Top 10 Best Music Schools in Europe in 2025
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
From the grand opera houses of Vienna to the studios of London and Berlin, Europe has long been a magnet for aspiring musicians.
Are you’re dreaming of a career in composition, jazz, or music production? Choosing the right Bachelor or Master’s degree is a crucial first step and Europe is a great place to start. It’s home to some of the world’s top schools and universities, and you’ll also get to study and experience its diverse cultures along the way.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the institutions that stand out for their academic excellence, international outlook, and reputation in the global music scene.
Study Music: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
The list below includes a mix of institutions that actively welcome international students and that consistently rank among the best in global university rankings, such as QS.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU) | Czechia | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology | Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short courses |
| Falmouth University | United Kingdom | 1 Bachelor |
| Guildhall School of Music and Drama | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Short courses, Summer School |
| Royal Academy of Music | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Royal College of Music | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Taught Postgraduate, Research Degrees |
| SRH University | Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| University of Pécs | Hungary | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| University of Szeged | Hungary | 2 Master’s |
| Vytautas Magnus University | Lithuania | 2 Bachelor’s, 1 Master |
Whether you’re looking for a conservatory-style education or a university programme with a broader academic offering, these schools and universities stand out for their quality and international appeal.
There are plenty of English-taught degree programmes across Europe that focus on music, ranging from highly practical, performance-based courses to more academic, theory-driven studies.
Students can also choose from a wide variety of specialisations, whether you’re interested in classical performance, composition, music education, jazz, sound engineering, or even electronic music and production. Here are some examples:
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
You can build a successful music career through both specialised music schools and traditional universities, it just depends on the kind of experience and training you’re looking for. The key is to choose the environment that best supports your artistic goals and helps you build the skills you’ll need in your future profession.
On average, tuition fees at European universities are between €5,000 and €15,000 a year for Music Bachelors or Music Masters. Costs depend on the country, the type of institution, and the focus of the programme. Specialised conservatories or universities in the United Kingdom may charge more, sometimes up to €20,000 or more per year.
It’s also worth factoring in the cost of living, especially since many top schools are located in major cities like London, Berlin, or Prague, where housing and daily expenses can add up quickly.
Another aspect to consider is the cost of instruments and materials. While most schools provide access to practice rooms and basic equipment, you may need to invest in your own instrument, software, or other tools, especially for programmes in areas like electronic music or production.
Getting into a music school or university programme in Europe is more than just filling out an application, your talent and dedication will play a big role in the admissions process.
Most schools will ask for a portfolio or audition, depending on your specialisation. If you’re applying for a performance-based programme (like voice, piano, or strings), you’ll typically need to submit a video audition or attend a live audition. For more technical or production-focused courses, you might be asked to submit a portfolio of compositions, recordings, or production work.
In addition to your artistic work, you’ll also need to meet the academic requirements, which usually include a high school diploma (for Bachelors) or a relevant undergraduate degree (for Masters). English-taught programmes will require proof of language proficiency, usually through a test like IELTS or TOEFL.
Some schools also conduct interviews, either online or in person, to get a better sense of your motivation, goals, and background in music.
Ƶ Tip: Start working on your audition pieces or portfolio early, this will give you time to refine your work but also help you feel more confident during the application process. And don’t be afraid to apply to more than one school to improve your chances!
One of the perks of studying at a top music school is having access to great facilities.
From practice rooms you can use whenever you want, to professional recording studios and even historic concert halls, these schools give you everything you need to grow as a musician. You’ll find spaces designed for all kinds of music: whether that’s a jazz lounge, an electronic music lab, or rooms with period instruments for classical players.
Many schools also run concerts, masterclasses, and workshops with well-known musicians, which is a great way to learn and meet people in the industry. Having access to these kinds of facilities can really make a difference when you’re practicing, recording, or getting ready to perform.
While a degree in Music often leads to careers as a performer or composer, it can also open doors to a variety of other roles within the music industry, such as:
And let’s not forget: Europe is also home to the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the most iconic music events in the world. For many aspiring artists, producers, and songwriters, it's a reminder of the kind of global stage that a career in music can lead to and an example of what’s possible when you study and create music in Europe.
Want to learn more?
Find Bachelors & Masters in Music
486 Music Programmes in Europe
