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English Proficiency Exam
The working language of the Barenboim-Said Akademie is English. We require an overall B2 level of English at the time of matriculation for Bachelor of Music, Master of Music and Artist Diploma students. Preparatory program students need to have an overall A2 level of English skills.
All applicants must demonstrate proof of English proficiency at some point in the application process. If English is not your first language, please indicate in the application form whether you have taken a TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, Academic IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, LanguageCert LTE or Linguaskill General test within the last two years. For the 2025-26 academic year, we accept language certificates taken from October 2023.
Preparatory Program students who have not taken a TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, Academic IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, LanguageCert LTE or Linguaskill General test within the last two years, and are invited to audition at the Akademie, will be requested to participate in an online proctored English language proficiency test, sponsored by the Akademie. The language test will be scheduled around your audition date, pending an invitation to audition in Spring 2025.
Eligible Bachelor of Music candidates, who have not taken a TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, Academic IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, LanguageCert LTE or Linguaskiill General test within the last two years and are invited to audition at the Akademie, can also opt for the BSA sponsored English language test.
Eligible Bachelor of Music candidates include those from North Africa and the Middle East (as listed under Who Should Apply within the Preparatory Program section on our Find Your Program of Study page).
All candidates will be required to provide valid proof of English language skills by April 15th of the pertinent admissions cycle.
Lastly, if you have completed your accredited undergraduate or graduate degree from a university where English is the language of instruction within the last 24 months, you will not have to submit a language certificate. In this case, please select the appropriate option in the application form and upload your transcripts and certificates in the pertinent section. Please note, proof must be provided by the applicant that the entire post-secondary degree was taught in English.
The Barenboim-Said Akademie acknowledges and identifies language levels as defined by Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
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Pre-screening Materials
Creating Pre-Screening Audition Videos
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Music Theory and Ear Training
Composition Applicants: Ear Training and Music Theory Topics for Preparation
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Instrumentalists: Ear Training and Music Theory Topics for Preparation
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Sample Music Theory and Ear Training for Instrumentalists
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Sample Music Theory and Ear Training for Composition Applicants
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Composition Information
Information for candidates applying for a study program in Composition (Preparatory Program, Bachelor of Music Master of Music,and Artist Diploma)
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Humanities Interview
Humanities Interview Information Sheet
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Curriculum Vitae
Layout, structure and content tips for an attractive and reader-friendly CV
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Do you have questions? Browse our Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch!
Find Your Answers
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Do you have questions? Browse our Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch!