The Fall 2027 application is now open. 

Click here to apply!

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent by the time you matriculate (generally including at least 24 credits in liberal arts subjects)
• Musical training at a high level
• English language proficiency that meets our outlined requirements
• Tianjin Juilliard offers master of music degrees in Instrumental and Orchestral Studies, Instrumental and Chamber Music, Collaborative Piano and Composition. If you already have a master of music degree in one of these majors, you are not eligible to apply for that same major. However, you may apply for a different major. (For example, if you already have a master of music degree in violin, you are eligible to apply either our chamber or instrumental and orchestral studies programs.)
• If you apply to this degree program and are denied admission, you can apply again in a future application cycle. After three unsuccessful attempts applying to the same major, you are no longer eligible to apply.

Please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn if you are unsure about your eligibility.

_{*Most Recent Official English Language Test Score: This test score must be delivered to us directly from the testing company but does not need to be passing: It will serve to indicate your most recent level of English language proficiency.}

The following items are only required if you are invited to a live audition:

<sub>*In order to be considered for institutional aid, you must fill out the CSS Profile with the institutional code 2356, found on the College Board website. Only those who pass prescreening will be required to complete the CSS Profile, which must be completed by March 1, 2027. Please see the Scholarship page for more information.

**Final Official English Language Test Score: This test score must be delivered to us directly from the testing company and should meet our test score standards.</sub>

Online Application

To begin, create your Tianjin Juilliard admissions account, gather the required application materials, and follow the instructions to complete your application.

Application Fee 

The 770 RMB* application fee is non-refundable and must be paid through your application status page upon submission of your application. Your application is not considered complete until the fee has been received.

_{*When paying with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal, the amount will be approximately $110 USD assuming an exchange rate of 7 RMB to $1 USD. The actual amount charged to your account may vary slightly due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.}

Essays

Tianjin Juilliard's Admissions Committee uses your essays to learn more about you as an individual and gain a sense of who you are beyond your application, transcript, and audition. They are also used to confirm that you have the scholastic competence necessary to succeed in graduate-level coursework. Essays should be double-spaced, in a 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Please note that essays must be written in English (not translated from another language) and be your own original work.

Essay #1 | Choose one of the following prompts:

• Many artists experience a moment that defines their career goals. Describe what that moment was for you. Be specific and tell us how that moment continues to influence your artistic and academic work.

OR

• The Tianjin Juilliard School emphasizes collaborative and ensemble playing at the highest artistic level. Please describe what specifically attracts you to collaborating with other musicians. Please draw upon examples from your past collaborative experience.

Please write approximately 500-650 words on the prompt of your choice.

Essay #2:

• What has inspired you to apply specifically to The Tianjin Juilliard School? Please include any relevant personal and professional context.

Please write approximately 300-400 words on this prompt.

Essay #3 | Required only for those who are not currently enrolled in an academic program:

• Please tell us about the period since you graduated from your last academic program. Please include any professional activities you have been engaged in since graduating.

Please write approximately 300-400 words on this prompt.
 

Artistic Résumé

Your Artistic Résumé should follow a general résumé format. The résumé should be 1-2 pages, and include the following information:

• Your educational background (including private teachers with whom you have studied)
• Significant performance experiences
• Professional orchestra and ensemble experiences (include chair/seating)
• Summer programs/festivals (include year(s) of attendance)
• Competitions, prizes and awards
• Any other information you would like to share with the Admissions Committee 

Transcripts

Transcripts are an important part of the decision process and help us determine if you are prepared to succeed in coursework at the graduate level. Transcripts for all post-secondary coursework, including all grades earned and courses in progress must be received by December 15, 2026. If you are currently enrolled in a program, this transcript should include your fall semester grades. The transcript may be an official copy sent directly by your institution. It can also be either a scanned copy of your transcript as provided to you by your school’s registrar or downloaded from your online student account. Please do not send screenshots. If you are choosing to upload scanned copies, they can be uploaded directly to your application status page after you submit your application. If your transcript is not in English, we require the transcript in its original language as well as a translation.

Final Official Transcript

If you are admitted and decide to enroll, you will then be required to submit final official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. These final official transcripts will be due July 1, in the summer prior to matriculation. Matriculation to the MM degree program is contingent upon Tianjin Juilliard receiving your final official transcripts before the stated deadline. This final transcript must be sent to the Office of Admissions and must state the degree earned, the date it was awarded, and the list of courses taken and grades earned throughout the course of study. If your transcript is not in English, we require the transcript in its original language as well as a certified translation. If the degree earned is not listed on your transcript, we require an official copy of your degree diploma. If your degree diploma is not in English, you need also to provide a certified translation. 

