The Royal College of Music is pleased to welcome exchange students from institutions overseas and to offer the opportunity for RCM students to study abroad.
The music profession is a truly global industry. Taking part in an exchange programme is a fantastic way of practicing your art on an international level while enjoying the adventure of travel.
Exchanges allow you to develop your skills in new environments, to experience a different culture, to benefit from the fresh perspective of a new teacher, to learn new languages and, perhaps most importantly, to make professional connections overseas early in your career.
We have a large number of exchanges available with leading European, American, Japanese, South Korean and Australian music conservatories and universities. These exchanges provide an excellent opportunity to study abroad at other world-leading institutions as part of your RCM studies.
Many students who take advantage of such opportunities make connections that enable them to work overseas when they graduate from the RCM, often launching international careers.
Incoming exchanges
Every year the RCM welcomes students on our exchange programmes from partner institutions across the globe. Our exchanges provide a fantastic opportunity for students in other countries to experience life in London, one of the world’s great centres of music-making.
Incoming exchange students have full access to the RCM’s world-class professors, facilities and performance opportunities during their stay, and many students forge professional contacts and friendships that can last a lifetime.
The RCM currently has exchange partnerships with a range of institutions across Europe, and in the USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
Incoming exchanges for undergraduate students
Incoming exchanges for postgraduate exchanges
Staff exchanges for teaching and training
The UK is not currently an Erasmus+ programme country and therefore the RCM is not currently eligible for staff mobility funding through this scheme. It has been announced that the UK expects to re-affiliate to the Erasmus+ programme for 2027, so staff exchanges through this framework may be available in the 2027-28 academic year. However, the RCM is unable to consider staff mobility proposals until the outcome of our funding application is known.
Visits from incoming staff from partner institutions may still currently possible where the sending institution has funding available. Contact your institution's exchange co-ordinator first to check. Staff exchange enquiries should then be directed to international@rcm.ac.uk.
