International Students

Fact Sheet - Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM)

The RIAM has a warm and friendly atmosphere and a long history of welcoming international students. About 40% of our students come from outside Ireland. This diversity gives us energy and connects us to the world.  

Ireland is a peaceful country that consistently ranks highly in international studies for safety, quality of life and a positive attitude to life and the arts. 

RIAM is located in the historic centre of Dublin, one of the liveliest and most vibrant capital cities in Europe. 

If you are making an application or are already an enrolled student, please contact the following:

• Tuition costs, financial aid and accommodation inquiries - padraigrynn@riam.ie
• Applications, Visa and Erasmus inquiries - hannahlevy@riam.ie
• Opening a bank account and getting a PPS number, exam results and transcript of records queries - roisinmurphy@riam.ie
• Questions about your programme - begumnebolozdomar@riam.ie
• Complaints - talktous@equita.ie

To help you settle in, we have: 

• Organised social activities during the first week of term 
• A full week of Orientation meetings with Faculty & administrative staff, where we help you on practical matters such as getting a bank account, student travel pass and much more 
• Access to confidential mentoring and counselling service if you would welcome extra support when settling in

Language Requirements

We teach all classes through English.

If your first language is not English and you have not been educated through the medium of English, you must have one of the following qualifications in the English language: 

Access, Diploma, Bachelor and Master Programmes

• TOEFL: Internet-based 55 (with a written score of 19).
• IELTS 5.5 for Diploma, Bachelor and Master students. 
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PTE Academic: a minimum of 51
• Duolingo English Test: minimum overall score of 95/160

Doctoral Studies

• TOEFL: Internet based 90 (with a written score of 21).
• Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better  
• IELTS 6.5 for  (no individual band below 6)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PTE Academic: a minimum of 63 (with no section score below 59)
• Duolingo English Test: minimum overall score of 110/160

Visa Requirements

Visa advice  (Department of Foreign Affairs Website)

Information for students who require a visa (Department of Foreign Affairs INIS Website)

Information for all visa and non-visa international students (Department of Foreign Affairs INIS Website)

Erasmus+ Students

We welcome students on the Erasmus + programme. You can apply through the EASY application system on this link: https://mobility.aec-music.eu/

RIAM has Erasmus bi-lateral agreements with the conservatoires on this link: RIAM Erasmus Partner Institutions. 

If you have a query about Erasmus at RIAM, please contact hannahlevy@riam.ie . 

Erasmus Policy Statement

Erasmus Charter

European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS)

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) guarantees international academic recognition of successful completion of studies. You can download our quick guide to ECTS below:

Diploma Supplement