How to Apply

Applying to the Academy is a big step. Whether you are applying from the UK or internationally, we will guide you through each stage.
A cello students smiles in the middle of a busy ensemble.

Start your application

Most applicants apply through UCAS Conservatoires, where you will need to:

  • Create an account
  • Complete your application (you can save and return at any time)
  • Submit before your course deadline 

If you need help getting started, you can follow the UCAS Conservatoires step-by-step guide.

Before you apply: key terms explained

If this is your first time applying, these terms may be helpful:

  • UCAS Conservatoires
    The application system used by UK conservatoires
  • UCAS Personal ID
    Your unique application number, generated when you register
  • Acceptd
    A separate platform where you upload audition materials and complete additional requirements. 
    Read the Candidate Guide to Acceptd.
  • Principal Study
    Your main area of study, for example violin, composition or vocal studies 

Who is this page for?

Use the route below that best fits your situation:

  • Undergraduate or postgraduate applicants (UK and international)
    Apply through UCAS Conservatoires.
  • International applicants
    You can audition in London, and for some application choices you can audition at international locations, or by video recording.
    Find out about auditions.
  • Exchange or Study Abroad applicants
    Apply directly via Acceptd.
    Incoming exchanges

Essential information for your application

In most cases, you only need to submit one UCAS application.

After submitting your UCAS application, you will need to:

  • Create an Acceptd profile for your Principal Study choice

In your Acceptd profile you may also need to include additional files, depending on your chosen department and course.

You can find more details on the Auditions page, and on your chosen course page found through the course finder.

Application deadlines

For most courses the UCAS application deadline is on 1 October 2026, although some have later deadlines.

Always check your course page for the correct deadline: View courses

International applicants

We welcome applications from around the world.

You can choose to audition:

  • In London

You may also be able to choose an alternate audition option, depending on your application choice: 

  • At one of our international audition locations (Australia, China and the USA)
  • By video submission

See full details on the Auditions page.

Applying for more than one course

You can apply for multiple options depending on your interests:

  • Same specialism (for example MMus Piano and MA Piano)
    In that example, only apply for the MMus (the higher-level course). We can adjust this later if needed
  • Different specialisms (for example BMus Violin and BMus Viola)
    Submit separate choices in UCAS and Acceptd
  • Opera and Vocal Studies
    Apply separately to each in UCAS and Acceptd
  • Research degree and a taught course
    Apply separately to each in UCAS and Acceptd

If you are unsure, please contact the Admissions team:
admissions@ram.ac.uk

Missed the deadline?

If you have missed the deadline for your course, you may still be able to apply.

Contact the Admissions team before submitting anything:
admissions@ram.ac.uk

Application fees

  • Academy assessment fee: £100, paid via UCAS Conservatoires
  • UCAS registration fee, added by UCAS when you submit the application

Payment is made online when you submit your application.

If you experience issues, please contact UCAS directly:
UCAS support

Application Fee Support

If cost is a concern, support may be available. Here are details about the different types of support:

1. UCAS Application and Assessment Fee Waiver Scheme

Eligibility: For eligible UK applicants, for example those who have received Free School Meals or meet the UCAS criteria for Care-Leavers.

What it covers: This covers both UCAS and Academy fees.

How to Apply:

  • In the 'More About You' section of your UCAS Conservatoires application, please confirm that you currently receive UK government funded Free School Meals or have been in receipt of them in the last six years, or if you meet the criteria for Care-Leaver.
  • This will qualify you to be considered for the Application and Assessment Fee Waiver Scheme and UCAS will contact you by email with additional instructions.
  • Please get in touch with UCAS Conservatoires if you’re not sure if you qualify for the scheme.

Further UCAS guidance:
UCAS Conservatoires guidance

2. Royal Academy of Music Application Fee Waiver Scheme

Eligibility: For applicants receiving certain UK government benefits. Application fee waivers may be granted when candidates (or their parent or legal guardian if the candidate is under 28) are in receipt of the following UK government benefits:

  • 16-19 Bursary Fund
  • EMA
  • Disabled Students Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Job Seeker’s Allowance
  • Tax Credits

Please note, with these waivers the UCAS Conservatoires fee cannot be waived and must be paid.

How to Submit Evidence:

  • Required Documentation: We will need up-to-date documentary evidence of the benefit (scanned and attached to an email) to admissions@ram.ac.uk, quoting your UCAS Conservatoires personal ID number. The evidence needs to be from the UK Government and must contain your name and details of the benefit.
  • What NOT to send: Please do not send bank statements, tax documents, or wage slips, and please do not post paper documents to us.
  • Parent/Guardian Recipients: If the benefit recipient is your parent or legal guardian, please also send a document confirming their relationship to you (for example, a scan of your longform birth certificate including parent names).
  • Translations: If the documentation is not in English, we must also receive an English translation certified by an official translator.

3. Travel Costs

If you receive a fee waiver, you may also be eligible for support with audition travel costs.

Eligibility & Cover: This is available for UK domiciled students under 27 years old up to the cost of £100 for one person’s standard-class public transport return travel, from their home to the Academy.

References

You will need to nominate one referee in your UCAS application.

  • They do not need to submit a reference at the point of application
  • We will contact them if required 

Guidance on selecting a referee

Tracking your application

After you apply:

  • You will receive audition or interview details by email after the application deadline has passed
  • This will usually be by early November for our December audition session, the timing varies depending on your course, audition type and audition location.

Please check your inbox and junk folder regularly.

What happens next?

After submitting your application in UCAS Conservatoires and Acceptd, the next stage is your entry assessment: an audition or interview, or the assessment of your Round 1 submission.

The audition or interview will be your opportunity to perform, demonstrate your potential, and share your artistic voice.

We recommend preparing early. You can find detailed guidance on repertoire, format and expectations here:
Auditions

After your assessment:

  • You will receive your result through UCAS Conservatoires
  • If you receive an offer, you can read more about what it means and how to respond: Understanding your result

A final note

Applying to a conservatoire can feel like a significant moment. You are not expected to have everything fully formed. We are looking for potential, commitment and individuality.

If you have questions at any stage, our Admissions team is here to help:
admissions@ram.ac.uk