Definition of an Official Transcript

• An electronic record of your academic progress, including grades earned, sent by a secure service (such as Naviance, eSCRIP-SAFE, or other system). Scanned, emailed, or uploaded copies are not considered official.

OR

• A paper record of your academic progress, including grades earned. Official transcripts must arrive in an envelope sealed and stamped by the issuing institution.

Final official transcripts should be mailed to the Tianjin Juilliard Office of Admissions. Mailing address for final transcripts will be provided on your admission letter.

Your official transcript(s) must show all prior and current coursework equivalent or similar to a U.S. bachelor's degree (generally including at least 24 credits in liberal arts subjects).

• If your transcript is not in English, we require the transcript in its original language as well as a certified translation.
• You will be notified if an official evaluation of your transcript is required to verify your academic level. Companies such as SpanTran, WES, or ECE can provide this service for a fee.

Recommendations

In your application you will be required to identify two individuals who will provide your recommendations. These recommendations should:

• Be from a teacher, conductor, coach, or artistic mentor
• Address your talent and accomplishments
• Discuss the following individual characteristics that indicate potential for success in the field: perseverance, dedication, collegiality, and leadership

The recommendations are due February 15, 2027. Your recommenders will receive an email with a link to securely upload their recommendations to our application system. We will only accept recommendations received through our application system.

Final auditions will take place in Tianjin and at select regional locations. Applicants unable to travel to a live audition location must contact the Office of Admission at admissions@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn to discuss the circumstances and reasons they cannot audition live, and to request approval of an alternative audition modality.

To satisfy the musical requirements of an application to The Tianjin Juilliard School, you must:

1. Submit prescreening recordings to your application (all applicants)
2. Audition live (invitation only)

Applicants who pass the prescreening round will be invited to register for a final audition.

Learn more about repertoire requirements, audition dates and locations

The ability to communicate in English fluently, especially with a high degree of skill in speaking, listening, and reading, is an important factor in admissions decisions. If English is not your native language, regardless of citizenship, you will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency (ELP) as part of your application. At Tianjin Juilliard, your native language is defined as the language first spoken during childhood and used as the primary language at home.

Some exceptions to ELP may apply. To see if you are eligible, see section III. Exemptions and Waiver below. 

How do we evaluate ELP?  

We examine your previous academic record in addition to assessing your English language ability using two criteria:  

1. Your score on a standardized English proficiency test, AND 
2. An online interview with our English-teaching staff

i. Required English Score

You must submit one of the following official English test scores by the appropriate deadline. For Fall 2027 admission, scores must be from tests taken on or after September 1, 2025. Only results from in-person versions of official tests are accepted; results from at-home versions of tests are not valid.

IMPORTANT: Tianjin Juilliard only accepts IELTS and TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or TOEFL MyBest scores.

Can you still apply for MM if you don’t have the required score? 

For the MM, we do also review applications from individuals whose official test scores do not meet the required sub-scores for reading and speaking in the table above, or that fall below IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 89 (new TOEFL 4.5) / Cambridge English C1. However, if your score is at or below IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 66 (new TOEFL 3.5) / Cambridge English B1-B2, you will be considered for admission to the Enrichment for Practicing Musicians (EPM) program, on a case-by-case basis, instead. 

How do you submit your official English test scores? 

Send your official test scores electronically, directly from the testing company, to the Office of Admissions by the deadlines below. When requesting score delivery, search for “Tianjin Juilliard” in the school list; for TOEFL, you can also use institution code C513. 

ii. ELP Interview Requirement

Why is there an interview? 

Your official test score alone is not sufficient for admission (assuming your audition meets our standard). The interview gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your fluency and, for MM applicants, it assesses your readiness for graduate-level study in English. 

What does the interview cover? 

The interview assesses speaking only. During the interview, you will: 

• Respond, without advance preparation, to a range of general and music-related topics 
• Speak clearly and confidently, using accurate and appropriate grammar and vocabulary 
• Give detailed answers and respond naturally to follow-up questions 
• Demonstrate critical thinking by explaining your ideas, giving reasons, and discussing different perspectives 

Who must take the interview? 

Only applicants who have been invited to a live audition whose native language is not English can schedule an interview with our English-teaching staff if ANY of the following applies to you: 

• You are an MM applicant whose test score meets our requirement BUT does not include the required sub-scores for speaking and reading; OR 
• You are an MM applicant whose test score falls below our requirement*; OR 
• The Office of Admissions directs you to attend the interview at any stage of the application process. 

*Applicants with IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 79 (new TOEFL 4) / Cambridge English B2 and above will be interviewed. However, you will be expected to submit a higher score that meets the English requirement by March 1. 

Who does NOT need to attend the interview? 

