At ICMP, we have a vibrant and exciting international community, with 40% of our total student body being international students. That means the ICMP experience is a truly global one, providing you with plenty of opportunities for both music and cultural development.
Our committment to you
Being an international student brings with it some special challenges, and our team understands this. Studying at ICMP is a once in a lifetime experience and we're here for you every step of the way, to ensure you get the most from your time with us.
From your initial contact with our admissions advisers, engagement with our wellbeing team or any other interactions you have before, during and after your studies with ICMP, we’re here to provide practical and relevant advice and support to make your experience a positive one.
Our International Student Handbook covers all the information you need to know in your ICMP journey, from your initial enquiry right up to your arrival in London.
Hear what our students say about studying at ICMP
Sha Supangan (Philippines)
Peter Napper (USA)
Sarvesh Venkatesh (India)
Frida Von Hertzen (Sweden)
HOW TO APPLY
STUDENT VISA
EU Students
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
WHEN YOU ARE HERE
YOUR APPLICATION
Applying to study at ICMP is a straightforward process and we’re here to help or discuss the best course option for you whenever you need us.
Information about our application process and entry requirements can be found on the course information pages for each programme.
As an international student, you can audition remotely if you’re unable to visit us in London. Please contact our Admissions Team on + 44(0)20 7328 0222 enquiries@icmp.ac.uk to book your audition.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
If you require a visa to study with us, you’ll need to submit evidence that you meet the appropriate level of English for study. Requirements differ based on the level of study you're applying for:
UNDERGRADUATE STUDY
If you’re applying to study on an ICMP undergraduate BA or BMus programme, you can also demonstrate your English ability by sitting:
- IELTS (Academic) with an overall band score of 5.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening.
- Cambridge English:162 or above overall with a minimum of 162 in each component
- Trinity College London: Pass with Merit
- Language Cert International ESOL SELT B2: UG Pass with a minimum score of 33 in each skill
Applicants applying to study on our Certhe Popular Music Performance programmes must complete the IELTS Academic for UKVI purposes with an overall band score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening only.
POSTGRADUATE STUDY
If you’re applying to study on a postgraduate MA or MMus programme you can also demonstrate your English ability by sitting:
- IELTS (Academic) with an overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening.
- Cambridge English: 169 or above overall with a minimum of 162 in each component
- Trinity College London: Pass with Distinction
- Language Cert International ESOL SELT B2: High Pass with a minimum score of 33 in each skill
CONFIRM WITH US BEFORE BOOKING YOUR TEST
Please contact the admissions team on enquiries@icmp.ac.uk before booking your test/course to confirm that it will meet our requirements.
DISCLOSING DISABILITY
If you have previously received additional learning support, or if you require further advice and guidance on disclosing a disability on your application, please click here.
UK’S STUDENT ROUTE VISA SYSTEM
As a new international student to ICMP, in addition to your course application, you’ll need to apply for your visa using the Student Route – part of the UK’s points-based immigration system.
All international students should apply through the Student Route for a visa.
To apply through the Student Route, you’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the required 70 points as part of your visa application. You’ll achieve the required points if you have an offer from ICMP as an approved educational institution, speak a required level of English and are able to support yourself financially during your studies in the UK.
Visit this page for further information on the Student Route Visa.
Please note that visas already issued through the previous Tier 4 route are still valid. If eligible, when your Tier 4 visa expires, you may be able to apply for further leave to remain under the new Student Route.
REMAIN IN THE UK FOR TWO YEARS AFTER GRADUATION
The UK Government’s points-based immigration system includes access to a post-study work visa known as the ‘Graduate Route’.
The Graduate Route is available to international students who graduate from an ICMP undergraduate or master’s degree, regardless of whether you applied through the old Tier 4 route or the new Student Route. The new Graduate Route visa will allow you to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with no restriction on the type of work you can do.
EU/EEA AND SWISS CITIZEN STUDENTS
Despite Brexit, European students are as welcome as ever at ICMP! You’ll receive a warm reception, and will still be able to connect to the London and UK music industries, access high-quality accredited education, and discover the joys of our large, vibrant, multicultural community and city.
If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen looking to study at ICMP, entry conditions now require you to gain a student visa under the ‘Student Route’ initiative of the UK Government’s points-based immigration system. You can apply for the Student Route visa up to six months in advance of your course starting. The application process is very straightforward and we're here to support you throughout the process.
EU/EEA and Swiss students can continue to visit the UK for up to six months without having to apply for a visa to participate in short-term study.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP
ICMP offers a scholarship up to the value of £5,500 to each eligible EU, EEA or Swiss student enrolling on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, starting in September 2023. There is no application process involved, the scholarship is automatically deducted from your course fees. Please visit our fees page for full details.
SUPPORTING YOUR APPLICATION
Over the past 30 years, ICMP has been the first choice for thousands of students moving to the UK to study music, so we have plenty of experience in supporting our international students. Our Admissions Team is on hand to help you navigate the process and can be contacted on + 44 (0) 20 7328 0222 or via enquiries@icmp.ac.uk.
COURSE FEES AND YOUR VISA
We require that course fees be paid in full before the ICMP can support your application for a Student Route Visa, however if you’re from a country listed under the UKVI ‘differential evidence requirement' (see here for a list of countries), you have the option to pay your 50% of your fee for ICMP to issue your CAS number for your visa application and 50% before enrolment.
REMAINING IN THE UK AFTER GRADUATION
If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen graduating from an ICMP undergraduate or master’s degree, you’ll have access to the new ‘Graduate Route’. This allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with no restriction on the type of work you can do.
