International Students

“The opportunity to work with other students here is a real joy – there are such talented people from all over the world.”

Tianyi Li, New Zealand
Conducting

“The teachers here are so wonderful, and they are so inspiring. I feel very happy being here.”

Jonas Seetoh, China
Jazz

“I have enjoyed working here so much – there’s such a strong sense of community and collaboration.”

Kie Yamamoto, Japan
Set & Costume Design

“This place is gorgeous, the people are wonderful and the acting program is just brilliant.”

Claire Inie-Richards, USA
Acting

“My time at RWCMD has been so special. It has given me the chance to grow, both academically, professionally, and as a person. I will always treasure it.”

Shuqi Zhang, China
Piano

“I love Cardiff. It’s a great place to be a student.”

Katherine Mangold, USA
Acting

“The College has given me huge help with my singing, and huge confidence to perform.”

Ting Wang, China
Opera Performance

English | 中文 | 한국어

The community of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama includes teachers and students from more than 30 countries, and there is a constant flow of visiting artists and teachers from all over the world, ensuring that diversity and cultural exchange is hard-wired into the experience of all students at the College.

Studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

The College welcomes applications from students outside the UK for entry to all of its programmes of study. You can find details of all programmes and study options here. We also offer a range of Study Abroad (JYA) programmes to students outside the EU who are already studying for a degree.

Entry Requirements

Entry to the programmes is by audition or interview. You will find details of the standard entry requirements for each programme of study in Study Here. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English are also required to achieve specified minimum scores in an IELTS test in order to begin their studies at the College.

How to Apply

The application process is the same for applicants from the UK and overseas. You will find information on how to apply by visiting the page for your chosen programme of study in Study Here.

Auditions in Your Country

The College regularly holds auditions at cities in Asia and North America. You can find locations and dates for forthcoming auditions here.

Auditions by Recording

Entry to the programmes of study is by audition or interview. If you are unable to travel to the UK or to one of our international audition venues, you can send in a recording or set up a Skype interview.

Please read our guidance notes on preparing a recorded audition for entry to the music programmes: Music Auditions by Recording

If you are applying for the acting or musical theatre programmes, we are usually able to make an initial assessment on the basis of a recorded audition. However, if you are shortlisted, you may be asked to attend a final audition in person. Please make sure you understand the requirements for a recorded audition by following the guidance on preparing for auditions in the following document:
Acting & Musical Theatre auditions by Recording

Tuition Fees

Visit the fees page for full details of the tuition fees payable by students from outside the European Union.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit following auditions. You will automatically be considered for a scholarship when you make your application. You do not need to make a separate application for a scholarship. If you receive an offer of a place following an audition, your offer letter will include details of any scholarship we are able to offer you.

English Language Requirements

You can find a full list of the minimum IELTS scores required for entry here.

Pre-sessional English Language Courses

If you have been offered a place at the College but you have not quite achieved the required IELTS score, you may be eligible to enrol on the Pre-sessional English Language Course, which starts in July every year here in Cardiff and aims to improve your overall IELTS score, so that you can begin your studies in September.

Visas & Immigration

Most students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to study in the UK will require a visa. To confirm whether you require a visa and read about the process of applying, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Student Housing / Accommodation

We are able to guarantee a place in our halls of residence to all international students starting in September, as long as you return the accommodation booking form to us by the end of June. You can also use our Find-a-Friend scheme to find suitable people to share with, based on your interests and preferences.

Support for International Students

The College is able to provide an exceptional level of individual support to each of its students. We encourage international students to integrate fully into the College community and to benefit from the amenities and services provided for all students. The specific needs of international students are represented by the Students’ Union International Officer, who also arranges welcome meetings and social events specifically for students from overseas.

English Language Support

The College offers support and tuition for non-native speakers of English throughout the academic year. This covers academic English, general English and study skills.

Cardiff Calling

Why Wales?

Questions?

Our Admissions Office is normally able to help international applicants with specific issues or concerns. Email admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk or telephone +44 29 2039 1361 from outside the UK. The Admissions Office is open from Monday to Friday, 0900-1630 GMT.