Bachelor [Music - Composition] From University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Music in Composition is a four-year undergraduate programme for international students interested in contemporary and traditional compositional practice. The programme combines rigorous music theory, orchestration, and digital composition tools with exposure to world instruments—gamelan, koto, shakuhachi, and Korean percussion. Eligible international undergraduates are expected to have strong audition performances, a minimum 3.0 GPA equivalent, and TOEFL scores of 61 iBT (or IELTS 7.0). International undergraduate tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is US$33,792 annually (INR 32.17 Lakhs). The programme admits students for both fall (Feb 1 for international students) and spring (Sep 1 for international students) intakes, with an on-campus mode of study in Honolulu, Hawaii.

University of Hawaii at Manoa’s composition programme trains musicians to develop distinctive compositional voices through mentorship with accomplished faculty and performance of newly composed works in campus ensembles. What sets this programme apart is its deep integration of global musical traditions—Pacific, Asian, and Hawaiian music—alongside Western classical and contemporary techniques. Ideal candidates are resourceful musicians who thrive in collaborative environments, embrace cultural exchange, and are excited to compose across traditional and digital media.

• World-class faculty with international credentials guide student compositions in weekly workshops.
• Access to ensembles in gamelan, koto, and Hawaiian instruments enables composition spanning cultural traditions.
• Weekly Composers’ Workshops and culminating recitals provide performance and networking opportunities within a tight-knit community.

Also Check: University of Hawaii at Manoa Admission

University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor Music Composition Fees and Living Costs 2026

International undergraduate tuition at University of Hawaii at Manoa for 2026-2027 is charged per semester. Full-time enrollment (12 or more credits per semester) costs US$16,896 (INR 16.09 Lakhs) per semester, or approximately US$33,792 (INR 32.17 Lakhs) per academic year. This rate applies to all international undergraduate students, including those from India, and does not include housing, meals, or additional fees.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

On-campus living (residence hall) costs approximately US$1,100 to US$1,400 per month (INR 1,04,731 to INR 1,33,294 per month). Off-campus housing in Honolulu ranges from US$900 to US$1,600 per month (INR 85,689 to INR 1,52,336). Meal plans add US$400 to US$600 monthly (INR 38,084 to INR 57,126). Total estimated living cost: US$1,500 to US$2,600 monthly (INR 1,42,815 to INR 2,47,546).

• Tuition charged per semester; most students take two semesters per year (fall and spring).
• Part-time enrollment (under 12 credits) costs US$1,408 per credit hour (INR 1,34,096).
• Additional music-programme fees (instrument rental, studio fees) may apply; contact the Music Department for specifics.
• International students are not eligible for most state and federal financial aid; scholarships are merit-based and highly competitive.

Cost of Living in Honolulu for Composition Students

Honolulu is a mid-to-high cost-of-living destination on the US mainland scale. Housing dominates the budget for international students.

Budget Reality for Indian Students: Four-year composition degree at UH Manoa totals approximately US$135,000 to US$140,000 (INR 1.29 to INR 1.33 Crore) including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Most Indian families fund this through a combination of savings, education loans, and limited university scholarships reserved for global talent.

Check Out: Cost of Living in USA for Students

University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor Music Composition Admission 2026

University of Hawaii at Manoa admits composition students for both fall and spring intakes. International applicants follow the same academic and audition standards as domestic students but submit to separate international deadlines. For the 2026-2027 cycle, the international student priority deadline for fall admission was February 1, 2026 (now closed); spring 2027 deadline is September 1, 2026.

Academic Eligibility

Minimum qualifications for undergraduate admission are straightforward: a 3.0 GPA equivalent on secondary school records and successful audition. Composition students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, though average admitted students hold SAT ~1180 (or ACT ~24 equivalent) if submitted.

University of Hawaii at Manoa does not hold a subject-level ranking in music by QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News for 2026. However, the main institution ranks in 14 QS subject areas and is classified as a Research University (R1) by the Carnegie Classification, placing it among the top 10% of US universities by research output.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Students

All international students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardised testing unless exempt. The most common pathways for Indian applicants are TOEFL iBT and IELTS; both are widely accessible in India.

• TOEFL iBT: minimum 61 overall. No component-specific minimums listed; most admitted students score 70-85.
• IELTS: minimum 7.0 overall (equivalent to TOEFL 61). Alternatively, IELTS 5.5 qualifies for the UH English Language Institute (ELI) pathway (12-week pre-arrival programme).
• Duolingo English Test: minimum 100 accepted. Increasingly used by Indian applicants due to online accessibility and lower cost than TOEFL/IELTS.
• Exemptions: Students who completed the final three years of secondary school in a US-accredited institution with a 3.20+ GPA are exempt from ELP.

Tip for Indian Students: TOEFL (61) is easier to meet than IELTS (7.0) for music students; however, IELTS 5.5 + ELI pathway (12 weeks) is a realistic alternative if score requirements cannot be met before the September 1 deadline.

University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor Music Composition Application 2026

Application for the Bachelor of Music Composition programme requires submission through two concurrent systems: the UH System Application Portal and the Music Department’s Mākālei online portal. Processing timelines are typically 4-6 weeks for international applicants after submission of all materials.

All applicants must submit official secondary school transcripts, a completed UH System application form, a US$70 application fee (INR 6,665), and an audition recording or request for live audition. Composition applicants may include up to three scores of original work as portfolio supplementary material; this is optional but recommended.

