Academy of Music in Kraków
Mastery through tradition, excellence through innovation in the heart of Kraków.
📍 Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱
🏆 #78 in Poland
Quick Facts about Academy of Music in Kraków
- Type: Public
- Students: 999
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $3,500 – $7,500/year
- Language: Polish, English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
- Intakes: Fall
About Academy of Music in Kraków
The Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków is one of Poland’s most prestigious higher education institutions dedicated to the musical arts. Founded in 1888, the Academy combines a deep historical legacy with a modern approach to artistic training, fostering the next generation of world-class performers and composers.
Academics
The Academy is organized into three main faculties: the Faculty of Composition, Interpretation, and Musical Education; the Instrumental Faculty; and the Faculty of Vocal and Drama. Students benefit from an individualized teaching model that emphasizes one-on-one master-student relationships and rigorous technical training. Notable programs include specialized tracks in jazz, church music, and contemporary composition, all supported by a multidisciplinary curriculum that integrates music theory with practical performance.
International Students
International applicants can choose from a variety of programs offered in English, particularly at the Master and Doctoral levels. The Academy provides comprehensive support through its International Relations Office, which assists with the Erasmus+ program and administrative integration for non-EU students. The student body is diverse, representing dozens of countries, and the Academy encourages cultural exchange through international festivals and collaborative student organizations.
Campus & Location
The Academy is located in the heart of Kraków, a UNESCO City of Literature known for its vibrant cultural scene and historic architecture. The main building on Saint Thomas Street offers state-of-the-art practice rooms and concert halls within walking distance of the Main Market Square. Students enjoy excellent public transportation links and easy access to the city’s numerous philharmonic halls, jazz clubs, and theaters.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy maintain high employment rates within the global music industry, often securing positions in prestigious orchestras and opera houses. The institution facilitates strong industry connections through regular workshops with visiting international artists and partnerships with major cultural festivals. Career services help students navigate the professional landscape, leading many alumni to successful paths as soloists, educators, or innovative leaders in the creative arts sector.
Information for International Students at Academy of Music in Kraków
Academy of Music in Kraków in Kraków, Poland welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$1500/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Polish, English
Admissions Requirements for Academy of Music in Kraków
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Academy of Music in Kraków:
- IELTS minimum: 5.5
- TOEFL minimum: 72
- Application fee: $150
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: June 8
Programs at Academy of Music in Kraków (57 programs)
Academy of Music in Kraków offers 57 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (3)
- Artistic Education: Music Education (BA) — 36 months · Polish · $41,400/yr · Scholarship available
Combines musical training with pedagogical skills for teaching in schools and community settings. Graduates become certified music teachers.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Music teacher, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Music Education (BA) — 36 months · Polish · $41,400/yr · Scholarship available
Combines musical training with pedagogical skills for teaching in schools and community settings. Graduates become certified music teachers.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Music teacher, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Music Education (BA) — 36 months · Polish · $41,400/yr · Scholarship available
Combines musical training with pedagogical skills for teaching in schools and community settings. Graduates become certified music teachers.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Music teacher, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June
Master Programs (45)
- Composition (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study in musical creation and theoretical research for professional artistic development. Prepares students for high-level careers in composition and academia.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Composer, Music theorist, Academic teacher, Music critic
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Theory of Music (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
In-depth research into music theory and historical analysis. Prepares students for advanced academic roles and professional musicology.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Music theorist, Music critic, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Choral Conducting (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study in choral leadership and complex vocal arrangements. Prepares students for professional choral conducting and academic teaching.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Choral conductor, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Woodwinds & Brass) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of wind and brass repertoire for professional performance. Prepares students for elite orchestral positions.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Orchestral musician, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Percussion, Accordion, Guitar, Harp) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced artistic development for percussionists and instrumentalists. Focuses on virtuoso repertoire and professional performance.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Soloist, Orchestral musician, Chamber musician
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Conducting (Symphony/Opera) (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced mastery of symphonic and operatic repertoire and ensemble management. Prepares students for professional conducting careers at international levels.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Conductor, Opera conductor
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Wind Orchestra Conducting (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced leadership training for professional wind and brass ensembles. Focuses on complex repertoire and ensemble management.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Conductor, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Church Music (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of sacred music, liturgy, and organ performance. Prepares students for high-level positions in ecclesiastical music and academia.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Church musician, Organist, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Teaching Theoretical Courses (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Specialized training for teaching music theory, history, and ear training at the secondary and tertiary levels. Graduates work in music schools and conservatories.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Academic teacher, Music theorist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Rhythmics (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced pedagogical training in rhythmics and musical movement. Prepares students for specialized teaching and artistic roles in music education.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Rhythmics teacher, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Piano, Organ) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced mastery of keyboard performance and artistic interpretation. Prepares students for professional international performance careers.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Soloist, Chamber musician, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced performance training for string players focusing on professional orchestral and solo standards.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Orchestral musician, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Early Music (Harpsichord, Baroque Violin, etc.) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced research and performance of early music repertoire. Prepares students for professional careers in historical performance.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Early music specialist, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Jazz and Improvised Music (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of jazz improvisation and contemporary music styles. Prepares students for professional performance and recording careers.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Jazz performer, Session musician, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Vocal Performance (Solo Singing) (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced vocal and dramatic training for professional opera and concert careers. Focuses on complex roles and professional stagecraft.
