Chetham’s is a truly international community. Around 10% of our students and staff have joined us from overseas, and over forty languages are spoken across the School. This diversity, both within school and in the wider community across Manchester’s vibrant city centre, encourages a natural awareness and acceptance of different views, beliefs and cultures.
Applying from overseas
We warmly welcome applications from all over the world. Please follow the application guidelines explained here.
If your application progresses to an interview with our audition panel and you are not yet confident about conversing in English, please try to have someone with you who can help the conversation to flow, as this should be an enjoyable opportunity for you to ask as well as answer questions.
You will need to have a very good level of English before joining the School, especially if you are wanting to join for the sixth form. You will, during the time you are here need to pass the IELTS qualification in order to progress to Conservatoire or University. We will help support you with this in either small groups or for an additional fee, one to one tuition.
Admission is based primarily on musical potential yet we offer a very strong academic programme which all students follow. You will follow the UK system of GCSEs or A- Levels. Non UK Resident applicants are asked to provide details of current educational achievements and the subjects they would like to study at Chetham’s.
Visas
If you are a non-UK student – or an EU student without settled or pre-settled status – it is likely that you will need to have a visa to study at Chetham’s. Up to date information on studying in the UK can be found on the government website.
The School has a Student Sponsor license and if you are eligible we will be able to provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies sponsorship number for you to use when applying for your visa.
If you are aged up to and including 15 you will have to apply for a Child Student visa. This also applies if you are 16 or 17 but will be primarily studying at GCSE level.
If you are 16 or 17 and will be studying A levels you can choose whether to apply for a Child Student visa or a Student visa.
If you are 18 you must apply for a Student visa.
English Language skills – Further Information
Students who plan to apply for a Student visa must be able to demonstrate competency in English language at or above CEFR level B1. For more information please visit the UK Border Agency website or contact the School.
If English is not your first language, you will receive support from the Compensatory Education team and English Departments whilst studying at Chetham’s. Through small group or one to one sessions, staff will assess your English language ability, support you in developing grammatical and communication skills, and help you to overcome differences in understanding arising from linguistic or cultural divides.
Students are offered support to prepare for the International English Language Test System (IELTS) which is usually a requirement for university or conservatoire entrance.
Guardians
Every student whose parents live or work outside the UK must have a guardian. Students will visit this guardian for short breaks such as Free Weekends or in case of illness; and the guardian may respond on behalf of parents to educational or medical issues requiring urgent attention. The Guardian needs to be within two hours drive of Manchester. We recommend that the Guardian is either a close family member or certified Guardian through an accredited agency.
Funding for international students
Overseas students are not eligible for the Music and Dance Scheme.
Information about fees can be found here.
Bursaries for overseas students
Each year we have a very small number of bursaries that we award to exceptional students from overseas. The amount of funding is determined by the School and is for one year only, overseas bursaries are based on parental income which will need to be provided.
Short visits and summer schools
Students applying from overseas may be able to arrange short residential stays in school as a trial boarder, helping them to make a final decision about studying at Chetham’s. During these visits you will get to know fellow students and the school day, meet pastoral staff, and take part in the music and academic programme. Trial visits generally last no more than one week and should be arranged with the Auditions Administrator, usually after a successful Main Audition.
To request an audition, please contact admissions@chethams.com
If you have additional questions about fees, finance and bursaries, please contact our Director of Finance via his PA:
Joan Grimes
0161 838 7211
joangrimes@chethams.com
