BIMM Germany Admissions FAQs

27 May, 2020

Choosing where to study a Degree or Masters course is an incredibly exciting time, that takes you one step closer to achieving your dream career in the music industry. It’s also a big decision and you will likely have lots of questions about things like auditions, visas, fees and the application process.

To help you out, we’ve compiled the top questions most asked by our students so that you have the smoothest application process possible.

If you would like to know anything else, or your question isn’t answered here, our friendly Admissions Team will be happy to provide the answers. Simply email them at  [email protected] and they will be happy to help.

Are the auditions or interviews online or in-person?

You have the option of both! At the moment – and due to the precautions with COVID-19 – all our auditions and interviews are taking place online. However, when we reopen our colleges, you can come and complete your audition or interview in person if you prefer.

If you’re keen to kickstart your music career, then please apply as soon as possible and we can complete your audition or interview remotely. We can then give you a personal tour of our college facilities when they reopen on governmental advice. Further information is available here. 

Can I apply for the 2021 academic year now or do I have to wait?

Yes – you can absolutely apply to study in September 2021 via our Application Form.

If I do not have a successful audition or interview, will I need to re-apply for the following year?

If you are unsuccessful at your audition or interview, then don’t worry! You will get precise feedback on what is needed from you to succeed next time and you’ll be offered another audition/interview to try again. This second audition/interview will be when our lecturer feels you’ve had enough time to incorporate their suggestions into your practice. You will then be offered a new audition or interview date.

If our lecturer feels you need more time to work on your practice, and you won’t be able to do this before the enrolment deadline in September, then they will give you thorough feedback on your development areas and our Admissions Team will invite you to re-apply for the following academic year. This is so you have plenty of time to prepare for another audition or interview at a later date, feel confident and smash it.

As always, the earlier you submit your application then the more time you will have to prepare for your audition or interview. This also includes working on the development of your practice for a second audition or interview if you are unsuccessful at the first attempt.

Will I receive a letter/proof of placement for my visa?

Yes. When you have signed your contract confirming your September enrolment, you will receive a Course Confirmation letter. This is what you need to apply for your visa.

Do I need a study visa if I’m joining BIMM Institute Germany from the UK?

For study in September 2020, all UK applicants will have the same work and study rights as any other EU individual under the terms of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU. This means that if you move from the UK to Germany before 31 December 2020 you will not require a study or work visa.

You will also be able to stay in Germany after your studies are complete as you will have already moved and registered as living in the country before the UK withdraws completely from the EU. From 01 January 2021, there may be different requirements, including gaining a visa to study, and restrictions over the nature of work you can participate in during your studies. However, this is still to be confirmed between the UK and EU, as the withdrawal process continues to be negotiated. For further useful info, please reference the material available on the gov.uk website. 

When is the application deadline for this year and can I take the English test later?

You can apply until early September – although please bear in mind that places on our course may be full by this point. We recommend that you apply as soon as is convenient for you. If we receive your completed application before 2nd June 2020, then you’ll be eligible for an Early Bird Bursary of €250, which will be awarded to you after you enrol. As for your English Language test, you can do this any time between now and when you enrol. We recommend checking out your local IELTS test centre and booking this at a time that suits you. We do need proof of your English language ability by the time you enrol, so again, the sooner you can complete and provide this to us the better.

At the moment, in line with COVID-19 precautions, we also accept IELTS Indicator or TOEFL tests completed online, due to test centre closures. For more information on this, contact our Admissions Team at [email protected]

Where can I find out about accommodation and finding somewhere to live?

Our Accommodation Guides contain lots of useful information about the areas to look in, types of lettings, public transport and how to manage your finances.

What are the costs for each semester?

We don’t price our courses by semester. Instead, we price by each academic year, which comprises two 15-week semesters. Depending on your fee eligibility, you can find out more on our fees page.

Is it possible to get a scholarship?

We sometimes offer scholarships in partnership with some of our industry network. We will soon know if scholarships for 2020 will be offered. If they are, you will be emailed by us (if you have consented to use of your email for marketing contact purposes) and our website will be updated with the relevant information.

Can I choose the songs I want to perform in my audition for Professional Musicianship or Songwriting?

All applicants are required to perform a song of their choice. It can be anything you are comfortable with performing – something that represents you, your approach to your chosen instrument or discipline, and your overall technical ability. You are welcome to perform with a backing track or acapella, and your performed piece should be at least three minutes long.

If you are applying for Professional Musicianship (Vocals, Drums, Bass or Guitar), we encourage you to perform a cover so our lecturers can reference your performance to the original song. If you are applying for Songwriting, your performed piece must be an original track, which you have written.

Are there options for tuition loans or academic financial support within Germany, or is this only valid for the UK?

We are looking into options for student loans, but unfortunately, there are currently no opportunities known to us at this time. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for Higher Education funding from your home government.

How will I be supported on work placements during my course?

You will receive support throughout your studies from our Work-Based Learning department, who facilitate various work placement opportunities at employers or music organisations across the year. The Work-Based Learning team can help support you with job application prep through to supporting you whilst you’re on your work placement.

We also have various industry-engagement opportunities, such as End of Term gigs at renowned local venues, Lamplight Sessions showcasing the original music of our students, industry walk-ins and masterclasses with industry guests each week. All of these are an opportunity to build your network and showcase your creative and professional output.

I have already taken an Abitur exam in English. Do I still have to take the IELTS test?

If you have English as Leistungsfach and 10 or more points, you don’t need to take a language test.

If I have already been accepted and only have to sign the contract, when is the latest I can sign it?

The deadline is two weeks after receiving the contract. If you require any longer than this, please contact our Admissions Team to notify them of your circumstances. You can contact them at [email protected].

I am extending my enrolment fee deadline due to COVID-19. Does this affect my academic plans going forward?

This enrolment fee/ deposit relates to your study contract, and we completely understand if you wish to wait until there is more reassurance regarding COVID-19. However, we are very optimistic that onsite teaching will return to normal in September onwards.

When you pay your deposit, it guarantees your place on your chosen course. We recommend that you keep an eye on all government updates and pay your enrolment fee when you feel comfortable doing so, just so it doesn’t compromise your future academic plans.

How does the application process work? What are the requirements?

You need to complete an application form, detailing your academic background and existing or anticipated exam results. Please submit any evidence you have of these to us when you return your application. Alternatively, you can provide these to us at a later date if you are still studying.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, even if you are still studying. We understand that you may not have your high school results yet, but we can still get you prepared and scheduled in for an entry audition or interview. The sooner you apply, the more availability there will be on our courses.

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