Field: Vocal Arts
Career outcomes: Opera singer, Oratorio soloist, Vocal coach
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Composition (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study in musical creation and theoretical research for professional artistic development. Prepares students for high-level careers in composition and academia.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Composer, Music theorist, Academic teacher, Music critic
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Theory of Music (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
In-depth research into music theory and historical analysis. Prepares students for advanced academic roles and professional musicology.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Music theorist, Music critic, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Choral Conducting (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study in choral leadership and complex vocal arrangements. Prepares students for professional choral conducting and academic teaching.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Choral conductor, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Woodwinds & Brass) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of wind and brass repertoire for professional performance. Prepares students for elite orchestral positions.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Orchestral musician, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Percussion, Accordion, Guitar, Harp) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced artistic development for percussionists and instrumentalists. Focuses on virtuoso repertoire and professional performance.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Soloist, Orchestral musician, Chamber musician
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Conducting (Symphony/Opera) (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced mastery of symphonic and operatic repertoire and ensemble management. Prepares students for professional conducting careers at international levels.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Conductor, Opera conductor
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Wind Orchestra Conducting (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced leadership training for professional wind and brass ensembles. Focuses on complex repertoire and ensemble management.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Conductor, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Church Music (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of sacred music, liturgy, and organ performance. Prepares students for high-level positions in ecclesiastical music and academia.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Church musician, Organist, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Teaching Theoretical Courses (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Specialized training for teaching music theory, history, and ear training at the secondary and tertiary levels. Graduates work in music schools and conservatories.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Academic teacher, Music theorist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Rhythmics (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced pedagogical training in rhythmics and musical movement. Prepares students for specialized teaching and artistic roles in music education.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Rhythmics teacher, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Piano, Organ) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced mastery of keyboard performance and artistic interpretation. Prepares students for professional international performance careers.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Soloist, Chamber musician, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced performance training for string players focusing on professional orchestral and solo standards.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Orchestral musician, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Early Music (Harpsichord, Baroque Violin, etc.) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced research and performance of early music repertoire. Prepares students for professional careers in historical performance.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Early music specialist, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Jazz and Improvised Music (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of jazz improvisation and contemporary music styles. Prepares students for professional performance and recording careers.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Jazz performer, Session musician, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Vocal Performance (Solo Singing) (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced vocal and dramatic training for professional opera and concert careers. Focuses on complex roles and professional stagecraft.
Field: Vocal Arts
Career outcomes: Opera singer, Oratorio soloist, Vocal coach
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Composition (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study in musical creation and theoretical research for professional artistic development. Prepares students for high-level careers in composition and academia.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Composer, Music theorist, Academic teacher, Music critic
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Theory of Music (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
In-depth research into music theory and historical analysis. Prepares students for advanced academic roles and professional musicology.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Music theorist, Music critic, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Choral Conducting (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study in choral leadership and complex vocal arrangements. Prepares students for professional choral conducting and academic teaching.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Choral conductor, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Woodwinds & Brass) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of wind and brass repertoire for professional performance. Prepares students for elite orchestral positions.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Orchestral musician, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Percussion, Accordion, Guitar, Harp) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced artistic development for percussionists and instrumentalists. Focuses on virtuoso repertoire and professional performance.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Soloist, Orchestral musician, Chamber musician
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Conducting (Symphony/Opera) (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced mastery of symphonic and operatic repertoire and ensemble management. Prepares students for professional conducting careers at international levels.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Conductor, Opera conductor
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Wind Orchestra Conducting (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced leadership training for professional wind and brass ensembles. Focuses on complex repertoire and ensemble management.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Conductor, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Church Music (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of sacred music, liturgy, and organ performance. Prepares students for high-level positions in ecclesiastical music and academia.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Church musician, Organist, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Teaching Theoretical Courses (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Specialized training for teaching music theory, history, and ear training at the secondary and tertiary levels. Graduates work in music schools and conservatories.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Academic teacher, Music theorist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Artistic Education: Rhythmics (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced pedagogical training in rhythmics and musical movement. Prepares students for specialized teaching and artistic roles in music education.
