The School of Music of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen aims to become an international, innovative, and world-leading higher education institution for music. With the goal of cultivating outstanding talents equipped with both academic and performance abilities, the school has established innovative training modes for musical talents and an international training system that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. With comprehensive and scientific programs, the school strives to provide corresponding guidance for every student who desires to further their studies in art. The school is recruiting globally and is led by world-renowned musicians and music educators. On April 29, 2021, CUHK-Shenzhen announced the appointment of Professor Xiaogang YE, a famous composer and chairman of the China Musicians Association, as the founding dean of the School of Music.

Currently, the School of Music offers undergraduate programs in music performance, musicology, music composition and theory, postgraduate programs in music performance, music composition and theory, and Doctor of Music Programs in music performance, music composition and theory. In the future, the School of Music plans to offer undergraduate programs in dance performance and postgraduate programs in art management, dance performance and more. Classes are taught in both Chinese and English, and other languages such as Italian and German. The School of Music will take on the global environment, the tradition of the college system, the holistic education and the student-oriented education philosophy of the University and broaden the global perspective of students through a modern university management system and internationally recognized academic standards and teaching models.

The School of Music is located in the International University Park in Longgang District, Shenzhen, adjacent to the current campus of CUHK-Shenzhen. The total site area is about 73,800 square meters, the total construction area is about 133,500 square meters, and the total investment is about 1.63 billion yuan. The campus includes a complex building, performance auditorium, teaching building, experimental building, student dormitory, student complex building, and faculty dormitory, and is expected to be put into operation in 2025.

The School of Music is based in Shenzhen, in line with the demand for outstanding musical talents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, drawing on the successful experience of the CUHK-Shenzhen, and the advanced educational philosophy of top universities from home and abroad. Experts and professors from home and abroad have provided guidance and assistance to its planning and development. The School greatly contributes to the development of higher education in the field of music, promotes resource sharing and talent exchange in the field of art and culture of the Greater Bay Area, and cultivates world-class musical talents that integrate Chinese and Western musical cultures.

 

I. Application Instructions

Applicants for the 2025 Doctor of Music Programme in Music Performance and the 2025 Doctor of Music Programme in Music Composition and Theory are required to apply online via https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/.

For detailed information, kindly refer to Annex I titled “School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctor of Music Concentrations Information”, Annex II titled “School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctor of Music Programme Admission Examination Requirement”, and Annex III titled “School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctoral Supervisor Information”.

 

II. Application Requirements

1. Academic degree:

A Master’s degree holder from a recognized university.

2. English Language Requirements (Applicants must meet one of the following requirements)

i. Obtained a degree from a university in Hong Kong^a or taken a degree programme of which the medium of instruction was English; or

ii.  Achieved scores in the following English Language tests^b as indicated:

· TOEFL: minimum score of 517 (Paper-based) / 67 (Internet-based/Home Edition);

· IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.0 (Test Centre based/Online); or

iii. Obtained a pass grade in English in one of the following examinations:

· Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level);

· Hong Kong Higher Level Examination;

· CUHK Matriculation Examination;

· General Certificate of Education Examination (GCE) Advanced Level (A-Level)/Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-Level); or

iv. Achieved Level 4 or above in the English Language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination.

Notes:

a. This is based on the understanding that English is the medium of instruction of degree programmes offered by universities in Hong Kong. Moreover, graduates from universities in Hong Kong should have fulfilled the English language requirements of the institution concerned when they were admitted to the degree programmes. The CUHKSZ Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency.

b. TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date.

 

All language test scores must be valid and issued by their respective organizations, and should be submitted before August 15, 2025.

 

III. Application Materials

Applicants need to submit the following materials through this link: https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/

1. General Materials

*● Application Form: Automatically generated and obtainable from the online application system. After signing, upload the scanned copy to the same system.

*● Official Transcript(s):  Scanned copy of original official transcripts (with a complete record of courses attended and examination results) and grading scheme of all tertiary level studies.

*● Degree Certificates: Scanned copy of original official Master’s Degree Certificate, Graduation Certificate, or Student Status Certificate, stamped by the Registrar's Office or respective school.

- Including Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate, or Certificate of Authentication for Foreign Academic Degrees and Qualifications issued by the Ministry of Education Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CDGDC)（If necessary）

● Language Score Sheet: A copy of the TOEFL or IELTS score. 

● Recommendation Letters: Confidential recommendations (for all applicants) from two referees. Referees will receive links via email to upload their signed letters.

