Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles

The Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles is a higher education arts school in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1832, offering bachelor's and master's degrees in music and theater. It is one of Belgium's oldest conservatories, known for its early music department and its multilingual, international student body.

How the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles Works

The conservatory follows the European Bologna system with two main cycles:

• Bachelor (1st cycle): 3 years, 180 ECTS credits. Requires a secondary school diploma (or equivalent) and passing the entrance exam.
• Master (2nd cycle): 2 years, 120 ECTS credits for music. Requires a bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline.
• Specialized Master: 1 year, focusing on a specific repertoire or instrument.
• Master in Teaching (section 5): 1 year, for pedagogical training.
• Advanced Master: 1 year, preparatory to research and doctoral studies in arts.

Admission requires passing an entrance exam (epreuve d'admission). The next session runs between March 23 and April 3, 2026, with a second session in August/September 2026. Some disciplines (composition, brass, strings, harp, harpsichord, fortepiano) allow remote auditions via video conference.

There is no age limit and no cap on the number of times you can apply. The school accepts international students without quota restrictions. Teaching is in French, and while French proficiency is not required for admission, you need solid French skills to succeed in the program.

Programs Offered

The music department is organized into four specific departments plus a transversal pedagogy department:

• Classical and Contemporary Music: Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, chamber music
• Early Music: Historical instruments, baroque performance practice (a department the school is particularly known for)
• Jazz: Performance, improvisation, rhythm studies
• Music Education: Pedagogical training for future teachers
• Composition: Classical writing and contemporary composition
• Conducting: Orchestral and choral
• Theater and Arts of Speech: Separate department for dramatic arts

Real-World Example

A Belgian student applying for the bachelor's program in classical violin in 2026 would register online for the spring entrance exam session (March 23 to April 3, 2026). They perform a program of works specified in the curriculum description for violin. If they pass, they can enroll for the 2026-2027 academic year.

An international student from outside the EU must also request a diploma equivalence from the Federation Wallonia-Brussels Equivalences Service before enrollment. This process costs money and takes time, so the school recommends starting it before the entrance exam.

Tuition fees for Belgian public arts schools are regulated and significantly lower than private institutions. Students from the EU pay the same rates as Belgian students. This makes the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles an attractive option for international students seeking quality training at a reasonable cost.

Notable Alumni

The conservatory has trained prominent musicians and composers throughout its history, including:

• Jean Absil (composer, organist, and professor at the conservatory)
• Francois-Joseph Fetis (first director, musicologist)
• Many performers who went on to play in major European orchestras

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you are considering studying music in Europe and want an affordable, historically rich institution, the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles is worth exploring. The absence of age limits means you can apply at any stage of your career. The early music department is one of the strongest in Europe, making it an excellent choice if you specialize in baroque or historical performance practice.

For non-EU applicants, the diploma equivalence process can take several months. Start that paperwork early. Also, budget for relocation costs to Brussels, which is more affordable than Paris or London but still a major European capital.

Compare this school with others in our music schools directory, or look for funding opportunities in our music scholarships directory. If you are weighing formal education against self-directed learning, read our guide on how to learn music theory without formal training.

Related Resources

• Music Schools Directory - Browse music schools worldwide
• Music Scholarships Directory - Find funding for your studies
• How to Learn Music Theory Without Formal Training
• Building a Music Career While Working a Full-Time Job
• Conservatoire de Paris (CNSMDP) - Compare with another European conservatory