Music admissions at EAFIT: theory test, audition and preparation
EAFIT’s music program has no interview: admission involves a group theory test and an audition for your chosen specialization. We explain what has been published, what has not, and how to prepare.
To enter EAFIT's undergraduate Music program in Medellín, you take an admission exam with two parts: a group music theory exam and an individual audition for the specialization you chose when registering. According to the 2027-1 applicant guide, unlike the university's other undergraduate programs, Music has no interview, and selection is based solely on the exam result. EAFIT's general registration page, however, describes an interview for all undergraduate programs, so confirm with the program what you will need to do.
EAFIT publishes very little about the exam's content. In this guide, we distinguish the university's statements from our recommendations and explain what to ask before applying.
In short
- The EAFIT Music entrance assessment includes an in-person group theory exam and individual auditions for the chosen specialization.
- According to the 2027-1 applicant guide, Music selection is based solely on the admission exam result, with no interview; confirm with the program, because the general registration page mentions an interview.
- Music lasts 9 semesters, admits students each semester, and offers paths in classical performance or jazz, composition, or conducting.
- EAFIT offers three semesters of foundation studies for those who still need theoretical and practical foundations.
- The university does not publish the theory exam syllabus or audition repertoire: request them directly from the program before applying.
What EAFIT's undergraduate music program is like
Music is a full-time, in-person undergraduate program at a private university's Escuela de Artes y Humanidades in Medellín (SNIES 4959). It lasts 9 semesters and, according to the program page, offers paths in classical performance or jazz, composition, or conducting, as well as training in artistic project management.
| Aspect | Published information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 semesters |
| Lesson format | In person, full time, in Medellín |
| Study paths | Classical performance or jazz, composition, or conducting |
| Foundation studies | Up to three semesters of foundation studies if you still need the basics |
| Admission frequency | Every semester |
One detail we did not find in the current program description is the exact qualification awarded. An earlier version of the program FAQ referred to instrumentalist, composer, or conductor; confirm this with the university if it matters to you.
How the Music admissions process works
- Apply online through Epik. Select your intended specialization on the form.
- Documents: transcripts for the last two years of study, an identity document, and your Saber 11 result or registration code (AC).
- Book your exam: in Epik, go to Services and Certificates > Service Requests > Entrance Exam Appointment.
- Group theory exam, in person. Your audition time is given to you that day.
- Individual audition for your chosen specialization.
- Result: if you are not admitted, the guide says you can apply again the following semester.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| October 13, 2026 | From 10:00 a.m. |
| October 27, 2026 | From 10:00 a.m. |
| November 17, 2026 | From 10:00 a.m. |
| December 1, 2026 | From 10:00 a.m. |
For other undergraduate programs, EAFIT evaluates an interview and school grades (with Saber 11 as a supplement). For Music, the 2027-1 guide says selection is based solely on the admission exam result, although the generic registration page mentions an interview for all programs: ask the program how this applies to you. You still need to submit your grades and Saber 11 results as part of registration.
The group theory exam: what is known and how to prepare
The current guide says only that this is a group theory exam held in person. It does not publish a syllabus, duration, scores, or whether any part must be passed to remain eligible. An earlier version of the program FAQ mentioned assessments of musical aptitude and basic knowledge of music reading, secondary piano, music history, and the instrument; treat that as a clue, not an official syllabus.
While you confirm the syllabus with the university, prepare the foundations required by almost every music theory entrance assessment in Colombia:
- Music theory: treble and bass clefs, note values and time signatures, major and minor key signatures, scales, intervals, and triads.
- Reading: sight-read rhythms and sing simple excerpts at sight.
- Ear training: recognize intervals and major and minor chords, and write short musical dictations.
- Basic piano: find your way around the keyboard and play simple scales and chords, in case secondary piano is included.
- Music history: the main periods, composers, and styles of the repertoire you play.
For reading, follow the method in rhythmic and melodic reading for the entrance assessment; for ear training, practice intervals and chords daily with our ear training tool.
The audition for your specialization
The audition is individual and depends on the specialization selected on your application. EAFIT does not currently publish instrument-specific repertoire on its page; an earlier FAQ said that the department head provides the specific repertoire and recommended works with contrasting movements from different periods. Contact the program as soon as you apply and ask for your instrument's requirements.
| If you are applying for… | Prepare |
|---|---|
| Classical performance | Scales and arpeggios on your instrument, an étude, and works from contrasting periods, well memorized or played with confidence. |
| Jazz | Scales and arpeggios, a couple of standards with melody, accompaniment, and improvisation, and chord-symbol reading. |
| Composition | Some of your own works with sheet music and recordings, and the ability to explain how you created them. |
| Conducting | Basic conducting patterns, a piece on your instrument or for voice, and strong score-reading skills. |
To choose and learn your pieces, follow how to choose repertoire for the admissions audition. Always rehearse with a metronome and do at least two mock auditions for other people before the date.
Foundation semesters and pre-university preparation
One feature of EAFIT is that, according to the program page, it offers up to three semesters of theoretical and practical foundation studies if you feel you still need more training. The university does not publish how placement in these studies is decided, so ask: it may change the total length of your degree.
EAFIT's continuing education offerings have also included a pre-university music prep program for those who want to pursue an undergraduate degree. Check EAFIT's website for an open cohort, dates, and requirements. If you're comparing options, we explain what pre-university music prep is and how to choose a program.
How to prepare for Music admission at EAFIT
- Request the official requirements for your specialization and instrument, and the theory exam syllabus, from the program in writing.
- Choose a realistic exam date: each admissions cycle has several; choose the one that gives you more preparation weeks without conflicting with other assessments.
- Split your study time between theory and reading (about 30 minutes daily) and your instrument (your usual routine, focused on the audition repertoire).
- Do mock assessments: a timed theory exam and a complete audition without stopping.
If you are also applying to Universidad de Antioquia, bear in mind that its process is very different, with two assessments that must each be passed and published minimum scores. We explain it in the UdeA Music entrance assessment. To organize the whole process, see how to prepare for a music entrance assessment.
At Gissi, you can prepare music theory, reading, ear training, and your instrument with teachers in online lessons from Medellín or any city. Learn more in preparation for music entrance assessments. Although EAFIT Music has no interview, if you also apply to a music education degree, the music admissions interview guide will help.
Frequently asked questions
Does EAFIT Music have an interview?
According to the 2027-1 applicant guide, all EAFIT undergraduate programs require an interview except Music, which instead has an admission exam consisting of a group music theory exam and an individual audition. The general registration page describes an interview for all programs, so confirm with the program.
Does Saber 11 count toward admission to EAFIT Music?
You must submit the result or registration code when applying, but the 2027-1 guide says that selection for Music considers only the entrance assessment result.
What topics does EAFIT's theory exam assess?
The university does not publish a syllabus in its current guide. An earlier FAQ mentioned music reading, secondary piano, music history, and the instrument. Request the syllabus from the program and prepare theory, reading, and ear training as your foundation.
How often does EAFIT open Music admissions?
Admission is offered each semester, with several exam dates in each admission cycle. For 2027-1, according to the applicant guide, the group music theory exam was scheduled for October 13 and 27, November 17, and December 1, 2026.
What happens if I am not admitted?
The guide says you can apply again the following semester. Use that time to work on what you found hardest, ideally with feedback from a teacher familiar with these assessments.
Sources
We checked the facts in this article against these sources on October 22, 2026.