Note: Vocal Performance concentration applicants must submit at least two letters of recommendation from professors (or specialists with equivalent professional title) in the professional field. The recommendation letter template for the Vocal Performance concentration, please refer to Annex V.

*● Curriculum Vitae: Complete in both English and Chinese. 

*●Personal Statement: Submit a personal statement explaining your motivations for pursuing graduate work, research interests, and future career aspirations. Complete in both English and Chinese.

*● Identification: An Identity card for Chinese applicants or other official documents for international applicants.

● Music Competition Awards Proof: If available.

*●Application Form for First Round (Pre-screening) Video: Complete in both English and Chinese if applying for the Doctor of Music Programme in Music Performance. Please refer to Annex IV " Application Form for First Round (Pre-Screening) Video " for the filling details.

*● Repertoire Form for Second Round (On-site Audition & Interview): Complete in both English and Chinese if applying for the Doctor of Music Programme in Music Performance. Please refer to Annex II " School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctor of Music Programme Admission Examination Requirement" for repertoire requirements.

● Additional Documents: Applicants might be asked to provide further supporting materials.

 

2. Programme Specific Requirements

Vocal Performance

*i. Fresh graduate with a master's degree: Partial master's thesis or research proposal available during the registration phase. Such candidates must graduate or obtain a master's degree no later than August 15, 2025.

Graduates from previous years with a master's degree: Provide a master's thesis and the decision of the defense committee.

For schools accredited by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange of the Ministry of Education, if there is no requirement for a thesis in the postgraduate examinations of such schools, a certificate indicating the absence of a thesis requirement needs to be submitted.

Note: The graduates of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen are exempt from submitting the aforementioned materials.

*ii. Artistic portfolio materials（You can choose any one of the following materials）

a. Research Achievements Category: Includes materials such as published papers, publications, audiovisual releases, and research project etc.

b. Practical Achievements Category: Submission of personal representative stage performance video materials (it should not less than 30 minutes and It should not repeat the scene of the video for the pre-screening.), all video materials must be recorded after January 1, 2022.

c. Personal awards can be provided as references.

Note:

For the Research Achievements and Practical Achievements categories, a maximum of five scanned copies of supporting documents and video materials that best represent one's artistic achievements can be submitted. Applicants from cross-major orientations are not acceptable in this concentration direction, except for the Music Education major with a specialization in Vocal.

The above materials are used for the examination of the application qualifications. Mainly, the completeness and authenticity of the materials submitted by the applicants will be reviewed. Only those who meet the application qualifications and whose application materials meet the requirements can enter the pre-screening.

*iii. Prescreening videos: Please refer to Annex II titled "School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctor of Music Programme Admission Examination Requirement" for repertoire requirements.

 

Piano Performance

*i. A proposal letter written in English which includes their intended research field during the studying.

ii. Non-mandatory but welcomed: Essay/Paper written in English providing good writing and research skills. It could be a previous one if available.

*iii. Prescreening videos. The total duration should be no less than 30 minutes. Please refer to Annex II titled "School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctor of Music Programme Admission Examination Requirement" for repertoire requirements.

Note: Applicants from cross-major orientations are not acceptable in this concentration direction.

 

Conducting

*Applicant is required to submit a video (approximately 10 minutes) of orchestra live performances or rehearsals conducted by the applicant. A good quality of audio and video is essential for assessment.

 

Music Composition and Theory

*If applying for the Doctor of Music Programme in Music Composition and Theory, applicants must submit three original compositions. These include two chamber music works (composed of three or more instruments, both Chinese and Western instruments are acceptable) and one orchestral or Chinese orchestral work. The duration of each work must not be less than six minutes. The scores for these three compositions should be uploaded as PDFs.

 

Note: 

For the aforementioned application materials, including artistic portfolio materials, proposal letters, essays, papers and other materials, the original documents are required to be scanned and uploaded to the system in PDF format under Additional Relevant Information-Professional Qualifications. The files should be named as Name-Major-Professional Qualifications Materials, for example: Zhang San-Music Performance (Vocal Performance)-Professional Qualifications Materials.

Applicants for the Music Performance Programme, pre-screening video shall be uploaded to Baidu Cloud, and fill the permanently valid file link in Annex IV "Application Form for First Round (Pre-Screening) Video", and then upload it in PDF format to the system under Additional Relevant Information-Other Supporting Documents.

Applicants for the Music Composition and Theory Programme, the original compositions shall be uploaded in the PDF format of electronic music scores to the system under Additional Relevant Information-Other Supporting Documents.

