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Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to common questions about applying, auditioning, financial support, and studying at the Akademie. If you need additional information, our Admissions Team would be happy to assist you at admissions@barenboimsaid.de.
Applications and Auditions
How Does the Application Process Work?
Applications to the Barenboim-Said Akademie are submitted through our online portal. After registering, you will complete the online application form, upload official transcripts and diplomas, and provide links to video recordings of the required pre-screening repertoire. If you are selected after the review process, you will be invited to interview and audition for our faculty in Berlin.
Please note that we cannot discuss admissions decisions with applicants and are unable to provide feedback on application materials at any stage of the process.
Is There An Application Fee?
There are no application fees for any program at the Barenboim-Said Akademie. You may submit your application free of charge through our online portal.
What is the recommended deadline to Apply?
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by 8 December 2025. Meeting this recommended deadline gives the Admissions Team time to review your materials and notify you if anything is missing.
Applications submitted after this date will still be accepted until the final January deadline. However, they will be reviewed in their submitted form, and incomplete applications will not be considered. To avoid this risk, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
What is the Audition Process?
To be considered for an audition, applicants must submit a completed application with video recordings of the required pre-screening repertoire. After review, selected applicants are invited to interview and audition in Berlin. Eligible applicants may also apply for travel reimbursement and request support with travel visas.
Can I play the same Repertoire in the Pre-Screening and the Audition?
The repertoire prepared for the pre-screening may be the same for the audition repertoire. Please note that some studios may require an additional piece for the live audition. For full details, see the Audition & Pre-Screening Repertoire page.
Is it Possible to Apply to More Than One Field of Study?
Yes. You may apply to two studios, but a separate application must be submitted for each. Please note that students can only be admitted to one studio, as double-majors are not offered at the Akademie.
Can I Double-Major At the Akademie?
No. Applicants may apply to only one program and one concentration (instrument or composition). However, all students pursue compulsory secondary study as part of the curriculum: non-piano students take piano as a secondary instrument, while piano students study répétiteur (collaborative piano). This requirement supports broad musical development, but it is not considered a second major.
May I Apply TO Enter the Akademie Mid-Year?
Students may only begin in the Winter Semester, with orientation and classes starting in October. Please see the Academic Calendar for information on the semester schedule.
Which English Language Proficiency Tests are Accepted?
For all programs, the Akademie accepts recent scores (within the last two years) from TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL
ITP, Academic IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, LanguageCert LTE, or Linguaskill General.
Preparatory Program applicants are not required to submit a test score but may be asked to take an Akademie-sponsored online English test if invited to audition. Bachelor, Master, and Artist Diploma applicants who cannot submit a test before the application deadline may provide proof of enrollment in an upcoming exam. Scores must be submitted to admissions@barenboimsaid.de by April 15.
Applicants who have completed a degree taught entirely in English within the last 24 months are exempt from submitting a test score, provided they supply transcripts or certificates confirming that the full program of study was conducted in English.
For further details, please see the English Proficiency Exam section on our Resources page.
I Don't Speak German. Can I Still Apply?
Yes. The language of instruction at the Akademie is English, and applicants do not need German proficiency to apply. However, a basic knowledge of German can make daily life in Berlin easier and help students enjoy the city’s cultural offerings. To support this, the Akademie provides German courses to interested students.
What Level of English do I need to Apply to the Akademie?
The working language of the Barenboim-Said Akademie is English. Once enrolled, students are expected to communicate, write, rehearse, and participate in classes in English. The expectation is that all students have at least a B2 level of English at the time of matriculation, with the goal of reaching C1 level within the first year of study. Preparatory Program students must demonstrate A2 level, while Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Artist Diploma students require at least B2 level. If Admissions considers an admitted student’s English skills in need of improvement, that student will be enrolled in a mandatory intensive English course, either prior to or upon arrival at the Akademie.
The Barenboim-Said Akademie follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Which studios are accepting applications for the 2026-27 Academic Year?
Visit our Admissions Process to find which studios are accepting applications for the next academic year.
I Don't have the Resources to make a Pre-Screening audition Video. Can I audition live in berlin instead?
No. A pre-screening video is a required part of the application to the Barenboim-Said Akademie. If you have access to a phone with a camera and an internet connection, you can create a recording. Professional equipment is not expected; what matters most is that your video gives a clear and accurate representation of your playing.
