We welcome applicants from around the world, and do not discriminate based on country of origin. The application process for non US citizens is the same as for US citizens. The information below may prove especially helpful for international applicants.
Being able to effectively communicate in English is critical to succeeding at Colburn, which is why English proficiency is a requirement for admission. In order to demonstrate proficiency, applicants who are not native English speakers must submit a TOEFL or IELTS test score. To prevent delays in the application process, it is recommended that you take the test no later than November 1 in the year prior to your desired enrollment date (i.e. no later than November 1, 2021 for a desired enrollment in the fall of 2022).
If you are invited to the live audition, you may also be asked to interview with faculty and staff for further assessment of your English proficiency beyond your submitted test score.
Find your nearest testing center on the TOEFL website. Be sure to enter the Colburn code “8477” on your test document so we receive your official score.
TOEFL minimum score requirements for admission are:
Please note, Colburn only accepts TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date, not MyBest scores.
Find your nearest testing center on the IELTS website.
IELTS minimum score requirements for admission are:
If you believe your English skills are strong enough to be granted a TOEFL/IELTS waiver and you meet the requirements below, you may request a waiver. Please note that waivers are granted at the discretion of the Admissions office, and meeting the requirements listed below does not a guarantee a waiver.
To request the waiver, you may e-mail admissions@colburnschool.edu before December 1 and submit the following documentation:
Applicants to the Colburn Conservatory do not always have adequate English proficiency at the time of the audition, as evaluated by the Admissions Committee. In such cases, we may choose to admit applicants as follows:
International students coming to the Colburn Conservatory of Music can obtain the Student Visa (F-1 Visa) only after applying to the school, receiving and accepting an offer of acceptance, returning all necessary documentation (including proof of finances), and paying the enrollment deposit. At that point, the school will issue you a Form I-20 (students are responsible for shipping costs; visit this page for more information). You must bring the Form I-20 to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to obtain the visa. The US government charges a fee (U.S. $200 or more) for F-1 Visas that must be paid before its issuance. There also may be separate processing charges, all of which must be covered by the student. You can find more details here.
If international students need proof of enrollment for processing visa documents, contact the Colburn Conservatory of Music staff. Proof of enrollment generally includes the student enrollment date, anticipated graduation date, program of study, and whether the student is in good academic standing.
Proof of finances are only required of applicants who are accepted to the Conservatory. We ask international students to provide proof of finances because Form I-20 requires evidence of funds to cover expenses not provided by the school. Because Colburn provides full tuition scholarship and grants for on campus room and board, we require proof of finances only on the Net Price, which can be found here. Acceptable proof must be in the form of an official bank statement.
The US government strictly enforces visa regulations. International students are permitted to work off campus or on campus for the Colburn School on a case-by-case basis and with the approval of the Designated School Official (DSO). Depending on individual circumstances, students may engage in curricular practical training, which includes off-campus practical training for pay. If you have specific questions about being able to work while attending Colburn Conservatory of Music, please contact the DSO or the Dean of the Conservatory.
If you have additional questions about what’s required of international students wishing to attending post secondary school in the United States, go the EducationUSA’s website. EducationUSA advisors are affiliated with the US Department of State.