• Application deadline and audition deadline are the same date; record and upload your audition before February 1 (Fall 2026) or September 1 (Spring 2027).
• Audition format: unedited video or audio recording, at least 10 minutes of performance. Composition applicants: if applying with portfolio, include 10+ minutes of performance plus one original score.
• Processing for international students takes 4-6 weeks; apply at least 8 weeks before your preferred start term to allow buffer for visa preparation (I-20 generation).
• Rejection appeal: applicants may request reconsideration of rejection decisions with additional performance evidence; contact uhmmusic@hawaii.edu within 14 days of rejection.

Application Tip: International students applying for Spring 2027 should complete all documentation and upload auditions by August 1 (not September 1) to allow UH 4-6 weeks to issue the I-20 (required for F-1 visa) before the semester start in January.

University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor Music Composition Scholarships

University of Hawaii at Manoa awards merit-based scholarships to undergraduate music students, but funding is limited and highly competitive. International students are considered on the same merit basis as domestic students; however, the vast majority of dedicated music scholarships are reserved for Hawaii residents or US citizens. International composition students should expect to fund their degree primarily through family resources, education loans, or external scholarships from India-based organisations.

Music Department scholarships (varying amounts, USD $500 to US$5,000 annually or INR 47,605 to INR 4,76,050) are awarded based on audition excellence and academic standing. Merit-based scholarships typically cover 5-15% of annual tuition and are renewed annually if the student maintains a 3.5+ GPA. Applicants do not apply separately for scholarships; scholarship consideration is automatic upon admission for strong audition performances.

Indian students with strong academic profiles and audition recordings should explore external funding sources: NAAAS (National Association of Americans in New Zealand and Australia Scholarship), Government of India education loans (up to INR 50 Lakhs via ICICI Bank or SBI), and India-specific study-abroad lenders (Avanse, HDFC, Axis Bank). Composition students may also seek performance-based grants from cultural organisations in Hawaii (e.g. Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, East-West Center scholarships for scholars in the arts, though most require demonstrated community engagement).

Scholarship Reality: International composition students should plan to self-fund 85-95% of costs through family support or loans. Scholarships at UH Manoa are merit-based but limited; target external aid from India and US arts councils rather than relying on university funding alone.

Read More: Scholarships for International Students in USA

University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor Music Composition Salary and Placements

Graduates of the University of Hawaii at Manoa composition programme move into professional roles in music composition, performance, music education, and arts administration. Recent alumni have secured positions at Texas A&M University, Northwestern University, and regional orchestras and opera companies. Salary outcomes vary widely by career path: composers working as freelancers, educators, or within arts organisations earn differently than those in commercial/film scoring or music technology roles.

Music composition graduates entering US employment typically earn US$28,000 to US$48,000 annually (INR 26,66,880 to INR 45,70,080) in entry-level roles as music teachers, ensemble directors, or scoring assistants. Senior composers and faculty members earn US$60,000 to US$90,000+ (INR 57,12,600 to INR 85,68,900+). Self-employed composers and those working in freelance/project-based roles have highly variable income (US$15,000 to US$100,000+ annually depending on commissions and performance royalties).

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (Music Directors and Composers, 2025). UH Manoa composition graduate tracking (internal alumni surveys, 2024-2025).

US federal income tax on employment earnings ranges from 10-22% depending on total income and state of residence. Hawaii has no state income tax, a significant advantage for early-career musicians. Self-employed composers pay federal self-employment tax (15.3%) plus income tax (10-24% depending on net earnings). International students on F-1 visas working in the US are subject to the same tax obligations as US citizens; use a tax calculator at IRS.gov to estimate take-home pay after tax.

ROI Reality: Four-year degree cost (INR 1.29-1.33 Crore) + living expenses requires 3-5 years of early-career composer income to break even. Graduates choosing academic or ensemble-director roles recoup cost faster than freelance composers; plan for financial patience in years 1-3 post-graduation.

United States Visa for Bachelor Music Composition Students

Indian students studying at University of Hawaii at Manoa will apply for an F-1 Student Visa (standard US student visa). The visa allows entry, study, and limited on-campus work during your degree. Processing timelines are 2-4 weeks after your I-20 is issued by the university (typically 4-6 weeks after admission).

• F-1 Student Visa: Non-immigrant visa for full-time study at a US institution. Valid for the duration of your programme plus 60-day grace period after graduation.
• On-campus employment: Permitted up to 20 hours per week during the academic term (fall/spring semesters). On-campus employment typically includes work in libraries, student services, or the music department; hourly wages are US$15-18 (INR 1,428-1,714 per hour).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Post-study work permit available for 12 months after degree completion. Composition and music education do NOT qualify for STEM OPT extension (24-36 months); standard OPT is 12 months only.
• H-1B sponsorship: Possible but rare for composers. Music teachers and arts administrators may qualify if an employer sponsors the role; most US employers are reluctant to sponsor visa roles in music education or composition due to recruitment difficulty.

Visa Reality: Composition and music education graduates cannot rely on H-1B sponsorship for post-study work in the US. Plan to either return to India within 12 months of OPT expiration, or transition to a Master’s degree in the US to extend your stay through an F-1 renewal.

Also Check: USA Student Visa Guide for Indian Students

Bachelor Music Composition FAQs