You do not need to attend the interview if you submit an official test score that meets or exceeds our requirement. However, this exemption applies to applicants with new test scores only—tests must be taken between September 1 and December 15 of your application year. Older, still-valid scores may be submitted but will not count toward this exemption. 

How do you schedule an interview? 

Interviews will take place between mid-January and early March 2027 on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are required to take an interview, after January 15 the Office of Admissions will direct you to select an online interview time. 

iii. Exemptions and Waiver

1. Exemptions

Who does NOT need to submit official test scores? 

You do not need to submit official scores AND you do not need to attend the interview if any of the following apply: 

• English is your native language; OR 
• You attended an English-language high school for four years and have completed, or will complete, a 3- to 4-year undergraduate degree at an English-language institution; OR 
• You are a current Juilliard (BM/MM) or Tianjin Juilliard (MM/PCP) student; OR 
• You graduated from Juilliard (BM/MM) or Tianjin Juilliard (MM) within the last year. 

2. Waiver

What is a waiver?

A waiver exempts you from submitting a test score as proof of English. However, you must still attend an interview with our English-teaching staff. Waivers are granted at Tianjin Juilliard’s discretion after our English-teaching staff review your supporting materials. You may request a waiver if you meet ALL of the following conditions: 

• You have earned/will have earned by matriculation, a 3- or 4-year undergraduate degree from a school where the language of instruction is English; AND 
• You submit two academic papers written in English during your most recently completed academic term, each at least 1,200 words, for review by our English-teaching staff; AND 
• You submit an unofficial transcript for review. 

Follow the instructions on the application form to request a waiver. 

Orientation English Diagnostic “Academic Language Review” (ALR) 

If you were required to submit official test scores as part of your application and you accept an offer to study an MM with Tianjin Juilliard, you will be required to take a placement assessment in August to assess your need for academic English support during the academic year. Click to see details about ALR. 

Currently enrolled students in the Juilliard Collegiate Division will be exempt from the requirements for prescreening and proof of English language proficiency. Additionally, Juilliard students' application fee will be waived as long the application is submitted by the deadline.

Master's students enrolled in year 1 and year 2 at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music are eligible to apply to the Dual-Degree Program, a collaboration between The Tianjin Juilliard School and the Tianjin Conservatory of Music. This unique opportunity consists of study at Tianjin Conservatory and two years of study at Tianjin Juilliard. Students who successfully complete the program earn a Master's degree from The Juilliard School in New York and the Tianjin Conservatory of Music. 

While enrolled at Tianjin Conservatory, students pay the tuition for Tianjin Conservatory. While enrolled at Tianjin Juilliard for the final two years, students pay the dual-degree tuition rate for Tianjin Juilliard. The dual-degree tuition for Tianjin Juilliard is 200,000 RMB per academic year. Scholarship opportunities exist from Tianjin Juilliard while enrolled for the two years at Tianjin Juilliard. 

In order to apply, applicants should complete the online Tianjin Juilliard application, indicating that they are currently enrolled at Tianjin Conservatory and will be applying to the Dual-Degree Program. Applications must include a prescreening video recording, uploaded to the application. The Admissions Office at Tianjin Juilliard will notify an applicant if they have been invited for a live audition. View complete audition requirements here. Admission decisions for the Dual-Degree program are made by the Tianjin Juilliard Admission Committee, which includes senior administration from Tianjin and New York.  

Consultative lessons give you the opportunity to meet and work with Tianjin Juilliard faculty during the admissions process. Consultative lessons should be viewed as a way for you to learn about a teacher’s style and pedagogical approach; they are not mandatory, and do not influence admission.

The Tianjin Juilliard School offers consultative lessons based on faculty availability and other factors. Consultative lessons will generally take place on our new Tianjin campus. It may be possible to take an online lesson. The fee for a 60-minute lesson is 1800 RMB. Students may also apply for a 30-minute lesson, with a fee of 900 RMB.To request a consultative lesson, please fill out a form here.

The Tianjin Juilliard School seeks to facilitate the full participation of applicants with disabilities in the audition process. The School makes reasonable accommodations or adjustments for qualified individuals with known disabilities in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

The School will not make pre-admissions inquiries as to whether or not a student has a disability; however, applicants with documented disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the audition process must notify the Office of Academic Support and Disability Services (OASDS) in writing by December 15. Please notify the office by emailing them at oasds@juilliard.edu .

You will be required to submit documentation of your disability to OASDS; this information will be kept strictly confidential. You must complete the following forms in order for the school to accommodate your specific needs:

• Applicant Release of Disability Related Information Form
• Audition Accommodation Request Form

All documented disability requests will be managed by The Juilliard School in New York.