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How to study music abroad for international students?
Learn more here about the best scholarships to study music abroad in 2025, deadlines, requirements and more.
Choosing to study music abroad can be a tough decision, especially when you factor in the high costs—particularly if you’re aiming for top-tier universities or conservatories in places like Spain, the UK, or the U.S. To help make the process easier, especially if you’re considering applying for scholarships, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best opportunities available for studying music outside your home country.
While studying music abroad, having a reliable internet connection is a must. You’ll need it for accessing learning materials, staying in touch with professors and classmates, and of course, keeping connected with family and friends back home. Holafly Plans offers practical, budget-friendly global plans that help you stay online no matter where you are. We recommend going for the unlimited plan—it lets you connect multiple devices and enjoy global coverage without the hassle.
In the following section, you will learn about scholarships to study music abroad, their costs, what they are and tips on how to get one.
How much does it cost to study music abroad?
When it comes to the cost of studying music abroad, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Expenses can vary a lot depending on the country, the institution, and whether you’re enrolling in a conservatory or a public university. And it’s not just about tuition—don’t forget to factor in housing, transportation, learning materials, and everyday living expenses.
For reference, here are some cost ranges in different destinations:
- United States: Top-tier schools in the U.S., like Juilliard or Berklee, come with a hefty price tag—tuition can range from $40,000 to $65,000 per year. On top of that, living expenses in cities like New York or Boston can add another $1,500 to $2,500 per month, depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.
- United Kingdom: At universities like the Royal Academy of Music, annual tuition typically falls between $22,600 and $40,000. And when it comes to living in London, you’ll need to budget at least $1,700 a month to cover everyday expenses.
- Spain: Schools like the Reina Sofía School of Music do offer scholarships, but without financial aid, tuition can range from $11,300 to $22,600 per year. As for living expenses in Madrid, you’re looking at anywhere between $1,100 and $2,260 a month, depending on your lifestyle.
Beyond tuition and living costs, you also need to factor in expenses for musical instruments, academic trips, and everyday transport—especially if you’ll be attending events or festivals. That’s where scholarships become especially important, helping ease the financial load of a music education that demands regular practice and performances. To make your decision easier, we’ve selected five of the best scholarships for studying music abroad.
The best scholarships to study music abroad
1. Paco de Lucía Legacy Scholarships – Spain
The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, established in 2014, teamed up with the Paco de Lucía Foundation—named after the legendary guitarist and composer—to create a scholarship aimed at students with a strong interest, and ideally some experience, in flamenco music.
- General requirements:
- Must be between 17 and 25 years old.
- Submit two audition videos.
- Provide two letters of recommendation.
- Write two essays.
- Have a letter of acceptance from an accredited university.
- Coverage and benefits: This scholarship has a value of 120,000 euros ($130,500), covering tuition and comprehensive services at the university chosen by the beneficiary.
- Type of studies offered: Undergraduate programs in music, with emphasis on flamenco.
- Aimed at: Music students between 17 and 25.
- How to apply: Applications must be submitted by April 10, 2025, the application form is available on the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation website.
- Opening date: Early in the year.
- Closing date: April 10, 2025.
2. Emerging Artist Scholarships – Berklee College of Music, United States
This scholarship, also offered by the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation in partnership with Berklee College of Music, is designed for exceptionally talented music students who lack the financial means to pursue their studies.
- General Requirements:
- Be admitted to Berklee College of Music for the Fall 2025 semester.
- Maintain a 3.50 grade point average during studies.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from music teachers.
- Include links to two musical performances.
- Coverage and benefits: The scholarship covers full tuition and may include other benefits depending on the student’s financial need.
- Type of studies offered: Bachelor’s degree programs in music.
- Aimed at: Exceptional students with financial limitations admitted to Berklee College of Music.
- How to apply: Through the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation website, following the steps established for the application.
- Opening date: Early in the year.
- Closing date: April 10, 2025 until 11:59 pm E.T.
3. MAEC-AECID Scholarships for Musical Training – Spain
These scholarships, offered by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, are aimed at musicians and artists from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula who want to study at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid.
- General requirements:
- Hold the nationality of an Ibero-American country, i.e. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Bolivia, Spain and Costa Rica.
- Have obtained pre-admission to the Reina Sofía School of Music.
- Coverage and benefits: Includes tuition, room and board, and a monthly allowance for additional expenses.
