When to apply

On-time applications

Applications that we receive from mid-July to 1 October (midnight UK time) are considered to be on-time for entry in the September of the followng year (for example, applicants who apply between these dates in 2011 will be considered as on-time applications for entry in September 2012). Conservatoires must give equal consideration to all these applications. They do not have to consider any applications received at CUKAS after 1 October.

We recommend that you encourage all applicants to do their research and complete their applications as soon as possible after mid-July when the application cycle starts.

Late applications

Applicants who apply late should explain any reasons for the delay in their personal statement section of the application.

2012 entry

We will process all applications received at CUKAS from 2 October 2011 to 31 August 2012 (midnight UK time) and send them to the conservatoires. These are considered to be late applications and conservatoires will only consider them if they still have vacancies after considering all the on-time applications.

Conservatoires may take until 28 September 2012 to make decisions on late applications.

You should advise applicants who are applying after 1 February 2012 to check whether or not their chosen conservatoires still have vacancies before making an application.

We will not process applications received after 31 August 2012 (midnight UK time). Applicants who want to apply after this date must contact the conservatoires for advice.

2011 entry

We will process all applications received at CUKAS from 2 October 2010 to 31 August 2011 (midnight UK time) and send them to the conservatoires. These are considered to be late applications and conservatoires will only consider them if they still have vacancies after considering all the on-time applications.

Conservatoires may take until 30 September 2011 to make decisions on late applications.

You should advise applicants who are applying after 1 February 2011 to check whether or not their chosen conservatoires still have vacancies before making an application.

We will not process applications received after 31 August 2011 (midnight UK time). Applicants who want to apply after this date must contact the conservatoires for advice.

Deferred applications

Applicants cannot apply for deferred entry. However, when considering applications, conservatoires can offer deferred places in response to an applicant's request or after obtaining the applicant's agreement.

Applicants who receive conditional offers for deferred places must meet all the conditions of their offers by 31 August 2012 if applying in the 2012 application cycle (31 August 2011 if applying in the 20011 application cycle), unless an alternative date is given by the conservatoire.

References

Applicants arrange for their referees to send references direct to the conservatoires after they have submitted their applications to CUKAS. Conservatoires cannot consider on-time or late applications fully without references.

Applicants applying before 1 October should aim to have their references with conservatoires by the end of October. If applying after the October deadline, they should aim to have references with conservatoires as soon as possible.