Admissions

To apply for a diploma program, you will need to apply to UBC and complete a supplemental application. 

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

2. Apply to UBC

UBC & diploma supplemental applications open: October 2025

UBC application deadline: January 2026

3. Diploma in Music Performance/Diploma in Collaborative Piano Studies Supplemental Application

To complete an application to a diploma program, applicants must:

• Apply to the University of British Columbia
• Complete the Diploma Supplementary Application
• Pay the supplemental fee via the Applicant Service Centre
• Provide two letters of reference

Diploma supplementary application deadline: January 2026

Preparing to fill out the form

Please have the following information ready:

• Your planned audition format (in person/video*)
• Audition instrument(s)/voice part
• Proposed audition repertoire (see audition details below)

*Domestic applicants are expected to audition in-person for diploma programs. If distance, accessibility considerations, or extenuating circumstances impact your ability to attend an audition in-person at UBC, please contact the Manager, Admissions and Recruitment at music.admissions@ubc.ca in advance for permission to send a recording.

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

Three short-answer questions (150-250 words each):

1. What is your most significant musical experience?
2. What are your motivations and goals for pursuing a BMus degree?
3. Why are you interested in studying at UBC Music?

Supplemental Fee

The application form requires a separate fee. Applicants may submit their supplemental fee via the Applicant Service Centre before the deadline.

Letters of Reference

Letter of reference deadline: January 2026

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.

In-person audition dates:

Voice, Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bassoon), & Brass (french horn): January 31, 2026

Voice & Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba)/Percussion: February 1, 2026

Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp) & Piano: February 7, 2026

Strings (violin, viola) & Piano: February 8, 2026

Your audition timeslot will be confirmed after January 15.

Scholarships and awards

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.

Deadline: May 1

We recommend submitting your housing application concurrently 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. 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