For the filling of the concentration information in the Application Form for First Round (Pre-screening) Video and the Repertoire Form for Second Round (Audition & Interview), please refer to Annex I: “School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctor of Music Concentrations Information”.

For the content to be filled in Repertoire Form regarding the professional examination, please refer to Annex II “School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2025 Doctor of Music Programme Admission Examination Requirement”.

*Starred items are essential materials to be submitted by March 20, 2025. Applicants must accurately fill in personal application information and provide complete materials. The application information once submitted is non-transferrable. Applicants shall bear the consequences caused by unidentifiable or incomplete materials. Please check the information carefully and submit materials cautiously.

Applicants must verify the authenticity and validity of their application materials. Submission of false or misleading information will lead to the application being declined, with the applicant responsible for any legal consequences.

 

IV. Application Procedure

How to Apply: To apply, candidates need to submit all necessary documents through the online portal. It's advised to use Google Chrome for the application. Direct link for the application is here: https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/

Note: In-person submissions will not be accepted.

Application Deadline: Ensure all application materials are submitted by the deadline. Shortlisted applicants will be notified through the email provided during application. Notification of eligibility for auditions will be sent from muspg@cuhk.edu.cn. Applicants are recommended to check their email regularly.

Application Timeframe: Up to 20 March 2025

Reminder: Late submissions will not be accepted

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of CNY 600 will be charged.

 

V. Admission Criteria and Examination Process

 The 2025 intake for the Doctor of Music Programme at the School of Music involves a two-phase selection:

1. Admission Criteria: Once the online application is completed and submitted, the qualification review will begin. After this assessment, a pre-screening (video-recordings or original compositions) of the qualified applicants is to be conducted.

2. Examination Procedure: The examination is divided into two rounds.

i. First Round (Pre-screening): video-recordings or original compositions for pre-screening.

ii. Second Round (On-site Audition & Interview)

The audition is a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate’s musicianship and artistry. For in-depth audition details, refer to Annex Ⅱ. Applicants who pass the first round (pre-screening) will be required to participate in the second round (audition & interview).

After the audition, candidates will have a face-to-face interview conducted in both Chinese and English. Applicants must meet the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements. The specific time of the Second Round (On-site Audition & Interview) will be notified to the eligible applicants via email.

 

SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2025 DOCTOR OF MUSIC ADMISSION EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Programme	Concentrations	First Round	Second Round
		Pre-screening	Audition	Interview
Music Performance	Vocal Performance	Video-recordings for Pre-screening	On-site Audition	Interview
	Piano Performance	Video-recordings for Pre-screening	On-site Audition	Interview
	Conducting	Video-recordings for Pre-screening	On-site Audition	Interview
Music Composition and Theory	Music Composition and Theory	Original Compositions for Pre-screening	On-site Written Examination	Interview

 

ⅤI. Programme Details & Fees 

Normative Study Period	Mode of Study	Programme	Concentrations		Credit Unit Requirements for Graduation	Required Courses Credits	Elective Courses Credits
3 years	Full-time	Doctor of Music in Music Performance	Vocal Performance		45	42	3
			Piano Performance		51	51	/
			Conducting		45	39	6
3 years	Full-time	Doctor of Music in Music Composition and Theory	Music Composition and Theory		45	42	3

 

Degree: Doctor of Music

Normative Study Period: 3 years

Mode of Study: Full-time

Tuition: CNY 140,000 per academic year

Accommodation Fees: CNY 2,400 per academic year

Upon fulfilling all the requirements, graduates will be conferred with a Doctor of Music degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

An MPhil-PhD Programme in Musicology, along with concentrations in Horn Performance and Percussion Performance for the Doctor of Music Programme in Music Performance, are planned to be introduced in 2025. The specific application requirements will be announced separately upon approval by relevant departments.

 

Reach Out to Us

• Phone: (0755) 2351 6268
• Email: muspg@cuhk.edu.cn
• Official QQ Group: 780859176

• Websites: School of Music: http://music.cuhk.edu.cn

CUHK-Shenzhen: http://www.cuhk.edu.cn

• Address: 2001 Longxiang Boulevard, Longgang District, Shenzhen
• Postal Code: 518172

 

Notes:

1. The School of Music of CUHK-Shenzhen reserves the right to the final interpretation of the prospectus.

2. Any special requirements or changes for other reasons will be posted on the official website of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen, and WeChat official account. Applicants are advised to check the above websites regularly.