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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Browse programs

Theatre

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Music education

Quick links

Dipl. Opera

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Training

The Opera Institute is an intensive two-year Performance Diploma program for emerging operatic artists, with voice lessons, repertoire coaching, Italian conversation, acting, movement, stage combat, ballet, period styles, Commedia, and Alexander Technique

Business strategy, audition, and networking study connect artistic preparation to the profession

Performance & Productions

Institute members share training and casting opportunities with vocal-performance students and participate in two large-scale productions with full orchestra each year

A Fringe Festival of substantial one-act operas and outreach programs expand the production calendar

Value

Every Opera Institute member receives a full-tuition scholarship

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.90

Admit rate

11%

school-wide

Grad rate

89%

Enrollment

18.2K

Earnings

$83K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$74,594

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$98,419

Before aid

Average net price

$24,402

After aid

Tuition · bu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 7, 6:15 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Business strategy, audition, and networking study connect artistic preparation to the profession

Performance & Productions

Institute members share training and casting opportunities with vocal-performance students and participate in two large-scale productions with full orchestra each year

A Fringe Festival of substantial one-act operas and outreach programs expand the production calendar

Value

Every Opera Institute member receives a full-tuition scholarship

Program Highlights

Training

Business strategy, audition, and networking study connect artistic preparation to the profession

Performance & Productions

Institute members share training and casting opportunities with vocal-performance students and participate in two large-scale productions with full orchestra each year

A Fringe Festival of substantial one-act operas and outreach programs expand the production calendar

Value

Every Opera Institute member receives a full-tuition scholarship

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$95

Deadline

Graduate application deadlineDec 1, 2026

Graduate Admissions · bu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The prescreen may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Acceptd application and prescreen deadline (when required)Dec 1, 2026

Audition

On-campus audition scheduling deadlineJan 8, 2027

Graduate Admissions · bu.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

Prescreen Repertoire

Five (5) opera arias (one of which must be in English) of contrasting style, displaying the applicant’s abilities in various languages, musical periods, and styles

Additional Materials

Letters of Recommendation (Required)

Recommendation sources: Two letters from music professionals or educators

Transcript (Required)

Transcript: Upload unofficial transcripts from every college or university where a degree, diploma, or certificate was earned; applicants who are accepted and enroll must provide an official final undergraduate record

Statement (Required)

Statement: Describe how the applicant will benefit from two years as a member of the Boston University Opera Institute

Artistic Resume (Required with Prescreen)

Resume / CV: Upload an artistic resume with the prescreen recording

Scores / GPA (Conditional)

TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo: Required when English is not the applicant's first language or the primary language spoken at home; prior study at an English-speaking institution does not qualify for an exemption under this published policy; official scores are due by the application deadline and exams must be no more than two years old; minimums are TOEFL iBT 4 for tests on or after January 21, 2026 (70 for earlier tests), TOEFL Essentials 7.5, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 105; BU TOEFL code 3087

Graduate Admissions · bu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Songs

Live Repertoire

Five (5) opera arias (one of which must be in English) of contrasting style, displaying the applicant’s abilities in various languages, musical periods, and styles. The arias may be the same or different ones used for the prescreening recording

Monologues

One Monologue

Prepare one classical or contemporary monologue in English from a published non-musical play; it may be requested at the audition or callback

Additional Materials

Resume (Required at Live Audition)

Resume: Bring three copies

Repertoire List (Required at Live Audition)

Repertoire list: Bring three copies for the Opera and Voice faculty panel

Graduate Admissions · bu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the Boston University College of Fine Arts graduate application at grad.bu.edu

Applied performance, composition, and conducting applicants also submit the Acceptd artistic application by December 1

The published university application fee is $95; applicants with financial hardship may request a waiver code from CFA

Enrollment

The currently published graduate deadline is December 1, 2026, for Fall 2027 entry

Important Notes

BU states that Opera Institute applications reopen in September 2026 for Fall 2027 admission

What's The Process

Audition Process

Complete the published prescreen when required and then the live or permitted final recorded audition for the selected area

BU lists January 8, 2027, as the on-campus scheduling deadline and January 15, 2027, as the final recorded-audition deadline where that option is permitted

Scholarship Info

Merit Aid

BU states that accepted on-campus School of Music graduate students are considered for merit-based scholarships

Awards range from partial to full tuition; the Opera Institute provides a full-tuition scholarship to each admitted Institute member

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.90

Admit rate

11%

school-wide

Grad rate

89%

Enrollment

18.2K

Earnings

$83K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$74,594

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$98,419

Before aid

Average net price

$24,402

After aid

Tuition · bu.edu College Scorecard

Training

Business strategy, audition, and networking study connect artistic preparation to the profession

Performance & Productions

Institute members share training and casting opportunities with vocal-performance students and participate in two large-scale productions with full orchestra each year

A Fringe Festival of substantial one-act operas and outreach programs expand the production calendar

Value

Every Opera Institute member receives a full-tuition scholarship

Updated Sep 7, 6:15 PM