Applications are now open for the 2025 IIE-Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program. Scholarships may be renewed for up to three additional years or until completing your degree, whichever occurs first.
About IIE-Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program
Opportunity Details
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.
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.
Benefits of IIE-Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program
- 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.
Payment of Awards
- Scholarship payments will be sent directly to educational institutions on behalf of students on an annual basis.
IIE-Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program 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.
Application Date and Process
Click on the link to the application website to apply.
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.
Scholarship applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Achievement and potential in music fields
- Demonstrated leadership potential and ability
- Personal character, commitment, and potential in their chosen field of study and future music industry career
- Clearly expressed financial need to support educational goals
- Academic achievement
- Career and academic goals in line with stated scholarship objectives
- Compelling references
Notification of Selection Results
- All applicants will be notified of their application status (successful or unsuccessful) by the end of September.
- The Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program is a competitive program; not all applicants will be selected as recipients.
- Recipients will need to submit verification of their full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university in order to receive their scholarship awards.
- For students in the United States selected for the scholarship, IIE will require that they submit their financial aid package information. Based on the student’s unmet financial needs, IIE will determine the scholarship amount ranging between USD 3,000 and USD 20,000.
- Scholarship recipients who are not able to produce proof of enrollment by the date indicated in the award letter will no longer be eligible and an alternate candidate will be selected.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION: FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
DEADLINE FOR RECOMMENDATION SUBMISSIONS: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2025
Application Deadline
08 August, 2025
Scholarship Application Portal
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IIE-Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program
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