Are you a passionate musician looking to advance your performance skills through research? The Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) at The University of Sydney offers a unique opportunity to deepen your artistic practice. This Masters Degree (Research) (AQF Level 9) is designed for performers who want to explore their craft through scholarly inquiry. Delivered at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, this CRICOS-registered course (code 052441M) combines rigorous training with academic research. Over two years, you'll develop advanced performance techniques and contribute original knowledge to the field of music. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00026A), The University of Sydney meets strict Australian Government standards for international education. Whether you aim to become a professional performer or pursue a PhD, this program provides a solid foundation. With indicative fees of A$95,200 plus non-tuition costs, it's an investment in your artistic future. Ready to take the next step? Explore the details below to see if this course aligns with your goals.
Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) (CRICOS course code 052441M) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Sydney over 2 years. This program is ideal for international students seeking to combine performance excellence with research skills. The course is offered at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, a world-renowned institution located in the heart of Sydney's cultural precinct. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including concert halls, practice rooms, and recording studios. The program focuses on applied research — students explore music performance through practical projects and academic inquiry. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian quality standards for overseas students. The University of Sydney (CRICOS 00026A) is a public university with a strong reputation in the arts. According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), this Masters Degree (Research) is classified under Field of Education 100101 - Music. It is a single qualification with no work component, allowing full focus on study. Indicative total fees are A$95,952, but exact amounts should be confirmed with the university. International students can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) upon receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
The field of education for this course is Creative Arts (10), specifically Performing Arts (1001) and Music (100101). At the Masters Degree (Research) level, students typically engage in advanced performance study combined with research methods. You'll undertake a major performance-based research project, such as a recital series or a portfolio of work, accompanied by a written thesis. The program aims to deepen your technical proficiency, interpretative skills, and theoretical understanding of music. While specific syllabi vary, graduates often gain expertise in repertoire analysis, performance practice, musicology, and critical reflection. This research-oriented approach prepares you for careers as a soloist, ensemble member, educator, or academic. The University of Sydney's curriculum is designed to foster independent artistic voice. As a CRICOS-registered provider, the institution ensures the course meets national quality frameworks. Remember, entry requirements include a relevant bachelor's degree and evidence of performance ability. For detailed curriculum outlines, visit the university's website.
The Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) has a duration of 2 years, which equates to 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — it does not lead to a dual award or include foundation studies. Students are expected to study full-time on campus at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The program involves regular lessons, rehearsals, research supervision, and independent practice. Part-time study may be available, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with visa conditions. The course structure is research-intensive, requiring self-directed learning. As a Masters Degree (Research), it is classified at AQF Level 9. International students should note that the duration may affect their Student visa validity. Always check the visa grant period aligns with the course length. For more details, refer to the provider or the Department of Home Affairs.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The University of Sydney sets the actual fees, which are subject to change. Indicative tuition: A$95,200. Non-tuition fees: A$752. Estimated total: A$95,952. This does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For international students, OSHC is mandatory and costs approximately A$600–$1,200 per year depending on the provider. Living expenses in Sydney average A$500–$800 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm the latest fees on the provider's website before applying. The University of Sydney's tuition fees vary annually — budget for increases. Remember, HeadStart Academy is a free resource — we do not collect any referral fees. Check the CRICOS register or contact the provider for the most up-to-date information.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this Masters Degree (Research), a higher proficiency is expected, often IELTS 7.0 with no band below 6.5 (or equivalent). Prior qualifications: a bachelor's degree in music (or equivalent) with a strong performance component. You may need to submit a portfolio, audition, or interview. Some providers offer pathway programs if you don't meet the direct entry requirements — refer to The University of Sydney for details. As a CRICOS-registered institution, they assess applicants individually. International students must also meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. Always confirm entry requirements directly with the provider before applying.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) is a full-time study program without a required internship or placement. However, students may choose to seek part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks) under their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. Sydney offers many opportunities for musicians, such as teaching and performing. Work is not assessed as part of the degree. Focus is on research and performance. For visa-related work conditions, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
This course is delivered at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, in Sydney, NSW. The conservatorium is located in the Royal Botanic Garden, near the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. Sydney is Australia's largest city, with over 200,000 international students and 30+ CRICOS-registered providers offering music courses. The city has a vibrant arts scene, with venues like the Sydney Opera House and City Recital Hall. Public transport access is excellent — trains, buses, and ferries connect to the campus. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with rent averaging A$300–$600 per week for a room. Groceries cost around A$80–$150 weekly. The university offers student accommodation options nearby. For more on studying in NSW, see our guide to /states/nsw.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible for a Student visa (Subclass 500). You must receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The University of Sydney before applying. The visa allows full-time study and work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate genuine intention to study and return home. Financial capacity evidence includes tuition fees, living costs (A$21,041/year for a single student), and OSHC. Visa processing can take several weeks. HeadStart Academy recommends applying early. Remember, all institutions on our site are CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections — students have legal rights, including tuition protection. For detailed visa guidance, visit /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) at The University of Sydney: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use our course finder to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm the CRICOS code (052441M) and provider (00026A). Check entry requirements and compare fees. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare your documentation — transcripts, English test scores, portfolio, and references. Submit your application through The University of Sydney's online portal. Deadlines vary; apply early. You may also need to audition. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application online. Include evidence of OSHC and financial capacity. Await approval, then plan your travel to Sydney.
Ready to apply? Follow the steps above or explore more courses at HeadStart Academy.
Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) 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.