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Bachelor of Music (Classical Music)

HKU University of the Arts Utrecht (Utrechts Conservatorium) · Utrecht, Netherlands

100% taught in EnglishNo CAO points neededSelectiveArts academyAuditionTheory test
Duration4 years
StartsSept 2027
EntrySelective
Deadline (EU)1 Feb 2027
EU fee 2026/27€2,694 / yr

About the course

A four-year Bachelor of Music (240 ECTS) for classical instrumentalists and singers, built around individual lessons and ensemble work in small groups, with electives from year three. It is a practical, performance-focused degree at a conservatoire within an arts university.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • The institution assesses the Irish Leaving Certificate individually and does not publish a fixed Irish requirement. Contact admissions to confirm.
  • Entry is by audition: a questionnaire, a theory exam (about 30 minutes: general music theory and listening) and a live practical exam at the conservatory.
  • English at IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEFL iBT 70 or Cambridge 160; applicants whose schooling was clearly in English can apply for an exemption (check HKU’s list for Ireland).

How to apply

  1. Apply on StudielinkApply between 1 October 2026 and 1 February 2027 (dates based on the 2026-27 cycle).
  2. QuestionnaireHKU sends it within a few working days of applying; return it by 1 February.
  3. Theory exam and auditionSit the theory exam and a live practical exam in Utrecht (2026 exams ran 30 March to 10 April).
  4. DecisionFinal result by email no later than 1 May (2026 cycle).
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: Apply via Studielink between 1 October and 1 February, and return the questionnaire by 1 February (2026-27 cycle: 1 October 2025 to 1 February 2026). Expect the same pattern for 2027 entry; confirm with HKU..

Costs

  • Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,694 (2026/27). The 2027/28 fee is set by the Dutch government each year (expected to be close to €2,800). HKU estimates about €250 a year extra for sheet music, literature and readers, plus costs such as insurance, concert outfits and instrument maintenance; a laptop or computer is essential.
  • EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).
Selective course: places are offered after an audition and theory exam. HKU does not publish a fixed number of places.

At a glance

CountryNetherlands
CityUtrecht
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudielink
PlacesNot published
EntrySelective
Programme page ↗General enrolment requirements ↗Tuition fees and costs ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official HKU website: September 2026 (2027 entry). Application and audition dates are from the 2026-27 cycle; confirm the 2027 dates with HKU. Always confirm details with the university before applying.