Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 IIE-Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program. As a commitment through the Global Social Justice Fund, Sony Music Group, in partnership with IIE, is pleased to announce a new global scholarship program that will propel the future careers of young, diverse talent in the music industry. This signature scholarship program aims to advance access to post-secondary education at a wide range of leading music and music business education institutions in the global community.
Eligibility Requirements
- This scholarship is open to students who are planning to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university, including 3-4 year undergraduate programs, in music or music business-related fields of study during the academic year of 2025-2026.
- Maintain a U.S. equivalent GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or above is required to apply for this scholarship.
- An applicant’s academic record must show potential to succeed in a college/university program in their intended music industry field.
- A demonstrated financial need.
- Applicants do not need to be accepted into a program at the time of application, but if selected for a scholarship, proof of full-time enrollment will be required before scholarship funds can be sent.
Duration of Scholarships
- Scholarships may be renewed for up to three additional years or until completing your degree, whichever occurs first.
- Renewal of awards are contingent on having at least a U.S. equivalent of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale toward your degree program and continued full-time enrollment in music or music business-related fields of study, and continuation of the program by Sony Music Group.
- Awards are for undergraduate study only.
Scholarship Benefits
- Scholarship amounts will range between USD 3,000 and USD 20,000 per academic year for required tuition and mandatory fees to complete students’ degree programs and vary depending on the location of the college/university, the type of college/university (state university, private university, etc.), and the Sony Music Group Global Scholar’s expected financial need.
- Scholarships are intended to assist students as they pursue undergraduate study and are NOT intended to cover all educational expenses. Recipients are responsible for the balance of funding, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, and transportation.
- In addition to receiving the scholarship, Sony Music Group Global Scholars may be given other opportunities by Sony Music Group to further their professional development, including unpaid internship or mentorship opportunities.
- Upon acceptance, the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program will provide a wide range of enrichment programming, including structured events and webinars to connect with SMG industry experts to cultivate an international cohort of future music industry professionals.
Application Procedure:
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION: FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
DEADLINE FOR RECOMMENDATION SUBMISSIONS: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2025
A complete application must be submitted in English and will include:
- Completed online application form
- A personal statement (up to 3,500 characters)
- An estimate of your expected tuition and mandatory fees to complete your degree programs during the academic year of 2025-2026;
- Two reference letters. The letters must come from non-family members who know you well – for example, a teacher, instructor, professor, employer/work supervisor, scout leader, advisor to an extracurricular club, etc.
- High school transcript/grade report issued by the school (for applicants from the United Kingdom or Commonwealth countries, A level, O level, GCSE, or BTEC results are also acceptable)
- Only applications completed by the deadline will be reviewed. Falsifying or plagiarizing any portion of your application is grounds for automatic disqualification.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the IIE-Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program
