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International Application Requirements

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

International Application Requirements

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Welcome International Students!

 

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, international transcript requirements, the 3+2 Collegiate Program, and other important resources. Please visit the Audition & Applications page for full audition and application requirements.

 

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English Language Proficiency 
Transcripts
3+2 Program
Other Important Resources

English Language Proficiency

The ability to communicate in English is extremely important for the success of our students, both musically and academically. English Language Proficiency is determined through a combination of official English test scores and a holistic interview administered by our English Language faculty. 

English Language Policy:
International students whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL or IETLS scores, unless they qualify for an ELP waiver. Applicants whose test scores are below our minimum requirements will be required to undergo a holistic interview and diagnostic test with our English Language faculty before admissions decisions are released. 

All students who enroll whose native language is not English will also undergo an English diagnostics/placement exam during Orientation. This exam is made up of two components: a writing evaluation and a speaking interview. Regardless of degree/program level, students may be placed into remedial English courses based on the results of this placement exam during Orientation.

Accepted Tests

We accept the following English Language Proficiency tests for admission at SFCM. The date of the test must be after September 1, 2023, we do not accept scores for tests taken before this date. See the Timeline and Deadlines section for due dates and submission details.

  • In-person TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) In School TOEFL Code: 4744
  • In-person IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition and IELTS Online exams can be submitted within the application as a temporary score until an in-person exam can be scheduled. In-person tests are due by March 1 for Fall applicants. 

We do not accept Duolingo or "MyBest" scores. We also do not accept TOEFL or IELTS scores dated before September 1, 2023. 

Score Requirements

The following table contains the minimum scores required to enroll per degree level, including specific requirements for TAC and RJAM applicants. Admitted students must provide a final official TOEFL/IELTS score that meets our minimum requirements by May 1, 2025 in order to enroll.

We do not want your English Language Proficiency score to stop you from applying. You can still apply with a score below the minimum requirement for your degree program. However, all applicants should still work hard to achieve a score that meets the minimum requirements.  If your test scores do not meet the minimum requirements for your degree program, you will be required to undergo a holistic interview and diagnostic test with our English language faculty, see more details below. 

Degree Level/ProgramScore Requirements
Technology & Applied Comp (all degrees)80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS
Certificate61 iBT TOEFL, 5.5 IELTS
Bachelor of Music71 iBT TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS
Master of Music80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS
Advanced Certificate71 iBT TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS
Professional Studies Certificate (non RJAM)61 iBT TOEFL, 5.5 IELTS
Professional Studies Certificate, RJAM80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS
Artist Diploma80 iBT TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS
Interview

If you are required to complete our holistic interview and diagnostic test, your English language proficiency will be determined based on a combination of your official TOEFL/IELTS score and our holistic interview.

Who has to complete an interview?

  • Below Minimum: If your test scores do not meet the minimum requirements for your degree program, you will be required to undergo a holistic interview and diagnostic test with our English language faculty in February. 
  • Sub-score Variations: Applicants whose sub-scores differ significantly may be asked to complete our holistic interview and diagnostic test (for example TOEFL 25 reading, TOEFL 15 speaking / IELTS 6.0 reading, IELTS 4.5 listening).

 

Score Eligibility

All scores must be active upon enrollment at SFCM. For Fall 2025 admission, the date of the ELP test must be after September 1, 2023, we do not accept scores for tests taken before this date.

Timeline and Deadline
  1. Due with Application: Submit a copy of your TOEFL or IELTS score as part of your application. This must be submitted by the application deadline. If you cannot schedule an in-person exam before the application deadline, you may submit temporary scores from the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS Online in your application. Official in-person exam scores must then be submitted by March 1 for Fall applicants or December 1 for Spring applicants.
  2. Interview & Assessment: Not all applicants are required to complete an interview with an assessment. Check the "Interview" section in the dropdown above to see if this applies to you. Spring applicants' interviews will be scheduled individually before December 1. Fall applicants will have an in-person or Zoom interview/diagnostic assessment with our English Language faculty in February. By December 20, 2024, fall applicants will be notified if they are required to complete the holistic interview. 
  3. Official Scores & In-Person Scores: Official scores sent directly from the testing organizations are due by March 1 for Fall applicants or December 1 for Spring applicants. If you submitted temporary at-home or online ELP scores with your application, you must also submit your in-person scores by these deadlines.
  4. Final Passing Scores: Fall applicants admitted on probation with a non-passing TOEFL or IELTS score must submit a new score that meets the minimum requirements by May 1.
English Class Diagnostic at Orientation

