Bachelor of Music Studies / Bachelor of Arts (CRICOS course code 061145M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by The University of Sydney over 5 years. This dual qualification combines music performance or composition with a second arts discipline, allowing you to pursue diverse career paths in music, arts management, education, and more. The course is offered at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music in the heart of Sydney, NSW, one of Australia's most vibrant cultural capitals. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00026A), The University of Sydney meets strict Australian Government standards for international education, ensuring you receive quality education and legal protections under the ESOS Act.
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This degree is a combined program that lets you study music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music while also pursuing a second arts major from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. You can choose from a wide range of arts disciplines such as languages, history, sociology, or media. The course is designed to develop both your creative and analytical skills, preparing you for careers in the music industry, arts administration, research, or further study. As a dual qualification, you graduate with two separate bachelor degrees: Bachelor of Music Studies and Bachelor of Arts. Over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offer more than 26,433 courses to international students in Australia, and The University of Sydney is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. This course is registered on the CRICOS register (code 061145M), giving you confidence in its quality and recognition.
The Bachelor of Music Studies component focuses on the field of education 100101 - Music, covering music theory, aural skills, music history, performance, and composition. You will develop technical proficiency on your chosen instrument or voice, participate in ensembles, and study musicology and ethnomusicology. The Bachelor of Arts component allows you to explore another academic discipline in depth, such as English, history, or philosophy, fostering critical thinking and communication skills. Graduates emerge with a broad skill set applicable to music performance, teaching, arts management, or further postgraduate study. The curriculum is designed to meet AQF Level 7 outcomes, ensuring you gain a solid foundation in both creative practice and academic scholarship.
This course is delivered full-time over 5 years, which equates to 260 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. As a dual qualification, you are enrolled in two programs simultaneously and will receive separate testamurs for each degree upon completion. This structure allows you to combine your passion for music with a broader academic interest, making you more versatile in the job market. There is no part-time option for international students due to visa conditions, and you are expected to maintain a full-time study load each semester. The five-year duration includes both compulsory and elective units, with opportunities for practical performance through recitals and public concerts.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire 5-year course is A$267,200, as recorded on the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are estimated at A$1,922, bringing the estimated total to A$269,122. Please note that these fees are set by The University of Sydney and are subject to change. This amount does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney are also additional: approximately A$28,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses. The visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500) is currently A$1,600 (as at July 2026). Always confirm current fees and charges on the university's official website at sydney.edu.au.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically an IELTS overall score of 6.0 to 6.5 with no band below 5.5 to 6.0 (exact requirements depend on the chosen arts major). For admission to the Bachelor of Music Studies, you generally need to have completed Australian Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, and you must pass an audition for your primary instrument or voice. The University of Sydney may also accept foundation studies programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Options like the University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching (CET) or Taylors College Foundation program can help bridge academic or English gaps. Always check the specific entry requirements for your country of origin on the university's website, as prerequisites may vary.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student, you are eligible to work under your Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled university holidays. This allows you to gain part-time work experience in music-related roles, such as tutoring, performances, or retail, while studying. Remember that work should not interfere with your study commitments, and you must maintain satisfactory course progress to keep your visa valid.
All classes, tutorials, and practical sessions are held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, located in the Royal Botanic Gardens near Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House. This iconic venue is in the heart of Sydney's central business district, with excellent public transport access via train, bus, and ferry. Sydney is Australia's largest city and a major cultural hub, home to over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering creative arts courses. The city offers a vibrant music scene with numerous concert halls, festivals, and venues. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranging from A$500 to A$700, and groceries around A$100 to A$150. The suburb of Chippendale, near the University's main campus, is popular with students.
To study this course as an international student, you must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The University of Sydney, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English language proficiency evidence (unless exempt). You are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. All international students must maintain OSHC for the duration of their visa. The ESOS Act provides legal protections, including access to refunds if courses are not delivered as promised. For detailed visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy cannot provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Music Studies / Bachelor of Arts at The University of Sydney: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Filter courses by level (Bachelor Degree), field (Creative Arts -> Music), and location (Sydney, NSW). Use HeadStart Academy's free database to compare providers. 2. **Apply directly to The University of Sydney** – Check entry requirements, prepare your English test scores (IELTS 6.0–6.5), submit your application online via the University's portal, and register for an audition if required. Deadlines vary by intake (February and July). 3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, you'll get a Confirmation of Enrolment. Use this to apply for your visa, arrange OSHC, and demonstrate financial capacity. Plan to apply at least 6–8 weeks before course start.
Sydney offers a world-class music scene with venues like the Sydney Opera House, the City Recital Hall, and numerous jazz clubs. The Conservatorium's location provides unmatched networking and performance opportunities. However, the cost of living is high – budget around A$28,000 per year for living expenses. Access to public transport is excellent, especially for students living near train lines. If you prefer a conservatorium-style, performance-focused environment, the Conservatorium is ideal. Consider also whether you value the dual-degree flexibility; if you want to keep broader career options open, this course is a strong choice. Alternatively, other institutions in Sydney like UNSW or the Australian Institute of Music offer different music programs. Weigh your preferences for location, campus culture, and degree structure.
Find out more about studying music in Australia and browse other courses on HeadStart Academy.
Bachelor of Music Studies / Bachelor of Arts 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.