Royal Irish Academy of Music - Local Centre Entrance Scholarships

What you get

At the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) in Dublin, you will receive free tuition in your exam subject for one academic year. You will also be offered a place on a music theory course, which you must attend. The RIAM is Ireland’s national conservatoire of music. This award forms part of the ‘Local Centre Examination’ system, under which students of music, languages and drama across Ireland are assessed.

Who can apply

• Exam result: You achieved at least 90 out of 100 marks (a ‘Distinction’) in a RIAM examination at a local examination centre.
• Subject: Any subject in the Local Centre system counts: any instrument (for example piano, strings, woodwind or accordion), voice, or speech and drama.
• Age and level: Your age group determines your minimum grade. Scholarship A: under 10 with a grade of I or better. Scholarship B: under 12 with a grade of III or better. Scholarship C: under 15 with a grade of VI or better. Your age is calculated on 31 December of the examination year.
• Not already a RIAM student: You cannot apply if you are currently a RIAM student in this subject or have been one in the past.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. You are studying in Ireland.
• One entry: You may only apply for one scholarship or prize.

How to apply

First, you must sit the Local Centre exam and achieve at least 90 marks. Then, by 2 April, submit the application form for the Local Centre scholarship and prize competition, signed by a parent or guardian. If you are shortlisted, you will take part in a competition. You will perform two contrasting pieces of your choice, as well as scales, arpeggios, aural skills, sight-reading and music theory appropriate to your level, and have a brief general discussion about music.

You can find more scholarships in our guide Scholarships in Ireland.