For guidance, please visit the Apply Now page, where you will find a step-by-step document with tips for creating your audition video.
I Can't Find the Contact Information of a Facutly Member.
The Akademie does not share the personal contact information of faculty members. If you are invited to audition in Berlin, you will have the opportunity to meet teachers in person. The Admissions team is glad to forward any questions or inquiries to faculty, although we cannot guarantee a response.
Can I Request A Trial Lesson with a Faculty Member?
The Admissions Office can help facilitate trial lessons once an application has been submitted. Please note, however, that trial lessons depend on faculty availability and individual policies, and we cannot guarantee that an appointment will be possible.
Can I Apply as a Transfer Student to the Akademie?
Yes. Admission to a higher semester is possible for applicants who have already begun undergraduate studies in the same field at another higher education institution. Transfer applicants must submit the Application for Admission to Higher Semester form together with their other application materials via SlideRoom. To receive this form, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@barenboimsaid.de. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis upon review of academic transcripts from previous undergraduate studies.
IS THERE A STIPEND DURATION FOR TRANSFER APPLICANTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC PROGRAM?
The stipend duration will be aligned with the expected length of instrumental instruction, not the length that it would take to finish the entire undergraduate program. Transfer applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis after successful submission of academic transcripts from their previous undergraduate studies.
Can I Apply for Credit Recognition at the Akademie?
Yes. The deadline to submit the Credit Recognition Application form is four weeks before the start of the subsequent semester (October 1 for the Winter Semester and March 1 for the Summer Semester). In case the deadline is missed, credit recognition for the subsequent semester is no longer possible. Please reach out to our Admissions Office at admissions@barenboimsaid.de for more information.
How many ECTS do I need to start the Master of Music at the Akademie?
Candidates holding a three-year or a four-year Bachelor of Music degree are eligible for admission. However, the Master of Music is only awarded with 360 ECTS accumulated between bachelor’s and master’s study, with at least 120 ECTS earned during master’s study.
If you obtained less than 240 ECTS in your previous studies, your period of study may be extended up to an additional year until you have accumulated the remaining ECTS required for MMus. degree conferral.
IF I do NOT feel PREPARED FOR an advanced Humanities course, CAN I takE a lower-LEVEL course?
In some cases, Master of Music students may be permitted to enroll in Bachelor-level humanities courses. Additional assignments will be required to ensure that graduate-level standards are met.
I am currently pursuing my final Bachelor of Music degree and do not yet have my degree; can I still apply?
Yes. If you have not yet received your diploma at the time of application, you must submit proof of enrollment from your current university, an official transcript of courses and grades, and a provisional graduation document stating your expected graduation date. Any documents not issued in English or German must be submitted in the original language together with a professional translation.
Life at the Akademie
Are there Health or Counseling Services available To Students?
Yes, all Preparatory Program and Bachelor of Music students at the Barenboim-Said Akademie are automatically enrolled in comprehensive German health insurance plans. Students are also provided with a list of doctors, counselors, and other health professionals approved by the Akademie, and during Orientation receive guidance on visiting the doctor, applying for health insurance and more. Students who are already covered by adequate German-mandated health insurance plans may opt out of Akademie-sponsored insurance.
It is mandatory for all enrolled students to provide proof of health insurance during their studies at the Akademie. Although we do not cover the health insurance costs for Master of Music and Artist Diploma students, we will be happy to guide students on their possibilities to apply for statutory health insurance or private health insurance based on the applicable legal framework.
As part of an overall commitment to student-musician health and wellness, the Akademie offers access to Alexander Technique courses, a free confidential counselling service, as well as other mind-body techniques or therapies.
What are the General Housing Arrangements for Students?
The Barenboim-Said Akademie has student housing facilities in the Mitte district of Berlin, located in relatively close proximity to the Akademie. The properties are furnished, shared accommodations. Shared spaces are occupied by two students who share a common living space, kitchen, and bathroom. Students may elect to share an apartment with other current or incoming Akademie students whom they know or they will be paired randomly.
Do I receive Housing in Berlin?