EU/EEA AND SWISS CITIZEN STUDENTS
Despite Brexit, European students are as welcome as ever at ICMP! You’ll receive a warm reception, and will still be able to connect to the London and UK music industries, access high-quality accredited education, and discover the joys of our large, vibrant, multicultural community and city.
If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen looking to study at ICMP, entry conditions now require you to gain a student visa under the ‘Student Route’ initiative of the UK Government’s points-based immigration system. You can apply for the Student Route visa up to six months in advance of your course starting. The application process is very straightforward and we're here to support you throughout the process.
EU/EEA and Swiss students can continue to visit the UK for up to six months without having to apply for a visa to participate in short-term study.
If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen already resident in the UK or who will be resident in the UK before 31st December 2020, you and your family members are eligible to apply via the EU Settlement Scheme (before 30th June 2021) rather than the Student Route.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP
ICMP offers a scholarship up to the value of £5,500 to each eligible EU, EEA or Swiss student enrolling on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, starting in September 2023. There is no application process involved, the scholarship is automatically deducted from your course fees. Please visit our fees page for full details.
SUPPORTING YOUR APPLICATION
Over the past 30 years, ICMP has been the first choice for thousands of students moving to the UK to study music, so we have plenty of experience in supporting our international students. Our Admissions Team is on hand to help you navigate the process and can be contacted on + 44 (0) 20 7328 0222 or via enquiries@icmp.ac.uk.
REMAINING IN THE UK AFTER GRADUATION
If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen graduating from an ICMP undergraduate or master’s degree from 2021 onwards, you’ll have access to the new ‘Graduate Route’. This allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with no restriction on the type of work you can do.
Our International Student Handbook is a guide for students travelling to the UK to commence their studies with us. This provides you with essential information about what you need to consider prior to departing for the UK and how to relocate to London in the easiest and smoothest way possible. We’ve also included further information around the documents you’ll need to bring with you, travel arrangements into London, emergency and out-of-hours contact numbers, and details of how to contact home upon arrival. View the handbook.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION
The UK British Council has put together a useful hub of information for students moving to the UK. We recommend you read through these pages and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
ACCOMMODATION / LIVING EXPENSES
You can choose either private or shared accommodation or to live with fellow students. Remember that you may have to pay other bills on top of your rental costs, such as electricity, gas and water.
Please visit our accommodation page for more information and links to our accommodation guide.
COLLECTING YOUR BRP
When you arrive at airport border control, you’ll need your letter confirming that you have successfully applied for a Student Route visa. The Immigration Officer will issue you with a 30-day multiple-entry vignette. On arrival in the UK, you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from your allocated Post Office before your vignette sticker in your travel document/passport expires, or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later. Further guidance on Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) is available on the Home Office website.
Police registration is no longer required.
In early August 2022, it was announced that the requirement for students on specific visa’s to register with the police has been abolished. This change applies to those who have already registered with the Police and who have a condition to register with the Police listed as a requirement of their visa. You can read the Public Notice announcing this change.
New to ICMP
Depending on when your visa was granted, you may have been informed that you were required to register with the Police after arrival in the UK. This may have been included as an endorsement on your entry vignette and in the decision letter you received with the outcome of your visa application. However, following the repeal of the requirement to register with the Police in August 2022, you will no longer need to do this.
Current students
If you have already registered with the Police, you will recall that it was a requirement to update your certificate at the Police Station with any changes to your details such as your address or if you are granted a new visa. Following the repeal of this requirement you will no longer need to do this.
In accordance with standard procedures, changes to your address and personal details should continue to be updated with ICMP and UKVI.
TRAVEL IN THE UK
With the London underground, buses and trains at your disposal, you can make the most of exploring the area. To travel on London transport, you’ll need to purchase an Oyster Card which will allow you to board the bus and use the Underground (tube). As a full-time student, you’re entitled to a ‘Student Oyster Photocard’ which gives a 30% discount on travel cards and bus and tram passes.
TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE UK
Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) allows you multiple-entry into the UK, however you will need to ensure that you have your BRP with you every time you travel in and out of the UK and Common Travel Area (CTA).
WORKING IN THE UK ON THE STUDENT ROUTE
Depending on the exact details of your studies and situation, you may be able to take up part-time work in the UK alongside your education. Different restrictions apply regarding the type of employment permitted, but you’ll be notified of the work conditions that apply to you when your Student Route application is granted. Your visa will be curtailed and you wil be required to leave your studies and return home if you are found to be working longer hours than you are permitted to do so, as specified on your visa/Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You should therefore make sure you are fully familiar with the working rights granted alongside your visa. Further details are available here.
HEALTHCARE
As part of your Student Route visa application, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) – this is an annual fee to cover the cost of using the NHS in the UK, however it is paid for the duration of your visa upfront, rather than on an annual basis. Students receive a 25% discount on the fee. It’s important to ensure you’ve paid the surcharge before you submit or send your visa application, otherwise, it will likely be rejected. Calculate your Immigration Healthcare Surcharge in advance.
Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll need to register with a doctor (GP) before you can use the NHS. Find out more about registering with a GP.
PERSONAL SAFETY
London is a safe place to live, but it’s always worth taking personal safety into account wherever you are. Read our tips for staying safe.
BEWARE OF FRAUD
UKVI and Action Fraud have created a guidance pack with essential information on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
GRADUATION
The ICMP Graduation Ceremony takes place in Autumn each year. It’s an opportunity for all our students to celebrate their success with their family and friends. This is a formal cap and gown event and includes a presentation of awards across each course for outstanding students, along with performances and a drinks reception.
If you're a current international student at ICMP, visit My.Icmp to find out more.
