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 2027 Term)
December 1:
Application Deadline (for all programs)
Prescreening Deadline (for wind band conducting, choral music, trombone, bassoon, percussion, flute, saxophone, collaborative piano, 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).
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.
April 15:
Graduate Deadline to submit intent to enroll
Graduate studies at the University of Illinois.
A list of graduate degrees and offerings.
For performance applicants (studio audition required by major).
English Proficiency and I-20 Initial Processing Information.