What the funding covers
- A full-tuition scholarship for every admitted student: $55,995 a year for undergraduates and $69,527 for graduate students in 2026–27.
- Need-based financial assistance that can cover all living expenses for students who qualify; Curtis says 85% of its students qualify for aid.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition ($55,995 undergraduate, $69,527 graduate in 2026–27) | Curtis, for every student |
| Housing, food, fees and living costs | You, or Curtis need-based aid if you qualify |
| Application fee ($250) and audition fee ($50) | You, unless Curtis grants a fee waiver for significant financial need (request it by 3 December) |
| Travel to Philadelphia for a live audition | You |
| US student visa: $185 application fee and $350 SEVIS fee, plus a new $250 visa integrity fee that some embassies now charge | You, before you travel |
Who can apply
- Musicians of any nationality. International students also receive the full-tuition scholarship, and nearly 40 percent of Curtis students come from abroad.
- Programmes: Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma and an opera Professional Studies Certificate.
- Admission depends on your application and audition; the overall acceptance rate is about 4 percent.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- The online application with prescreening recordings (not needed for oboe)
- An unofficial transcript, and recommendations by 31 December
- English test scores after admission, for placement: TOEFL iBT 4 (new scale) or 79–80 (old scale), IELTS 6.5–7.0 in each area, or Cambridge 169. After at least three years at an English-language school you can ask for an exemption
- The CSS Profile with your parents' information, if you need help with living costs
How to apply
- Apply online by 10 December with prescreening recordings (every instrument except oboe) and an unofficial transcript.
- If invited, audition in person in Philadelphia. For fall 2027, auditions run from 21 February to 16 March 2027, with conducting on 9 April.
- For help with living costs, submit the CSS Profile with your parents' information.
- Send recommendations and unofficial transcripts by 31 December; official transcripts and test scores are due by 15 July.
Before you apply: things to know
- The scholarship covers tuition only; housing, food and fees need your own money or need-based aid.
- Curtis prints the 10 December deadline without a year, so confirm it on the admissions page.
- There are no regional auditions: finalists audition on campus in Philadelphia.
- Applications after the deadline are considered case by case and cost an extra $75.
Common questions
Do international students get free tuition at Curtis?
Yes. Every admitted student receives a full-tuition scholarship, regardless of nationality or finances.
Does Curtis cover living costs?
Not automatically. Need-based assistance can cover all living expenses for students who qualify, through the CSS Profile.
Do I need TOEFL or IELTS to apply?
No. Test scores are not required for admission; Curtis uses them after acceptance to place you in a programme.