APPLICATION PROCEDURES

All applications MUST include the following:

  1. A completed application form (fillable e-application form)
  2. An audition video performance (a link to YouTube/Bilibili is acceptable and preferred), consisting of free repertoire, minimum of 2 contrasting pieces/movements and approximately 10-15 minutes in length to determine your placement and level of proficiency
  3. A letter of recommendation from your teacher if you do not study regularly with a member of BIMFA faculty. In case of recommendation letter by email, it MUST be sent to us directly from the email account of the person who gives recommendation .
  4. A non-refundable application fee plus a refundable deposit of $300 USD  (*Please see fees & payment schedule below)

To expedite application, all admission materials should be sent together via email by the deadlines below to: info@bimfa.org; Direct payment information to festival bank account will be provided to you after the receipt of your complete application materials.. With limited festival space availability, we encourage all interested candidates to apply as early as possible. 

Notification of acceptance will be sent by email in early March, or thereafter on a continuing basis 2 weeks after we receive your complete application materials and the required fees.  The festival application procedure for participation is open until all spaces are filled. 

SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE                                                                    

A limited amount of merit scholarship assistance toward the tuition part of the festival fees is available to highly qualified applicants who intend to participate in the full 2026 BIMFA session. A written request for scholarship/financial assistance, along with your completed application form, audition/video material, scholarship recommendation letter, the non-refundable application fee, and the refundable deposit must all be received by January 31 (extended to Feb. 9) before an evaluation can take place, regardless of whether or not you already study with a member of BIMFA faculty. Please refer and follow carefully the detailed SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES (Click to Open). BIMFA will not consider or process any incomplete scholarship application package.

*Limited scholarship assistance may still be available for the qualified applicants, please send email inquiry for details. 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE & REFUND POLICY

Application deadlines & Non-refundable Application Fees

  • January 31 (scholarship deadline), $75 USD application fee
  • February 28 (application deadline 1), $100 USD
  • March 31 (application deadline 2), $150 USD
  • April 1 and after (late application), $200 USD
    • *until all spaces are filled
  • NO application fee required for former BIMFA participants(*non-scholarship only), auditors, and accompanying parents   
Payment Schedule
  1. All application MUST include a non-refundable application fee along with a refundable deposit of $300 USD* before any evaluation can take place.
  2. All remaining balance is due on June 1 and thereafter within 2 weeks after receipt of BIMFA's official acceptance notification.

*Please note the deposit of $300 USD, applicable toward the program fees, will be refunded if one is not accepted as a participant. If for any reason you are unable to attend the festival, a written request for deposit refund must be received by June 1 or the deposit will be forfeited with no exception.

Refund Policy

  • Absolutely NO deposit refund after June 1                                        
  • The remaining program fee is fully refundable before July 1
  • The remaining program fee is 50% refundable before July 20
  • Cancellation made after July 20 does NOT entitle to a refund of any kind

Download a Complete BIMFA Info-Packet

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