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Quick answer
The essentials at a glance
You can study a bachelor's in music in Canada after +2 at universities such as Manitoba in Winnipeg and York in Toronto. This page explains how the audition or supplementary evaluation works, what English score Manitoba asks for, what a first year costs there, what you study, and which jobs and work permits follow. Start preparing your pieces early, because both universities check your music as well as your marks.
Key takeaways
Main points from this page
- Music is a bachelor's degree subject at the University of Manitoba and at York University.
- Manitoba's Bachelor of Music needs an audition, an interview and a personal essay.
- York's music BA and BFA both need a supplementary evaluation after you apply.
- Manitoba asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each part for most undergraduate programs.
- A Canadian degree does not give permanent residence automatically, but it can give you a post-graduation work permit.
Can You Study Music in Canada from Nepal After +2?
Yes, you can start a bachelor’s degree in music in Canada after +2, but you must show your music as well as your marks.
Canadian music degrees cover performance, composition, teaching and research. You play or sing in ensembles, study music theory and history, and write about music.
If you are drawn to screen work as well as sound, read our guide to film studies in Canada.
This guide is part of our study in Canada from Nepal series. It covers bachelor’s degrees at universities. If you are still choosing a level, read our bachelors in Canada guide first.
Students from any +2 stream can apply. Your music skill and your English marks matter most.
- Entry: an audition or supplementary evaluation, plus your +2 results.
- Streams: performance, composition, jazz, teaching and general music studies.
- Skills: playing or singing, reading music, ensemble work and music theory.
- Careers: performing, teaching, composing, studio work and further study.
How Does the Music Audition Work for a Canadian University?
At the University of Manitoba, the audition lasts about 20 to 45 minutes and includes a performance and an interview about your music.
The Manitoba music admission page says each performance area has its own repertoire. Composers present a portfolio. In most cases the audition is in person. If travel is a barrier, you may audition with a high-quality video recording.
Contact the area head for advice before you record.
You also write a personal essay of 250 to 300 words about your musical goals. Auditions normally take place in mid-February, so start preparing months before.
York asks for a supplementary evaluation after you apply for its music BA or BFA. York sets a deadline for the online part, so check the date on its music program page.
What Marks Do You Need for a Music Degree in Canada?
York says applicants with averages in the low-to-mid 70s or higher may be considered, and you must keep a final average of 70 percent.
That applies to students applying with Ontario or Alberta school diplomas, as listed on the York page. Check the York page for the line that matches your own qualification. Our NEB GPA calculator can help you check your grade.
Manitoba publishes its marks rules by country and faculty on one international admission requirements page. Choose Nepal and then Music.
For documents, see the Canada student visa requirements and the guide to transcripts in Nepal.
What English Score Do You Need for Music in Canada?
The University of Manitoba asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in listening, reading, speaking and writing.
That rule applies to most undergraduate programs, as the English language proficiency page explains. Test results expire two years after the test date.
York sets its own score. For a wider view, read our minimum IELTS and PTE for Canada guide.
Which Canadian Universities Can You Look At for Music?
Look at Manitoba in Winnipeg and York in Toronto first.
University of Manitoba
It is in Winnipeg. Its Desautels Faculty of Music offers a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Jazz Studies and a general BA in Music. Read our University of Manitoba profile and the programs of study page.
York University
It is in Toronto. It offers a music BA and a music BFA. The program mixes jazz, gospel, classical and digital composition. The program page lists its entry steps.
How Much Does a Music Degree Cost in Canada?
The University of Manitoba lists an average first-year international cost of CAD 28,000 for tuition and fees, which is about Rs 30 lakh.
All amounts here are in Canadian dollars. Use our CAD to Rs forex converter to see them in rupees.
| University | Figure on the official page | About in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Manitoba | Average first-year international tuition and fees: CAD 28,000, from the international tuition page | about Rs 30 lakh |
This is an average for all programs, not a music-only fee. Music students may also pay for an instrument, lessons and music materials. York publishes its fees on its own Tuition and Fees page, so check it before you compare.
Living costs and the money you must show for the visa come on top. Our cost of studying in Canada guide and the proof of funds page explain both. For help with fees, read about scholarships to study in Canada.
What Do You Study in a Bachelor’s in Music?
You study playing or singing, music theory, music history and ensemble work.
At Manitoba, the Bachelor of Music begins with two years of general study. After that you can move into composition, history, performance or music education if you meet the requirements. Students perform in two ensembles a year.
The Bachelor of Jazz Studies focuses on jazz performance. The general BA in Music is a flexible three-year program for students from different backgrounds. It can lead to work in the music industry, such as artist, producer, manager or audio engineer.
At York you can study jazz, gospel, classical and digital composition in one program.
Is a Music Degree a Good Choice After +2 from Nepal?
It can be, if you already play or sing well and enjoy daily practice.
Both universities check your music before they offer a place, so lessons before you apply help. Ask your teacher in Nepal to guide your audition pieces.
Music also takes steady practice alongside your classes. If you are not sure, a general BA in music gives a wider start.
For nearby creative routes, see our film studies in Canada and graphic design in Canada guides.
What Jobs Can a Music Degree Lead To?
A music degree can lead to jobs in performing, teaching, composing, studio work and the wider music industry.
Common job types are performer, private teacher, composer, music producer, audio engineer and arts administrator. Many musicians combine several of these.
School music teaching is regulated by the province, and it usually needs a teacher education degree after your bachelor’s. Check the teacher regulator in the province where you want to work. Music is not otherwise a licensed field.
Some graduates continue to a master’s degree. Our masters in Canada guide explains that route.
Can You Work and Stay in Canada After a Music Degree?
You can work part time while you study and apply for a post-graduation work permit after you graduate, but permanent residence is not automatic.
During term, international students can generally work up to 24 hours a week off campus, as the IRCC off-campus work page explains. Our guide on working over 24 hours in Canada covers the details.
After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit can last up to three years, depending on the length of your program. A degree program has no field of study rule. Read our PGWP guide for the steps.
No course leads to permanent residence on its own. Read PR pathways through education in Canada to see how people plan this honestly. For start dates, see the Canada intakes guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, if you play or sing well and enjoy practice. It prepares you for performing, teaching and studio work, and it supports a later master’s degree.
Usually yes. Manitoba asks for an audition and interview for its Bachelor of Music, and York asks for a supplementary evaluation. Confirm the steps on each program page.
Manitoba says applicants may audition with a high-quality video recording if travel is a barrier. Contact the area head for your instrument first.
Manitoba asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each part for most undergraduate programs. York sets its own score.
Yes. Any stream can apply. Your music skill and English marks matter most.
International students can generally work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, if their study permit allows it.
No. A degree can make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit, but permanent residence is a separate application with its own rules.
How Can Goreto Help You Apply?
Goreto counselors help you pick a university, check your marks and prepare your papers.
You can meet a counselor at our Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari or Pokhara branch. Visit get in touch to find the nearest office.
Sources
Reference links
Disclaimer
Important guidance note
Program rules, audition steps and fees change, so confirm each detail on the official university page before you apply.