Field: Music Education
Career outcomes: Rhythmics teacher, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Piano, Organ) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced mastery of keyboard performance and artistic interpretation. Prepares students for professional international performance careers.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Soloist, Chamber musician, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Instrumental Studies (Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced performance training for string players focusing on professional orchestral and solo standards.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Orchestral musician, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Early Music (Harpsichord, Baroque Violin, etc.) (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced research and performance of early music repertoire. Prepares students for professional careers in historical performance.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Early music specialist, Chamber musician, Soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Jazz and Improvised Music (MA) — 24 months · English · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of jazz improvisation and contemporary music styles. Prepares students for professional performance and recording careers.
Field: Music Performance
Career outcomes: Jazz performer, Session musician, Academic teacher
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Vocal Performance (Solo Singing) (MA) — 24 months · Polish · $36,800/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced vocal and dramatic training for professional opera and concert careers. Focuses on complex roles and professional stagecraft.
Field: Vocal Arts
Career outcomes: Opera singer, Oratorio soloist, Vocal coach
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June
PhD Programs (3)
- Doctoral School (Musical Arts) (PhD) — 48 months · Polish · Scholarship available
Advanced research and artistic development for high-level professionals in musical arts. Prepares students for elite academic and artistic leadership roles.
Field: Musical Arts
Career outcomes: Academic researcher, Professor, Elite soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Doctoral School (Musical Arts) (PhD) — 48 months · Polish · Scholarship available
Advanced research and artistic development for high-level professionals in musical arts. Prepares students for elite academic and artistic leadership roles.
Field: Musical Arts
Career outcomes: Academic researcher, Professor, Elite soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June - Doctoral School (Musical Arts) (PhD) — 48 months · Polish · Scholarship available
Advanced research and artistic development for high-level professionals in musical arts. Prepares students for elite academic and artistic leadership roles.
Field: Musical Arts
Career outcomes: Academic researcher, Professor, Elite soloist
Deadline: Electronic registration typically opens in May and closes in June
Scholarships & Tuition at Academy of Music in Kraków
Annual tuition for international students: $3,500 – $7,500/year
✅ Academy of Music in Kraków offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Academy of Music in Kraków
- National Ranking: #78 in Poland
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at Academy of Music in Kraków
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$1500/month
Key Highlights
- Founded in 1888 with historical legacy
- Individualized master-student teaching model
- Diverse programs offered in English
- Located in the heart of Kraków
- State-of-the-art practice rooms and concert halls
- High employment rates in global orchestras
Accreditation
- Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego
- European Association of Conservatoires (AEC)
- Association of Baltic Academies of Music (ABAM)
Fields of Study at Academy of Music in Kraków
- Music Performance
- Composition
- Theory
- Conducting
- Music Education
Notable Alumni
- Krzysztof Penderecki
- Wojciech Kilar
- Halina Czerny-Stefańska
- Adam Harasiewicz
- Abel Korzeniowski
Frequently Asked Questions about Academy of Music in Kraków
What is Academy of Music in Kraków?
Academy of Music in Kraków is a public university located in Kraków, Poland. It has approximately 999 students.
How much does it cost to study at Academy of Music in Kraków?
Tuition fees at Academy of Music in Kraków for international students range from $3,500 – $7,500/year. Student housing costs approximately $1500/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Academy of Music in Kraków?
IELTS minimum: 5.5. TOEFL minimum: 72. Application fee: $150. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: June 8.
What language are courses taught in at Academy of Music in Kraków?
Courses at Academy of Music in Kraków are taught in Polish and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.
How many programs does Academy of Music in Kraków offer?
Academy of Music in Kraków offers 57 programs: 3 Bachelor's, 45 Master's, and 3 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Academy of Music in Kraków ranked?
#78 in Poland.
Does Academy of Music in Kraków offer scholarships?
Yes, Academy of Music in Kraków offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
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