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International Student Requirements

a cellist with her instrument on the rooftop of bowes

Daniela Gonzales Siu.

Drawn from around the globe, our students contribute to a rich mixture of ideas, talents, customs, and backgrounds in a collaborative environment. Within a total collegiate student body numbering around 450, students hail from 34 countries, and speak more than 20 languages. Approximately 40 percent of our students are international.

On this page, you will discover information about English proficiency requirements and waivers, the 3+2 Collegiate Program, and other important resources.

 

English Language Proficiency Requirements

International students whose first language is not English are required to submit either a TOEFL/IELTS score, or request an English proficiency waiver. Select the drop downs below to read information regarding test type, score minimums, submission deadlines, and waiver eligibility. 

English Proficiency Waiver Eligibility

International students whose first language is not English may request a waiver if they meet the following eligibility criteria.

  • Two years of full-time academic study at an English-speaking high-school and/or
  • Two years of full-time academic study at an English-speaking college/university
Request Form
  • Deadline Spring Semester: October 28
  • Deadline Fall Semester: November 28
  • Access the waiver form through the first page of the application.
  • Only exemption requests through the application will be considered.

 

Accepted Tests
  • Unofficial Scores: Students must submit unofficial scores in their application. Unofficial scores are screenshots/PDFs of in-person tests, at-Home TOEFL, at-home/indicator IELTS, or Duolingo. Official in-person TOEFL and IELTS scores are due by November 1 for spring applicants, March 1 for fall applicants.
  • Official Scores: For final admission, students must submit in-person TOEFL and IELTS English proficiency tests through ETS . In-person TOEFL and IELTS scores are due by November 1 for spring applicants, March 1 for fall applicants. Tests must be taken within the last 24 months. We do not accept MyBest Scores as “official” scores. Students do not need a passing score to submit their application. (See the score requirements drop down for more details).
Fall Semester Timeline**
  • Application: Students must submit unofficial English Proficiency Scores in the application. Students do not need a passing score to submit their application. (See unofficial score test types above).
  • Admittance: Students can be admitted for fall semester with a non-passing score and are placed on “probationary status.” Admitted fall semester students will have until May 1 to raise their score. Due to the application timeline and start of classes for spring semester, we cannot admit a student for spring entry with probationary English status.
  • Petition If scores are not high enough by May 1, students may petition for an extension. Approved petitions typically include the need for an English Intensive at SFCM, ELS class, or an approved equivalent college-level course. If the petition is not approved, the student may defer admission until their score is passing for up to one academic year.

**Please note that the above timeline is for fall semester entry. Due to the application timeline and start of classes for spring 2024 entry, we cannot admit a student for spring entry with probationary English status.

 

Important Details
  • Test Names: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Testing System)
  • InSchool Code for TOEFL: 4744
  • Students do not need a passing score to submit their application.
Test Score by Degree Type
  • Technology and Applied Composition (all programs): 80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS
  • Bachelor of Music: 71 iBT TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS
  • Certificate: preferred 61 iBT TOEFL, 5.5 IELTS
  • Master of Music: 80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS
  • Advanced Certificate: preferred 71 iBT TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS
  • Professional Studies Certificate in Instrumental Perf.: preferred 61 iBT TOEFL, 5.5 IELTS
  • Professional Studies Certificate in Historical Perf.: preferred 61 iBT TOEFL, 5.5 IELTS
  • Professional Studies Certificate in RJAM Performance: 80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS
  • Artist Diploma: 80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS

 

 

3+2 Collegiate Program

SFCM has a 3+2 program with the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China. Students at the Xinghai Conservatory must apply for the 3+2 program in the first semester of their third year.

Those approved for the program must still complete the full application and audition process for the two-year Master of Music program at SFCM. Acceptance into the Master of Music program is not guaranteed.

Program acceptance, studio assignment, English proficiency, and scholarship granting will all be determined using the same deadlines and requirements as detailed on our How to Apply page and listed above. Applicants with questions regarding their 3+2 program should reach out to apply@sfcm.edu.

 

Important International Resources

Financial Aid and Scholarships 

International applicants are eligible to receive scholarships from the Conservatory as long as they submit the CSS Profile. International applicants are not eligible for any U.S. federal or state grants or loans. Applying for Financial Aid

Financial Aid and Scholarships 

Please visit International Student Resources page for more information regarding I-20, Visa and Documentation, and other important information. 

 

Equal Educational Opportunity

SFCM is an equal opportunity institution of higher education and employer and is firmly committed to nondiscrimination in its delivery of educational services and employment practices. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, Conservatory policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. When necessary, SFCM will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if the individual is otherwise qualified to meet the fundamental requirements and aspects of the educational program and/or safely perform all essential functions, without undue hardship to SFCM and/or without altering fundamental aspects of SFCM’s educational program.