All Preparatory Program and Bachelor of Music students enrolled at the Akademie are eligible for shared student housing, at no additional cost. Bachelor of Music students are eligible for student housing only for their first two academic years of their undergraduate studies. The length of housing for transfer students is adjusted according to their placement in the bachelor program. For example, transfer applicants for the Bachelor of Music program will be eligible for student housing for only one academic year if they are projected to start in the second academic year of their undergraduate studies.
Master of Music and Artist Diploma students are expected to find their own housing in Berlin.
DO I RECEIVE A STIPEND OR SCHOLARSHIP?
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music and Preparatory Program at the Akademie receive a means-independent, non-repayable monthly stipend currently amounting to 861€/month. There is no need to apply for the stipend separately. However, students enrolled in the Master of Music or Artist Diploma program are not eligible for the stipend.
Bachelor of Music and Preparatory Program students who do not live at student housing will receive an additional 200€/month.
Is Orientation Attendance Mandatory?
Yes, if admitted to the Akademie, students are expected to be present for the entire orientation period. Attendance for orientation is mandatory for all incoming students. Please check the Academic Calendar to see when the next orientation period is planned.
Students may be exceptionally exempt from attending (part of) the orientation program with prior approval for absence from the Dean. To apply for approval of leave, please get in touch with the Office of Admissions at least 2 weeks before the start of orientation.
We recommend that students enrolled in the Master of Music and Artist Diploma program arrive at least during the orientation period to make sure they can fulfill the enrollment requirements (signing up for health insurance, city registration) prior to the start of the pertinent Winter Semester.
What Happens During Orientation?
Orientation is an opportunity for new students to meet each other, as well as staff and faculty members. This is the time for all incoming students to take necessary placement exams, participate in intensive preparatory writing courses, and take introductory classes. Social activities, such as impromptu sight-reading sessions, city tours, and group attendance of performances in Berlin are also organized during orientation, so students will have time to familiarize themselves with their new classmates, city, and surroundings before the start of rehearsals and classes.
Please note that Master of Music & Artist Diploma students are not required to take placement exams or intensive preparatory writing courses. However, Master of Music & Artist Diploma students will have introductory and info sessions specifically tailored to their program to prepare them for the start of the Winter Semester.
Visas
Do I need a Visa to visit the Barenboim-Said Akademie?
Applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea or the United States of America, or member countries of the European Union do not require a visa to enter and visit Germany for non-employment purposes for short periods.
Applicants from countries other than those listed above must obtain a short-term Schengen visa to enter Germany for the purposes of visiting or auditioning at the Barenboim-Said Akademie. Applicants invited to audition for the Akademie who are in need of such a visa will be allowed enough time for applying to and receiving the necessary documentation.
While the Barenboim-Said Akademie is able to provide support to applicants during the visa process, we strongly encourage applicants both to be aware of the regulations and proactive in obtaining the necessary paperwork. You may find information about specific visa guidelines as well as information on how to make an appointment for a visa on your country’s Germany Embassy website.
What Documents do I Need to apply for a Visa?
In general, the following documents must be submitted along with a visa application form:
Notification of admission to study at the Barenboim-Said Akademie
Proof of financial support (the Barenboim-Said Akademie provides Preparatory Program and Bachelor of Music students with a document confirming their stipend)
A copy of a higher education entrance qualification
Certificate of health, if necessary (for further information, please inquire at your local German Embassy)
Depending on your country of origin, certain additional documents (such as a birth certificate) may be necessary to include
A biometric photo
Master of Music and Artist Diploma students will need to provide a proof of finances or financial support for the duration of their studies.
Do I need a German Residency Permit In Order To Attend the Akademie?
For students who are citizens of member countries in the European Union, a residency permit is not required to live and study in Germany. International students require a residency permit in order to live and study in Germany.
Most international students must apply for this visa in their home country or country of residence at the German Embassy or Consulate before entering Germany.
Students who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea or the United States of America may apply for their residency permit after entering Germany. Please be aware that while it is possible for citizens of these countries to enter Germany without a visa or specific residency permit, staying in Germany past a specified limit (usually ninety days) without securing a residency permit will result in being required to leave Germany for a specified period and can jeopardize matriculation at the Akademie. Please check with the German Embassy in your home country for more information, including specified time limits on short term travel visas.
Still have questions? Contact our Admissions Team.
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