Application Instructions
Follow these instructions to apply for a graduate degree program. If you have questions, please reach out via Email.
- Complete the Graduate College Application, including the following materials:
- Transcripts from every institution from which you have earned a degree
- Three Letters of Reference (due on the application deadline)
- One academic statement (1000 words max) and a series of short personal statements
- Resume or C.V.
- DMA Applicants Only: Upload one sample of your scholarly writing about music (e.g., program notes or a research paper from a music theory/analysis, music history, or composition class).
- English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose native language is not English must provide a passing TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo score to be considered for admission to the University of Illinois School of Music.
- Refer to the relevant degree page for more details on program-specific application requirements.
Please review the important dates and deadlines for the graduate application below.
Graduate Application Important Dates
September 1: Graduate College Music Application Opens (Fall 2025 Term)
December 1: Application Deadline (for all programs except Summer-Only MME)
December 1: Prescreening Deadline (conducting (orchestral, wind band, choral), flute, saxophone, piano performance, and voice).
January 15: Graduate deadline to upload audition recording (for applicants who are submitting a video audition in lieu of a live audition).
February 15: Summer MME Application Deadline (Summer 2025 Term)
January – March 15: Admission decisions will be sent on a rolling basis by degree program. Most applicants will hear their admissions decision by March 15.
March 15 – April 15: Notification of merit-based financial aid sent
April 15: Graduate Deadline to submit intent to enroll
Graduate studies at the University of Illinois.