Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme is an international student exchange initiative at the Royal Academy of Music in London. It enables up to 20 students annually from twelve top global conservatoires to participate in educational exchanges lasting from one week to a full academic year.
How Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme Works
The programme launched in September 2022. It was developed by the Royal Academy of Music and endorsed by Elton John, an Academy alumnus. The programme is primarily supported by an existing fund created by Elton John to provide support for international students.
Twelve partner conservatoires participate in the exchange:
- Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris
- Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto
- Hanns Eisler Academy, Berlin
- Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
- Juilliard School, New York
- University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
- Reina Sofia School of Music, Madrid
- Shanghai Conservatory of Music
- Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts, Helsinki
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music
- University of Music and Performing Arts, Munich
- Tokyo University of the Arts
Up to 20 students take part in exchanges each year. Exchanges vary in length from one week of intensive project-based work to a full year of study. Most commonly, exchanges take place during the third year of an undergraduate course for a full academic year. Postgraduate placements may be arranged for shorter periods.
The deadline for exchange and study-abroad applications is March 15 for the following academic year. Incoming exchange placements are normally for students on a Bachelor's degree course in music at the BMus Year 3 or Year 4 level, but can also accommodate Master's students.
For UK undergraduate BMus students going abroad for a full year who are eligible for UK government student support, tuition fees are reduced to approximately 15% of the full fee (currently around 1,468 GBP). International fee students do not receive this reduction. Students holding an Entrance Scholarship remain eligible to receive it during their time abroad.
Real-World Example
A third-year violin student at the Juilliard School in New York could apply through their institution to spend a full academic year at the Royal Academy of Music in London. They would study with Academy faculty, participate in London's musical scene, and build international connections. They would continue paying tuition to Juilliard, not to the Academy. A Royal Academy of Music student could similarly spend a year at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, paying only 15% of their normal tuition fee (approximately 1,468 GBP) if they qualify for UK student support.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you attend one of the twelve partner conservatoires, this programme offers a rare opportunity to study at another world-class institution without paying additional tuition. The exchange lets you build an international network, study with different teachers, and experience a new musical culture.
Talk to your institution's exchange coordinator early. The March 15 deadline means you need to start planning at least six months in advance. If you are a Royal Academy of Music student, you can also hold your Entrance Scholarship during your exchange abroad. If you are an incoming student, confirm with your home institution that credits will transfer.
Past Participants and Recipients
The Royal Academy of Music does not publish a full public list of exchange participants. However, some participants have been identified through institutional announcements and profiles.
- Anson Wong (Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts): A Sir Elton John Global Exchange Scholar who completed his Master's degree at the Royal Academy of Music with Christopher Elton. He is now a PhD candidate at the Academy. He also held the Muriel, Lady Kadoorie Music Scholarship and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund.
- Charlotte (Royal Academy of Music, MA conducting): Traveled to New York City as part of the exchange programme, studying at the Juilliard School. The Academy shared her trip in a social media post.
- Henry From (Glenn Gould School, BMus '26): Participated in a 10-day immersive exchange at the Royal Academy of Music in February 2024. He is an Ihnatowycz Prize in Piano recipient. Highlights included coaching sessions with Mark Padmore, Christopher Elton, and James Baillieu, plus a masterclass with pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and concerts at Wigmore Hall.
- Chelsea Ahn (Glenn Gould School, ADP '25, piano): Also participated in the February 2024 exchange at the Royal Academy of Music. She is a recipient of The Bill and Janet L'Heureux Scholarships.
The Academy has confirmed that Elton John's scholarship support has helped 72 students, past and present, as of November 2019. Eight Royal Academy students per year receive Elton John Scholarships, which are reserved for exceptional young musicians who would otherwise be unable to afford the fees. The Global Exchange Programme is a separate but related initiative.
In this Q&A session from November 2019, Elton John returned to the Royal Academy of Music to speak with students about music education and share stories from his autobiography, Me. He attended the Academy in 1958 as a Junior Exhibitioner at age 11. Four Elton John Scholarship recipients stood up during the session to share what they had achieved with his support. The video runs 21 minutes and is posted on the official Elton John YouTube channel.
Drawbacks / Things to Consider
The programme is only open to students at the twelve partner conservatoires. You cannot apply independently. Your home institution must nominate you. Exchange placements are typically at the Bachelor's Year 3 level or higher. First and second year undergraduates are generally not eligible. The reduced tuition fee (15%) only applies to UK students eligible for government student support. International fee students pay their normal full tuition. Short exchanges of one week may not provide enough time for meaningful academic credit. The programme does not cover living expenses or travel costs.
Related Opportunities
- Music Scholarships Directory
- Juilliard Scholarships for study at Juilliard
- Sibelius Academy Scholarships for study in Helsinki
- Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Exchange for another international exchange option
- Visit Royal Academy of Music Exchanges to apply
