International Students
The Academy prides itself on its diverse international community. The population currently comprises students of nearly forty nationalities from all over the world. This mix of cultures contributes to the vibrancy of the institution and the sharing of artistic experiences on a grand scale. Everything you need to know as an International Student (how to apply, auditions, accommodation, courses, teachers, etc.) are dealt with in the relevant sections of this website.
Arguably no city in the world offers the diversity of London. The Academy’s truly international community is similarly varied, with many cultures and nationalities represented. The Academy has a team of specialists dedicated to supporting students who need to develop their communication skills in English. Our English Language teachers have much experience with coaching students from other parts of the world, including Asia, and they have expertise in music and the arts.
Depending on their particular needs, some students will be required to attend an intensive English course at the Academy before the start of the academic year. Others will attend weekly classes throughout the academic year in support of their programme of study. These classes lead to an examination, designed to focus students’ work and to give them a formal indication of their progress.
In addition, all students can benefit from the Help Desk run by English Language Co-ordinator Janet McAlpin. This is a facility for students seeking help or advice for specific communication tasks, or for those who want to top-up particular English skills. The Academy offers an ‘acclimatisation’ course to selected international students before the beginning of the academic year. A handbook for international students is issued annually and the Head of International Affairs is pleased to give advice.
Head of International Affairs: Philip White LRAM, FRAM
English Language Co-ordinator: Janet McAlpin MA, PGDip
English Language Tutors: Marie Myerscough MA, BEd, ARCM and Gill Barnes BA
The Academy issues an International Student Handbook once each year in the summer when it is distributed to students who will be at the Academy in the autumn. See also: Immigration Advice.
Details of the requirements can be found here.
For students joining a university study programme, the UK Border Agency requires an overall score of at least IELTS 5.5 or Pearson 51, and also each individual element of the test (reading, writing, listening, speaking) must have score no lower than IELTS 5.5 or Pearson 51. You are exempt from having to take a language test for your visa if you are a national of Antigua & Barbados, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and the USA, or if you completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in any of those countries excluding Canada and including the UK.
Before the beginning of each academic year, the Academy runs a two-week language and acclimatisation course; the Academy invites new international students who would benefit from intensive help with English before beginning their studies.
There is a one-day programme for all other new international students to introduce them to the Academy and to living in London, this is during the “Week Zero” induction session. Ongoing language classes are also available during the academic year.
Before you arrive at the Academy, you can contact the Admissions Officer and International Coordinator in the Registry. When you are here, the International Students’ Officer and the Counsellor are available to help you with any problems, including those arising from cultural differences. You may also find the British Council’s Education UK website useful, as well as the Prepare For Success website which has an interactive web learning tool for international students who are getting ready to come to the UK.
International Students’ House is a few minutes’ walk from the Academy and offers accommodation to international students during the academic year as well as short-stay accommodation. There are also numerous social facilities including a bar and restaurant which Academy students are welcome to use whether or not they are resident at the House.
