Graduate Admission FAQs

Students must submit a Rider University Graduate Student Application for Admission, and complete program-specific audition and interview requirements. Please review our How to Apply and Audition and Interviews pages.

International students: Please visit our International Admission website to learn more about our specific requirements for international students.

It is suggested that students applying for admission to the spring semester submit the application by October 1 and by January 1 for the fall semester. These dates are suggestions. The only requirement is that the Office of Admission receives the completed application at least three weeks prior to the requested audition or interview date. Choral Conducting applicants must submit the application and pre-screening recording by December 15.

Westminster requires that students applying to the Master of Music in Choral Conducting submit a pre-screening recording no later than December 15. Pre-screening recording requirements can be found in the Audition Requirements. The pre-screening recording must be submitted at least one month prior to the requested audition date.

Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships section for up-to-date information regarding Graduate Tuition and Fees. If you are a US citizen/resident and you are planning to apply for a student loan, you must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is located online and can be accessed at studentaid.gov. Questions about financial aid may be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services at 800-257-9026 or 609-896-5360.

A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available for graduate students. Consideration will be given only to full time students accepted into on ground/in person graduate programs. Decisions on Graduate Assistantship offers are made by the department faculty and awarded in late March/early April.  No separate application is needed for consideration. Assistantships are reviewed at the end of the first year and are not renewable after the second year (a total of four semesters).