Choral Scholarships

Candidates are able to compete for the following scholarships for direct entry in 2014, or deferred entry in 2015.

A number of colleges formally appoint undergraduates to sing in their chapel choirs as 'academical clerks' (choral scholars). Of the colleges in the Oxford choral scholarship scheme, Christ Church, Magdalen and New College maintain full choral foundations and appoint male altos, tenors and basses as academical clerks. Exeter, Keble, Merton, Oriel, Queen's, St Edmund Hall, St Peter's, Somerville, University and Worcester colleges appoint female sopranos and altos as well as male altos, tenors and basses. (Undergraduates in residence are eligible to apply for choral bursaries at other Oxford colleges, and at St Mary's, the University Church.)

The University is keen to attract the very best singers and to see as many as possible attend the choral and organ open day.

The next open day will be held in the spring of 2014, and will take the form of a series of workshops and Evensong. For more information please see the Music Faculty website. For more details on the University's main open days and other events, please see Open days, events and visiting.

The selection procedure for entry to the University as a choral scholar falls into two stages: the musical testing (choral trial) held in late September, and the subsequent academic testing and interviewing process as followed by other candidates as described in How to apply.

Immediately after the musical testing in September, candidates will be informed whether they have reached the musical standard to merit further consideration for a choral scholarship. Accordingly, choral candidates are advised not to submit their UCAS application until they know the result of the September tests. Candidates unsuccessful in the musical testing can still apply for an academic place at Oxford: the musical testing for choral scholarships has no bearing on the selection procedure for our academic courses.

The selection process is completed only in December, after the academic testing. A choral scholarship will only be made to a candidate who has satisfied both the choral and academic examiners. An offer may be subject to A-level or other conditions.

Please note: after the interviewing period in December, successful candidates may be offered a place, but not a choral scholarship. This may happen when scholarship places have been taken by stronger candidates.

The musical testing will take the form of a vocal audition (the performance of a prepared piece of vocal music selected by the candidate) and tests to determine sight reading and aural ability. Candidates are requested to bring two additional copies of their prepared piece for the use of the accompanist and the examiner.

Candidates may not apply for a choral scholarship at both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year.