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 lead to work or study opportunities 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.
The UK is re-affiliating to the European Erasmus+ exchange programme for 2027 as an associated third country. Subject to the RCM making a successful application, funding for staff exchanges may be available in the 2027-28 academic year. However, the RCM is unable to consider incoming or outgoing staff mobility proposals until the outcome of our funding application is known (likely to be in Spring 2027).
Staff exchange enquiries should be directed to international@rcm.ac.uk.
