Exchange
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) has an extensive partner network with leading conservatoria around the world. In the framework of these collaborations, we can offer students the opportunity for an exchange period while earning credits for the programme at their home institution.
Important: The Conservatorium van Amsterdam is part of the Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten/Amsterdam University of the Arts (NL AMSTERD07).
This page only provides information regarding exchange applications for the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. If you would like to apply for an exchange at one of the other Academies of the Amsterdam University of the Arts, please check the website of the Academy you are interested in.
Contact
Ruth Graf-Fleet International Relations Officer
ruth.graf-fleet@ahk.nl
Incoming Exchange Students
Who can apply?
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the National Agency can be held responsible for them.
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) welcomes exchange applications from students from our partner institutions as part of the Erasmus+ programme as well as via bilateral agreements. You are advised to first contact the exchange coordinator at your home institution to discuss a possible exchange and get approval for the exchange.
Erasmus+ Programme
Are you studying at a partner institution from one of the 27 EU member countries or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, North-Macedonia, Norway, Turkey, Serbia, or Switzerland? Then you can apply for an exchange in the framework of the Erasmus+ programme.
Bilateral Agreements
If you are studying at one of the following partner institutions, you can also apply for an exchange at Conservatorium van Amsterdam:
United Kingdom
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- Royal College of Music, London
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff
United States
- Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- Frost School of Music, University of Miami
- Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University, Philadelphia
- The New School, New York
- Manhattan School of Music, New York
Brazil
- Escola de Música do Estado de São Paulo
Important Dates and Deadlines
Application Deadline 2025/2026
1 March 2025 (autumn semester, spring semester, full academic year)
Academic calendar 2025/2026 (dates to be confirmed)
Autumn semester: 1 September 2025 – 19 December 2025 or 31 January 2026 (depending on department)
Spring semester: 5 January 2026 – 31 May 2026 or 30 June 2026 (depending on department)
Outcomes of the application
You will be informed in May/June about the outcomes of your application (depending on department)
General Guidelines
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam uses EASY Mobility Online to manage all exchange applications. We can only accept applications for Erasmus+ study mobility. We unfortunately do not have any possibilities for Erasmus+ traineeships.
Please note that due to the programme structure and/or language of instruction, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam unfortunately cannot accept exchange applications for the following programmes:
- BA Music in Education
- MA Musical Leadership
- MA Composing for Film
- MA Live Electronics
- AEMA Hybrid Programme
- DNOA Dutch National Opera Academy
Language requirements
Exchange students are expected to have an adequate level of English proficiency of at least CEFR level B2. You can use the CEFR self-assessment grid to evaluate your level of English proficiency. You are not required to submit proof of your English language proficiency with your exchange application.
Application Process
You are advised to first contact the exchange coordinator at your home institution to discuss a possible exchange and get approval for the exchange.
Before starting your online application, please prepare the following documents that you will need to submit with your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation Letter
- Copy of your passport or other official ID
- Portfolio
- Study plan
Portfolio guidelines
For performers
A video portfolio (approx. 20 minutes). You have free choice concerning the repertoire you want to include, 2-3 pieces in contrasting styles is advised. Multiple videos should be merged into one file. Please submit one active weblink to your video recording(s) via YouTube or Vimeo. We cannot accept recordings via Dropbox or WeTransfer.
For composers
The score of at least two of your compositions, preferably accompanied by a video or audio recording of your work.
For students applying for music theory
A portfolio of previous work. While you are free to choose what you wish to submit, the portfolio should consist of work such as:
- Extended harmony assignments
- Extended counterpoint assignments
- Model compositions
- Analysis papers and/or a bachelor’s thesis
Study Plan
In the online application form, we ask you to fill in a preliminary study plan with the courses you wish to take during your exchange period at Conservatorium van Amsterdam ("My study plan"). At the end of this study plan, you can also describe your wishes and requirements regarding the study programme in your own words. Please consult an overview of the standard course structure for incoming exchange students per study programme here.
If you are accepted for an exchange at CvA, you will receive more detailed information about the various courses that you can register for. You will also have a meeting with our study advisor to finalise your lesson schedule and the Digital Learning Agreement. Please note that only if you have been accepted for an exchange, you will need to complete a Digital Learning Agreement.
All applications must be submitted through the EASY Mobility Online by 1 March 2025.
Please start the application process well before 1 March, as you and the international coordinator at your home institution need to complete several steps before the application can be finally submitted.
Please select Amsterdam University of the Arts (AMSTERD07) as the host institution and then Conservatorium van Amsterdam as the relevant Academy.
Once you have submitted the application form, please wait for approval from your home institution. Then you will get access to the online portal where you need to upload your materials etc.
For international coordinators at institutions that are not using EASY Mobility Online
When one of your students submits an application, the specified coordinator at your institution will automatically receive an email from EASY Mobility Online. From this email you need to nominate (approve) the application. Only after this nomination, will it show up in EASY Mobility Online as an application that needs to be assessed by CvA.
Only complete applications submitted through the online application system by the deadline will be sent for evaluation to the relevant faculty. The Head of the Department makes the final decision based on the quality of the application and the overall availability of study places.
All students and the coordinator at the home institution will be informed in May/June about the outcomes of their application (depending on department).
Accommodation for Exchange Students
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam unfortunately does not have specific student housing available for exchange students. We will provide accepted students with several resources on how to find housing in the greater Amsterdam area.
Outgoing Exchange Students
CvA students can also apply for an exchange semester at one of our partner institutions. Please check the information regarding the application procedure and deadlines on the CvA intranet or contact the CvA International Relations Officer.