Twenty-two-year-old Vanya Bhatt from Surat has secured admission to the Global Music Master’s programme at Finland’s Sibelius Academy, one of the world’s leading institutions for music education.

Part of the University of the Arts Helsinki, Sibelius Academy is internationally recognised for its rigorous audition process and attracts aspiring musicians from across the world. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, it is ranked ninth globally for Music and 14th for Performing Arts.

For a student from Surat, a city better known for its diamond and textile industries than higher music education, securing admission to Finland’s premier music academy marks a significant achievement.

Vanya’s journey reflects the aspirations of many young Indians pursuing careers in the performing arts. Although she began learning Indian classical music during childhood, she was initially uncertain whether music could become a full-time profession.

She went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Western Classical Vocal Music at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. During her undergraduate studies, she was selected to play Eliza Doolittle, the lead role in the musical My Fair Lady. The production received a standing ovation and further strengthened her resolve to pursue music professionally.

Following graduation, she successfully auditioned for Sibelius Academy and secured admission to its Global Music Master’s programme.

Vanya hopes to combine her foundation in Indian classical music with Western classical and global musical traditions to create original compositions rooted in Indian musical heritage while appealing to international audiences.

Rajiv Soni, one of South East Asia’s leading student immigration consultants, who has guided thousands of students to universities abroad, including Finland, described the admission as a rare achievement.

”In my career of guiding students to Finland and other international destinations, this is the first time I have seen a student from Gujarat secure admission to the Sibelius Academy. It is a remarkable achievement and reflects both exceptional talent and dedication,” Soni said.

According to Soni, students from Gujarat have increasingly chosen Finland for higher education over the past decade, primarily in engineering, information technology, business and healthcare. Admissions to globally recognised music academies, however, remain uncommon because of the specialised training required and the highly competitive selection process.

Vanya’s achievement reflects a growing willingness among Indian students to explore careers beyond conventional professional disciplines and highlights the increasing presence of Indian talent in internationally recognised institutions for the performing arts.

She is expected to begin her studies in Helsinki later this year, where she plans to explore musical traditions from around the world while developing original compositions inspired by India's rich musical heritage.