International Students
Established in 1847, RCS is a dynamic international community of artists. Here you’ll develop your craft, create new work, and collaborate across art forms in one of the finest multi-disciplinary environments in the world.
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Students from across the globe are valued members of the RCS community and we welcome and encourage applicants from all throughout the world.
Around one in three of our students originally come from outside the UK (31.37%, as of April 2022). Between them, they represent over 55 different nationalities and add a rich multicultural diversity to RCS.
“It’s a very warm community and Glaswegians are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
— Devon Martirez y McFarland, BA Modern Ballet student from California, USA
Information for International Applicants
Academic Entry Requirements - International Equivalences
Overseas Auditions
For many of our degree programmes we hold a number of in-person auditions in locations around the world such as in the USA, China, and South Korea. International applicants also have the opportunity to audition online if they are unable to travel to an in-person audition.
Please refer to your individual programme page for more information about the specific audition locations and dates we are offering.
Hear from Our International Students
“The moment I came here to audition I completely fell in love […] it’s such a lively place and the people are so nice”
— Inês Soares, MMus Performance student from Portugal
Supporting You
Support Services
We’ll give you the practical, emotional and learning support you need when you first arrive and throughout your time at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, as well as advice, guidance, and funding opportunities to help you succeed in your future career. We have a range of support services available to all students during their time at RCS, including counselling, disability advice, a dedicated student welfare team, and English language learning support for Music students.
We also recently launched the Creative Enterprise Development Office (CEDO), a bespoke service for the RCS community, offering one-to-one creative clinics, workshops and funding as well as opportunities to develop your career, your project or your business idea.
You can find out more on our Supporting You page
Events
We run several events and services specifically tailored to the needs of international students who are from outside the UK.
When an event is scheduled, details will be listed below. For further information please get in touch with our International and Student Experience team at international@rcs.ac.uk
Family Welcome Event
For the parents, carers, friends, and wider family members of new RCS students starting a full-time degree programme in September 2024, we will hold a Family Welcome event including an informal tour of both our Renfrew Street and Wallace Studios campuses. Further information will be circulated to our students via the induction portal.
Student’s Union Events
The RCS Student’s Union plays an important part in helping our new students get settled in. They can help you move in to our designated accommodation, BASE, during ‘move-in weekend’; show you around Glasgow & Scotland during Fresher’s Week; and provide plenty of social events for you to make new friends at, such as our annual Fresher’s Ball.
Why RCS?
We are the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on the one campus. There is a distinctive creative energy at RCS and you’ll be made to feel part of our inclusive and diverse environment from the very beginning of your studies.
Our graduates are resourceful, highly employable and members of a dynamic community of artists who make a significant impact across the globe.
At RCS, students develop not just their art but their power to use it.
World Top Ten
We were voted one of the world’s Top Ten destinations to study the performing arts (QS Rankings) in 2024, the eighth time we have been placed in the top ten since the ranking was established in 2016.
Perform & Collaborate
Our curriculum is built around performance and collaboration and we hold professional partnerships with all of Scotland’s National Companies. Join forces across artforms and be part of the 500+ performances we give each year.
Outstanding Alumni
Our graduates are employed across the world and we take pride in the impact they have on their art forms. We’ll equip you with the skills to thrive as a professional and join their ranks.
Learn from the Best
More than 1,000 lecturers, tutors, artists, technicians, co-ordinators and support staff work at RCS across all our art forms. Study with some of the finest educators and performing and production artists in the UK.
A Campus Built for You
Our facilities are world-class. From rehearsal rooms and recording studios to our five professional performance venues, we have a campus to showcase and develop emerging artists to the highest standards.
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