list, unless exempt

    Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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    English language requirements

    English requirements
    Test or routeTypical requirement
    B2 coursesBMus, MPerf, MComp, Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance and Artist Diplomas in Performance, Composition and Opera: CEFR B2 in all four skills, equal to IELTS 5.5
    C1 coursesMMus Performance, MMus Composition, MSc Performance Science, Artist Diploma in Conducting and PhD: CEFR C1, equal to IELTS 7.0 with at least 5.5 in each component
    Approved testsListed in the RCM's 'Approved English tests and scores – 2026 onwards' document; all four skills must be passed in one sitting
    Degree taught in EnglishA degree taught in English in a non-majority English-speaking country, with evidence, can exempt you from a test

    Accommodation and living costs

    RCM students can apply to the college's own hall, Prince Consort Village on Goldhawk Road in West London (run by Campus Living Villages, with studios, en suite and standard rooms), or to nearby halls such as Queen Alexandra's House (catered, for female students, next to the Royal Albert Hall), Lee Abbey International Students House and William Temple House. Prices are in the RCM's Student Accommodation Options Guide 2026–27 and from each hall.

    Accommodation and living costs
    ItemIn GBPApprox. in rupees

    Campus and location

    The RCM's building in South Kensington, London, stands directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

    • Main auditions are held in London in November and December.
    • Auditions are normally also held in Asia, North America and Australia, and video auditions are possible for most programmes.
    • Student Services advises on health, finance, accommodation and visas.

    Careers and graduate outcomes

    The RCM prepares students for careers as performers, composers and music professionals. After graduating you can apply for the UK Graduate visa; see our UK guide for the current rules.

    Graduate outcomes
    WhatFigureSource

    Studying in the UK

    Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:

    Other universities in the UK

    Compare all universities in the UK

    FAQs

    How much are RCM fees for Indian students?

    For 2027/28 the Overseas fee is £32,600 a year for the BMus and £34,100 a year for most master's courses. The 12-month fast-track MMus is £41,700. Fees normally rise by 2% to 7% each year, including for continuing students.

    Can I audition without travelling to London?

    Yes. Auditions are normally held in Asia, North America and Australia, and video auditions are accepted for most programmes. In-person auditions are encouraged.

    What English level do I need?

    IELTS 5.5 (CEFR B2) for the BMus, MPerf and most diplomas; IELTS 7.0 with 5.5 in each component (CEFR C1) for the MMus courses.

    Are there scholarships?

    Yes. Everyone who auditions is considered for merit scholarships, which international students receive as a fee reduction. Two ABRSM scholarships each year are reserved for international students.

    Sources

    1. RCM: Tuition Fees and Other Charges 2027-28 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
    2. RCM: History of the RCM (opens in a new tab)
    3. RCM: International students (opens in a new tab)
    4. RCM: Applying to the RCM (international) (opens in a new tab)
    5. RCM: Bachelor of Music (opens in a new tab)
    6. RCM: MMus in Performance (opens in a new tab)
    7. RCM: English language requirements (opens in a new tab)
    8. RCM: Scholarships and awards (opens in a new tab)
    9. RCM: Accommodation (opens in a new tab)

    Official website: www.rcm.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

    Check the latest details

    We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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