All students who enroll whose native language is not English will also undergo an English diagnostics/placement exam during Orientation (usually the week before classes begin). This exam is made up of two components: a writing evaluation and a speaking interview. Regardless of degree/program level, students may be placed into remedial English courses based on the results of this placement exam during Orientation.

Eligibility for ELP Waiver

The English Language Proficiency (ELP) Waiver is available to the following:

  • Applicants who have completed 4 years of education at an institution where the primary language of instruction was English. 
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled in their 4th year at an institution where the primary language of instruction is English. All four years must be completed before enrolling at SFCM.
  • Current SFCM students
Deadlines
  • October 15, 2024, for Spring 2025 applicants.
  • December 1, 2024, for Fall 2025 applicants.
How to Access Request Form

Access the ELP waiver request under the language page of the application. All students must provide unofficial transcripts within the application to verify their institution. Waivers are due no later than December 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST.

Transcript Review

All students must provide unofficial transcripts within the application to verify their institution.

SFCM takes academic integrity very seriously. If it is discovered that an applicant submitted fraudulent scores or cheated on their TOEFL/IELTS test, their application will be canceled and no application refund will be issued.

Transcripts

Requirements 

Bachelor of Music/Undergraduate (BM).

Student TypeRequired Transcripts
BM, FreshmanAll high schools and college/universities attended (running-start, dual enrollment, etc.)
BM, Freshman/Home-SchoolOfficial transcript from an accredited institution or a GED/CHSPE diploma. 
Any college/universities attended.
BM, TransferAll high schools and college/universities attended. 
Credit assessments are completed before orientation, review policies.
Graduate and PostgraduateAll college/universities attended. SFCM will not accept any transfer credit at the graduate or 
postgraduate level, but requires transcripts to determine academic eligibility for accreditation purposes. 
English Translation
  • Notarized Translation: International students must provide notarized course-by-course translations of their final official transcripts if the originals are not in English or a translation is not provided by the school.
  • Diploma/Certificate: If the transcript does not show the degree earned, students may also need to submit a degree diploma or certificate.
Transcript Evaluation
Unofficial Transcripts - Application
  • Where to upload: Upload your unofficial transcript in the "Academic History" section of your application.
  • What we accept: We accept PDFs or screenshots from your student record or school portal, as long as your name, GPA, and academic records are visible.
  • Official vs. Unofficial: Documents uploaded by you in the application are considered "unofficial" because they are not sent directly by your school.
Final Official Transcripts - Sent by your school

Final official transcripts must be sent directly from your institution through one of the following methods:

  1. Mail: Sent to our office address (see below)
  2. School Email: Sent directly from the institution to nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa .
  3. Secure Portal: Uploaded through services like Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse.

To be considered "final," transcripts must:

  • Include all completed coursework with final grades.
  • Show a cumulative GPA on a US 4.0 scale.
  • Have an official seal, stamp, or signature.
  • Indicate the degree awarded and graduation date.**
  • Translated to English (if international).

**The only exception is for transfer students or those attending college without seeking a degree; for these cases, a degree and graduation date are not required.

Mailing Address

Office of Admissions
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Important Information and Resources

 

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 Application and Auditions page and listed above. Applicants with questions regarding their 3+2 program should reach out to nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa

3+2 students must submit final official in-progress transcripts once their most recent grades have been posted at Xinghai Conservatory. These are due July 1st, but can be accepted until August 15 for enrollment.

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

I-20 and Visa Process

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.