Manhattan School of Music welcomes students from over 50 countries around the globe, making the school a diverse and dynamic learning community. Learn how to apply as an international student below.

TOEFL
Transcripts, Translations, & WES Evaluations
Audition Information
Financial Aid for International Students
Student Visas

General Application Materials

View a full list of application materials required of all applicants >

All students whose first language is not English must submit an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score. Only tests taken after January 1, 2011 will be considered.

TOEFL General Information

TOEFL scores must be received by December 1st for prescreening materials to be reviewed or for auditions to be scheduled.
Manhattan School of Music TOEFL code: 2396
Only internet-based (iBT) scores will be accepted;
Do not submit paper-based (pBT) scores.
Register for a test >

TOEFL Score Requirements by Degree

All Programs (except Doctoral) – Minimum score of 79 iBT or higher. Admitted students scoring between 49-78 iBT will be required to enroll in the school's Summer English Study (SES) course.

Doctoral candidates are required to have a minimum Score of 100 iBT. Doctoral applicants scoring below 100 iBT will not be considered for admission.

TOEFL Exemption Request

Applicants who have completed a full-time, 4-year degree program at an English-speaking college/university within one year of application are eligible to request TOEFL exemption. Requests are due by December 1st.

You must submit the exemption form, photocopies of your transcripts, photocopy of your essay, and any past TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, or GRE scores to help strengthen your case. Completion and submission of TOEFL exemption form does not guarantee that TOEFL exemption will be granted by the Admissions Committee. If the TOEFL exemption is not granted, applicants must register immediately for the next available test. Exemption requests will not be reviewed after December 1st.
Email to request a TOEFL exemption request form >

Transcripts & Translations

Applicants must submit transcripts in the original language. For transcripts that are not in English, applicants must also submit official, notarized translations.

WES Evaluations

Completion of an international program of study does not always guarantee equivalency to the same program or degree in the United States. A World Education Services (WES) evaluation allows MSM to determine a student’s eligibility for the desired program of study. Manhattan School of Music requires that transcripts from international institutions be evaluated by WES. Evaluations are due by August 1

The following are important considerations when applying for a WES evaluation:

Late submission of WES evaluation may affect the student’s ability to complete the SEVIS I-20 and Visa process.

The “Course-by-Course” evaluation is preferred. Electronic Delivery of WES Evaluation report to MSM is preferred. Ensure that MSM  is authorized to receive a copy of your report. Allow up to 6 weeks to process an evaluation.

All final WES evaluations (showing proof of equivalency to the U.S. educational system) must be received by the Office of Admissions by August 1, 2012

Due to similarities with the U.S. educational system, exceptions to the WES requirement include: Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Canada. In some cases, the Office of Admissions may need to request a WES evaluation from applicants studying in these countries.

MSM Auditions

Seoul, Korea - December 4-7, 2011
Applicants interested in auditioning for MSM faculty in Korea should visit www.msmaat.com for more information about auditions.

New York, NY - March 2-9, 2012 (held at Manhattan School of Music)
Individual invitations to an audition in NYC will be emailed by February 1st.
Applicants should print the invitation email sent by the Office of Admissions and take it to an embassy visa appointment.

Learn detailed information about MSM’s auditions >

Find out if you are eligible for a recorded audition >

Financial Aid for International Students

MSM offers two sources of aid to international students: Manhattan School of Music Scholarship and the President's Award. Scholarships are offered to a select group of highly qualified applicants, based on the results of the audition and financial need. The President's Award is a no-need award, based on the results of the applicant's audition. Financial Aid submissions are due on March 1.

Apply for financial aid >

Applicants who are offered admission to Manhattan School of Music will need to visit the Accepted Student web page in April to learn how to apply for a student visa. This process will require the submission of documents proving financial support for the of the individual's degree program at Manhattan School of Music. International students must pursue a full-time program of study in order to obtain a visa to study at Manhattan School of Music. 
Email the Director of International Student Services for more information >