Admissions

You will need to apply to both UBC and for the Diploma Program (details below)

1. Refer to the academic calendar to assess your program eligibility:

2. Apply to UBC

UBC & UBC Music applications open: October 4, 2024

UBC application deadline: January 15, 2025

Letters of reference

Letter of reference deadline: January 20, 2025

Applicants must send the link of the reference form to two references. Your referees must submit the form and/or a letter of reference. Reference information is confidential, and the applicant cannot fill out the form.

Typically, references are supplied by private studio teachers and ensemble directors. However, any referees who can speak to an applicant's musical abilities, work ethic, accomplishments, and aptitude are considered.

Late references are accepted but are not guaranteed to be considered.

All applicants to the Diploma program are required to complete an audition.

Domestic applicants are expected to audition in-person for the Diploma programs. If distance, accessibility considerations, or extenuating circumstances impact your ability to attend a live audition in-person at UBC, please contact the admissions manager (music.admissions@ubc.ca) in advance for special permission to send a recording.

International applicants may choose to audition in-person or via a recording for the Diploma programs.

In-person audition dates:

Voice & Strings: February 1 & 2, 2025

Piano & Winds, Brass, and Percussion: February 8 & 9, 2025

Video materials submission deadline: February 1, 2025

Your audition timeslot will be confirmed after January 15.

See below audition instructions.

Students applying to programs at the School of Music must audition as part of the application process. Once you have submitted your UBC and Diploma applications, you will receive an email from the School of Music inviting you to audition at a specific date and time.

Scholarships and awards

Deadline: Varies by award | most are December 1

Several scholarships and bursaries are available for incoming Canadian and international undergraduate students. For a comprehensive list, visit our undergraduate funding page.

UBC application deadline for International entrance scholarships: November 15  

Application deadline for major entrance scholarships: December 1 (all applicants)

Application deadline for the 2024W KMILOT Award: March TBD, 2022 (International applicants only)

Financial aid

In order to be eligible for student loans and other financial support, Diploma students must be enrolled as a full-time students taking a minimum of 24 credits.

Deadline: Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid (if applicable) as soon as possible. Bursary dates vary.

Canadian and US students are eligible for financial assistance in the form of student loans, need-based bursaries, and emergency funding.

Please note: UBC's policy on financial support declares that no eligible Canadian student will be prevented from attending the university for economic reasons alone.

Deadline: May 1

We recommend submitting your housing application along with your UBC application.

To apply for on-campus housing, visit UBC Student Housing, where you can take a virtual tour of the residences and submit your application. We recommend choosing Place Vanier as your first choice because it's very close to the School of Music building and has at least four 24-hour practice rooms. Housing is not guaranteed for students who apply after the May 1 deadline.

Note: Students with a disability or ongoing medical condition are eligible for priority access to on-campus housing.

If you're interested in renting accommodation outside the university, check out UBC's guide to off-campus housing.

Please prepare 20-30 minutes of music that show musical potential and technical facility. A pianist is not required for instrumental auditions. A pianist is usually required for vocal auditions.

Auditions are video only, so you can select and rehearse with your partners. However, Zoom interviews are welcome by request. Please contact Professor Rena Sharon at rena.sharon@ubc.ca with any questions relating to application/audition requirements.

1. One short solo piece containing some virtuosic element
2. Two contrasting movements of an instrumental sonata with partners. Examples: Brahms Opus 120 #1; Prokofiev Opus 80 or 94; Beethoven Sonatas Piano and Violin or Cello; Franck Sonata for Violin and Piano (can be played with other instrumental partners; Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata; Fauré Opus 13. You are welcome to select other repertoires at your preference, reflective of similarly substantive piano parts. String repertoire is preferred but not required.
3. One opera aria with a vocal partner, please include a brief synopsis of the aria situated within the Opera plot.
4. Two songs with a vocal partner(s): Required: Gretchen am Spinnrade (Goethe/Schubert) and a second song with substantial piano content by another composer (preferably in another language), late 18th century to the present day. Please provide a brief commentary about the poetry of each song and how the piano part describes some aspect(s) of the text.

International applicants are encouraged to contact International Student Advising to assist with documentation and entry requirements.

International Student Advising: 1-604-822-5021