The international music pathway is unique

Given the additional time it takes to go through the visa and immigration process, we strongly encourage international music applicants to begin the application and audition process as early as possible. Full acceptance is required no less than 3 months prior to your intended start date.

Check Visa Appointment Wait Times

In order to be fully accepted, your application and materials must be submitted and approved. You must also pass all of the audition requirements and follow the steps outlined in your admission timeline: Undergraduate Timeline | Graduate Timeline

As a general guide, those that wish to begin their studies in the fall semester need to be fully accepted no later than June 1, and no later than November 1 for those starting in the spring semester. .

Application Materials

All application materials and official documentation (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays) must be provided in English. We also require the use of a foreign credentialing service such as World Education Services (WES).

Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo language exam scores. 

Graduate English language proficiency exam score requirements for the Master of Music only:

TOEFL Overall Minimum Score Reading (minimum subscore) Writing (minimum subscore) Speaking (minimum subscore) Listening (minimum subscore)
90 23 23 23 21
IELTS Overall Minimum Band Reading Band (minimum subscore) Writing Band (minimum subscore) Speaking Band (minimum subscore) Listening Band (minimum subscore)
7.0 7.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
DuoLingo Overall Minimum Score Conversation (minimum subscore) Comprehension (minimum subscore) Production (minimum subscore) Literacy (minimum subscore)
120 120 120 120 120

*Artist Diploma applicants are required to submit language exam scores as a general assessment, but there are no minimum scores required for admission at this time. 

*Undergraduate English language exam proficiency exam scores and thresholds are set by the office of international admissions. For the most current English language proficiency requirements for undergraduate admission, please contact intladmissionsFREEDUQUESNE.

What if my language exam scores do not meet the requirement?

Graduate applicants that wish to pursue the Master of Music, but do not possess a language exam score that meets the requirements may enroll in the International Pathway Program. This pathway allows international students to improve English language skills through supplemental coursework while taking lessons and participating in ensembles.

Financial Documents 

International students applying for a student visa must submit an affidavit (in English) from a financial institution documenting the applicant's ability to finance their entire education and living expenses while in the United States. If governments or parents supply financial support, an affidavit certifying the amount to be furnished must be included. Currency must be translated into United States dollars. 

Need Assistance?

Our team of admissions experts from the School of Music and the Center for Global Engagement are here to help.

International Admissions

600 Forbes Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Music Admissions

600 Forbes Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15282