Graduate Admissions
At NIU, you get the best of everything. You’ll learn from and perform alongside world-renowned, award-winning faculty who are dedicated to your growth as a musician, all while gaining the benefits and resources of a major research university. Since we’re just 65 miles west of Chicago, you’ll be close to a vibrant music scene, surrounded with numerous opportunities to perform on campus, in the community and in the city.
Application Process
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1
Apply to NIU
Submit required application materials
- Your application to the Graduate School will require your resume or CV, a statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts and two references.
- You may choose to submit a music portfolio, but this is not a requirement.
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2
Apply to the School of Music
Your supplemental application is where you will opt-in to being considered for a tuition waiver. -
3
Register for Your Audition
- Select your audition date.
- Please review studio audition requirements.
Requirements
Our Graduate School sets a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75, though a lower GPA may be considered. You must have completed a Bachelor of Music degree to be considered with limited exceptions. The School of Music does not require the GRE for admission.
International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, you must report your TOEFL or IELTS scores to the Graduate School. Master's and Performer's Certificate applicants must have a score of 80 on the computer-based TOEFL. International students who have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S. college or university are exempt from taking the TOEFL or IELTS again.
Funding
There are various funding opportunities for graduate students, including tuition waivers and graduate assistantships. You are encouraged to apply for both funding opportunities. To be granted priority consideration for either of these opportunities, funding application materials must be submitted by March 15. You will be contacted in late March or early April about the status of your tuition waiver or graduate assistantship.
- To apply for a tuition waiver, please indicate your interest on your application to our School of Music.
- To apply for a graduate assistantship, please complete our graduate assistantship form by March 15.
Application Deadlines
Your application to our Graduate School, School of Music application, and audition must be completed by Feb. 24. Auditions are held earlier in February. If you are unable to attend one of our scheduled audition days, you must receive permission to schedule a separate audition or submit a video audition from our music admissions coordinator.