- Type of studies offered: Musical training of excellence in various instruments and disciplines.
- Aimed at: Music students from Latin American countries with outstanding talent.
- How to apply: Through the AECID website, presenting the required documentation and proving pre-admission to the Reina Sofía School of Music.
- Opening date: Usually in March.
- Closing date: April 2025.
4. ABRSM Scholarship for Musical Studies – United Kingdom
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) provides scholarships for international students looking to pursue music studies at top UK institutions like the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Royal Northern College of Music.
- General requirements:
- Prove your musical abilities through auditions.
- Have a high academic performance in previous music studies.
- Have an advanced level of English (IELTS 6.5 or higher is usually required).
- Be in admission in one of the institutions affiliated to the ABRSM.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Partial or total financing of tuition.
- Financial support for room and board.
- Opportunity to participate in prestigious music education programs.
- Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and graduate programs in music performance, composition and conducting.
- Aimed at: International students with outstanding musical talent who wish to study in the United Kingdom.
- How to apply: Through the official website of the ABRSM and affiliated institutions.
- Opening date: Between January and March of each year.
- Closing date: Between May and June 2025. This is the official website: www.abrsm.org.
5. Fulbright Music Scholarship – United States
The Fulbright Scholarship is widely recognized for its prestige as a U.S. government exchange program that offers international students the chance to pursue graduate studies in a range of fields—including music.
- General Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the grant.
- Proof of previous academic excellence and outstanding musical skills, through recitals and a musical resume.
- Be proficient in English (TOEFL or IELTS).
- Be a citizen of a country eligible for the scholarship.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Full or partial financing of tuition.
- Monthly maintenance stipend.
- Medical insurance.
- Support for travel and visa expenses.
- Type of studies offered: Master’s and doctoral programs in music.
- Aimed at: International students with outstanding musical talent and an excellent academic record.
- How to apply: Applications must be made through the Fulbright Commission in your home country.
- Opening date: Between February and April.
- Closing date: Between May and October.
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Tips on how to win scholarships to study music abroad
Stand out with a strong artistic portfolio
Since music is both an artistic and creative field, showcasing your talent is key—and the best way to do that is through a well-crafted audiovisual portfolio. Include high-quality recordings that reflect your versatility, whether performing solo or as part of an ensemble. Make sure the sound is clear and professional so that reviewers can easily assess your skills and get a strong sense of your musical ability.
Participate in international competitions and festivals
Scholarship programs often take prior experience and recognition into account. Competing in — or even just being selected for — prestigious events like the Santander International Piano Competition or the Tchaikovsky Competition can significantly boost your profile. These are just a couple of well-known examples, but chances are there are similar opportunities in your region that are worth pursuing.
Obtain recommendation letters from renowned musicians
Most music scholarships ask for recommendation letters from respected figures in the academic or artistic world. Reach out to professors, conductors, or established musicians who can genuinely speak to your talent and dedication. If you’re active in cultural or artistic circles, this step can be even easier—having the right people vouch for you can make a big difference in your application.
Prove your versatility and theoretical knowledge
Many programs are looking for musicians with both practical and theoretical skills. Be sure to include certifications in solfège, harmony or music production, or any workshops or courses that support your advanced musical knowledge.
Learn the language of the country where you wish to study
If you’re planning to apply for a scholarship in an English-speaking country or one that requires another language, having a solid grasp of the language will definitely work in your favor. Some universities even offer language courses alongside your music studies, giving you a great opportunity to sharpen your skills while you study.
Justify how your training will benefit the music community
Many scholarship programs look for candidates who will make a broader cultural or social impact. In your application, highlight how studying abroad will allow you to contribute to the musical growth of your home country or add value to the global music scene. This can really strengthen your case and boost your chances of getting accepted.
Frequently asked questions about scholarships to study music abroad for international students
Not always, but it can be worth considering. Some scholarships value knowledge of multiple instruments or conducting.
It depends on the program. Some scholarships offer financial support for instruments, but in general it is the student’s responsibility.
A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 90.
Some scholarships do consider self-taught musicians with a solid track record, but most of them typically expect applicants to have formal training from a conservatory or university.
There’s usually no hard limit, but keep in mind that some scholarships may require exclusivity if you’re selected. It’s a good idea to apply to multiple programs to boost your chances of being awarded one.
