Tertiary Frequently Asked Questions

For our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, you can apply online by visiting the application and auditions page and clicking on the "Apply Online" button.

Yes. All applicants must audition (live or Youtube submission). The audition assesses: Technical ability, Musical interpretation, Artistic promise

There is a  fee of €100 when submitting an online application

RIAM welcomes applications from overseas students who satisfy the appropriate admission requirements. A certificate of competence in English is required. For further details please refer to RIAM admissions page

A student who has been offered a place may defer acceptance for one year under certain circumstances deemed appropriate by the college. Applications for deferrals will not be considered after the end of the first term, except in extenuating circumstances.

If you are over 23 on the 1st of January the year you are applying you will be applying as a mature student. Mature students apply directly to RIAM. Contact  [email protected] for more information.

Your application will be processed and acknowledged within 5 working days. You  will then called for an audition and interview to support your application or asked to submit additional documentation. If you are offered a place on a course you will be notified by email. At that time, you will be provided with details concerning fees, deposits and deadlines.

Information of RIAM entry requirements can be found at Undergraduate & Postgraduate Applications | RIAM

No, in accordance with the  HEA,  full-time undergraduate Irish/EU students will not be required to pay tuition fees. However, RIAM's  full-time   Access course and  Diploma in Music are not government funded 

Yes, all RIAM Trinity accredited courses are funded by SUSI for eligible students, with funding typically covering the Student Contribution Charge and tuition fees for undergraduate courses. The Free Fees Initiative applies to most universities, including RIAM, meaning the government pays the tuition fee for eligible students, who then only pay the annual student contribution charge. 

Yes, all RIAM Trinity accredited courses are funded by SUSI for eligible students, with funding typically covering part of tuition fees for  postgraduate courses.

No, as the course is accredited by Trinity College Dublin, you must list TCD as the approved institution in the SUSI application

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland's national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. For further information check www.susi.ie  

Visit our Tertiary Office support section which highlights where RIAM is located and directions to the college.

All courses are taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognized tests (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL).

If you're not from the EU/EEA/UK/Common Travel Area, you will generally need a student visa to study in Ireland—but rules vary depending on your nationality and course length

Yes. International students on a valid Irish student visa can work: • Up to 20 hours/week during term • Up to 40 hours/week during holidays

Yes. RIAM offers:  Entrance scholarships based on audition results. In-course performance awards  and Access to government and external funding for eligible students

RIAM offers a wide variety of campus options via its partner providers. For further information go to www.riam.ie/student-life/accommodation  

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland's national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. For further information check www.susi.ie  

RIAM students graduate with degrees conferred by Trinity College Dublin

RIAM welcomes students on the Erasmus+ programme for either a semester (winter or spring) or a full year. RIAM highly encourages its own students to undertake a long-term Erasmus+ mobility for a semester or a full year abroad.

RIAM especially recommends planning mobility during the 3rd year of the BMus programme as it is the most flexible and commonly advised year academically across European Education Instutions.

Applications for the Academic Year 2026/27 will open from December 1st 2025 and close May 1st 2026. Students apply through the EASY application system. The link for this system is https://mobility.aec-music.eu/. 

Applications must be completed with standard personal information, a CV, and YouTube video links and pledge of minimum English proficiency level of B1.

Outgoing students should inform the RIAM Erasmus Coordinator of their wish to study on Erasmus+, early during the course of the academic year prior to the desired mobility year. Outgoing students should identify at least 4 institutions to apply to in order to optimize their chances of acceptance.

Incoming students must first inform their home institution Erasmus Coordinator of their wish to study on Erasmus+, as the coordinator must formally accept and nominate them.

Yes, both incoming and outgoing students can still apply to or from a conservatoire that is not currently affiliated with RIAM.

Yes, RIAM recommends outgoing and incoming students to research specific teachers they might be interested in studying with and contact them directly to try and help their application along.

No, the EU grant stipend is designed to support travel and part of your accommodation abroad, but it will not cover the full cost of the Erasmus mobility.

Outgoing students are still liable to pay their normal RIAM tuition fees for the year, but they do not have to pay any fees to the receiving institution.

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) guarantees international academic recognition of the successful completion of studies. The Learning Agreement and ECTS awarded for the mobility will be drawn up between both institutions and clearly state the ECTS awarded and recognised by both institutions.

Finding accommodation in Dublin can be challenging, so students are encouraged to research ahead of time to budget adequately and ensure a fruitful Erasmus+ experience. RIAM will send incoming students a pre-arrival pack ready to give essential pointers for settling into life abroad but does not directly house or fund students.

Log into your student portal (my.tcd.ie) and go to "My Finances" or "Account Balance".  You will see a full breakdown of your fees and any outstanding amount.

Online payment via the student portal (card payment).

Bank transfer (using the Trinity College Dublin's bank details)

Instalment plan

Paying online through the portal is the quickest and simplest.  Your account updates almost immediately after payment.

Yes, TCD/RIAM offers instalment plans for many students.  Payment will be through your TCD student portal.  A payment plan overview is published:  How do I pay

Online/card payments:  Usually immediate

Bank Transfers:  Can take up to 5 working days

Payments will be recorded and update on your TCD account

You may face late payment penalties and may experience restrictions on registration.  If you are having difficulty making a payment, its important to contact the RIAM Tertiary Office as soon as possible. Email:  [email protected]

Check your email for a receipt (online payments).  Log back into the TCD portal to see if your balance is updated.  If there is an issue where payment is missing, please contact the RIAM Tertiary Office

Reach out to the Tertiary Office at RIAM.  They handle fee queries, payment issues and account discrepancies.

Yes:  A parent/sponsor can:  Please contact the RIAM Tertiary Office, which will advise you of the steps.