Our MFA in Music for Motion Pictures and Contemporary Media is one of a kind. It's the perfect fit for film and game scoring enthusiasts, blending creative artistry with practical application, all within the vibrant cultural setting of Sofia, Bulgaria. So, with that in mind, you’re probably wondering what you’ll need to do to ensure your place on this programme.
Not to worry.
In this article, we’ll outline the materials needed for your MFA application, the requirements for EU and non-EU citizens who wish to study in Bulgaria, and financial aid opportunities at FSAE.
Applying to our MFA in Music for Motion Pictures and Contemporary Media is free and easy.
You’ll need to gather a few key materials that display your musical individuality, as well as evidence of your educational and professional past.
Here’s a breakdown of the application material you’ll need:
Share three pieces, video and/or audio, which highlight your creative voice.
These compositions should give us a sense of your unique musical style and can be from any genre: film, pop, jazz, classical, etc.
Provide two examples of scores you’ve written in PDF format. These do not have to match the audio examples submitted and can be from any musical genre.
We want to see how you translate your musical vision into a cohesive and communicable score.
Craft a 1-page letter of interest that outlines why you are an ideal candidate for this particular programme. Share your passion for scoring, goals, and how this programme aligns with your aspirations.
Include copies of your degrees or any certifications you’ve earned (image or PDF). This helps us understand your general educational background as well as any formal music training you have.
Provide a detailed CV/resume in PDF format. Outline relevant experiences, achievements, and any additional information that showcases your suitability for the MFA programme.
Submitting a comprehensive application with these materials will give us a well-rounded view of your musical abilities, experiences, and genuine interest in the MFA programme.
The more relevant material you can provide, the stronger your chances of being accepted to the programme.
If you are an EU citizen in possession of an EU passport, you do not need a Student Visa to study on the MFA programme.
If you are not an EU citizen and do not hold an EU passport, you must obtain a Type D Student Visa for your studies in Sofia.
No need to fret – our Admissions team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We kickstart the procedure each spring to ensure you have your visa ready well before the term begins.
Once your application has been submitted, our Admissions Department will take over and handle the rest.
Your application will undergo a thorough evaluation by a panel of experienced composers and musicians from the FSAE’s Admissions Board.
Following the adjudication process, a final accept or reject recommendation is cast. Once a decision has been made, the Admissions Department will contact you with the news.
The MFA programme offers six scholarships with awards ranging from €5,000 to €18,475.
No extra application material is required for these scholarships; every student enrolled in the programme will be automatically considered for one of these awards.
The scholarships comprise recommendations from industry professionals, work-study opportunities, and one endorsement from the Society of Composers and Lyricists.
The Film Scoring Academy of Europe awards one scholarship per student across all programmes.
This means that should you be eligible for two or more scholarships, only the scholarship with the greatest award value will be applied to your record.
Each year, the MFA programme offers a series of Early Enrolment Scholarships.
Each scholarship includes a deadline for submitting applications and a corresponding 14-day window of acceptance for the offer.
To see if there are currently any active early enrolment offers, please check the MFA in Music for Motion Pictures and Contemporary Media page.
Enrolment looks different for every student. Some students confirm their enrolment by submitting their deposit immediately, while others will want to wait to hear from other schools they have applied to.
Some students may wish to speak with our Admissions team before committing, which is a step we recommend all students take before making a final decision.
If your MFA application is unsuccessful, we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know.
Got some questions? Book a call with admissions for more information.