Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Composition) (CRICOS course code 0101565) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by The University of Sydney over 5 years. This combined program, offered at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, equips students with advanced compositional skills alongside a broad interdisciplinary education. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00026A), it meets all Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) lists this course from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you have reliable, up-to-date information to plan your study in Australia. The University of Sydney is a leading research university consistently ranked among the world's best, and its music program is renowned for producing creative professionals and scholars.
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This combined degree (Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Advanced Studies with a focus on Composition) is designed for students who want to excel both as musicians and as thinkers across multiple disciplines. The program integrates intensive music composition training with advanced coursework from other faculties, allowing you to tailor your degree with second majors or electives in areas such as languages, business, or digital technologies. Over 5 years of full-time study, you will develop a sophisticated portfolio of original compositions, gain deep theoretical knowledge, and build critical skills in analysis and collaboration. Graduates are prepared for careers as composers, arrangers, educators, or arts administrators, and have a strong foundation for further postgraduate study. The course is listed under field of education 100101 - Music, which encompasses performance, composition, musicology, and technology. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
This qualification falls under the broad field of Creative Arts (10) and specifically Performing Arts (1001), with a focus on Music (100101). At this level (Bachelor Degree, AQF Level 7), students typically engage with advanced theoretical concepts, practical application, and independent research. For composition students, this means developing proficiency in orchestration, electronic music, score writing, and stylistic analysis, along with collaborative projects with performers. The program also includes a significant 'advanced studies' component, where you choose a pathway such as a second major, a research project, or an industry internship. This structure reflects the University of Sydney's commitment to producing graduates with both depth and breadth. Note that the course content is determined by the provider and may change; always refer to The University of Sydney's official handbook for the most current curriculum.
The course duration is 5 years (260 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time, on-campus program taught in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). The extended length reflects the combined nature of the degree, requiring completion of two sets of requirements. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa conditions. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music provides state-of-the-art facilities including digital composition studios, rehearsal spaces, and concert halls. All instruction is delivered in English, so you need to demonstrate English proficiency before admission.
The indicative total tuition fee for this course is A$267,200 as per the CRICOS register (April 2026). In addition, non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) amount to approximately A$1,922, bringing the estimated total to A$269,122. Please note that these are indicative figures only, sourced from the official register and subject to change by the provider. The University of Sydney may revise fees annually. Moreover, this estimate does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. For the most current and detailed fee breakdown, visit The University of Sydney's international fees page directly. Sydney is one of Australia's most expensive cities; indicative weekly living costs for a single student range from A$700 to A$1,200 depending on lifestyle, including rent (A$400–600), groceries (A$80–150), and transport (A$40–60). These are not part of the course fees but are essential to budget for.
Academic requirements typically include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent with a competitive ATAR, plus a music folio or audition demonstrating composition ability. International students must also meet English language proficiency: the CRICOS register indicates IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 (exact requirements set by the provider). Some applicants from non-English backgrounds may need to complete a foundation or pathway program; check with The University of Sydney for specific equivalencies or pathway options. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; the selection process is competitive based on academic merit and artistic potential. Always confirm current entry requirements directly with the provider, as they may change.
This course has no mandatory work component. It is a purely academic program focusing on music composition and advanced studies. However, optional internships or industry placements may be available as part of the advanced studies pathway. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided they commence work only after their course starts. Work must not interfere with study requirements. For visa condition details, visit the Department of Home Affairs.
This course is delivered at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the University of Sydney's music school, located in the heart of Sydney's central business district near the Royal Botanic Garden. Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and Australia's largest city, with a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living in Sydney offers access to world-class music venues, galleries, and industry networks. Public transport (trains, buses, ferries) connects the Conservatorium to all parts of the city and suburbs. The estimated cost of living in Sydney for a single international student is A$700–1,200 per week including accommodation, food, and transport. For more on studying in New South Wales, see our state guide.
International students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the University of Sydney, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and English proficiency. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. As a CRICOS-registered provider, the University of Sydney is approved to enroll international students. Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Sydney offers a unique environment for music composition students. With a thriving cultural scene, numerous performance venues, and a diverse community of artists, the city provides ample opportunities for creative growth. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music is centrally located, giving you access to industry events and networking. However, the cost of living is high, and the city's fast pace may not suit everyone. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. Australia as a whole has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. If you're unsure about Sydney, explore other major cities like Melbourne or Brisbane which also have excellent music programs. Use HeadStart Academy's filters to compare courses by location and provider.
Applying for this course at The University of Sydney involves three key steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to verify that the University of Sydney (CRICOS 00026A) and this course (CRICOS 0101565) meet your requirements. Check entry requirements, fees, and location. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit an application through the University of Sydney's online portal, including your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), portfolio or audition materials, and any other required documents. Pay attention to application deadlines, which may be several months before the semester starts. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once admitted, you'll receive a CoE from the university. Use this to apply for your visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a valid passport. For step-by-step visa guidance, see our student visa page.
Ready to apply? Check CRICOS 0101565 on the official register and contact The University of Sydney for the latest entry requirements.
Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Composition) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Sydney. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.