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English Proficiency Exam
The working language of the Barenboim-Said Akademie is English. Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Artist Diploma students are required to have an overall B2 level of English. Preparatory Program students must have at least an A2 level.
All applicants must demonstrate English proficiency during the application process and satisfy the English language requirement by 15 April of the relevant admissions cycle.
Accepted English Language Tests
The Akademie accepts the following English language tests:
TOEFL Essentials
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL ITP
Academic IELTS
Cambridge Certificate
LanguageCert LTE
LanguageCert Academic
Linguaskill General
Test certificates must be less than two years old. For the 2027-28 admissions cylce, certificates must be dated October 2025 or later.
Preparatory Program applicants who have not taken one of the accepted tests within the last two years and are invited to audition may opt for an online proctored English language test sponsored by the Akademie. This test will take place before the audition date.
Eligible Bachelor of Music applicants from North Africa and the Middle East (as described under Who Should Apply in the Preparatory Program section on our Find Your Program of Study page) who have not taken one of the accepted tests within the last two years and are invited to audition may also opt for the Akademie-sponsored test.
Exemptions
Applicants who have completed an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree within the last 24 months at a university where English was the sole language of instruction for the entrie degree are exempt. In this case, please select the appropriate option in the application form and upload transcripts and certificates. Applicants must provide documentation confirming that the entire degree was taught in English.
Deadline
All candidates must satisfy the English language requirement by 15 April of the relevant admissions cycle. Failure to submit the requried documentation by the deadline may affect an applicant's eligibility to continue in the admissions process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting and English language certificate that is more than two years old
Submitting a test that is not accepted by the Akademie
Claiming an exemption without the required documentation
Missing the 15 April deadline
The Akademie follows the standards of the 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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