IIE–Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program 2026

IIE–Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program 2026

Unlock your global music career dreams with the Sony Music Group Global Scholarship. This prestigious program offers $20,000 in funding to exceptional undergraduate students pursuing studies in music or music business at accredited institutions worldwide. The scholarship supports post-secondary education in regions where Sony Music operates, giving you a unique opportunity to learn, network, and thrive on a global stage.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Organizations: Institute of International Education (IIE) and Sony Music Group
  
  

• Study Destinations: USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa
  
  

• Level of Study: Undergraduate
  
  

• Eligible Fields: Music, Music Business, Music Technology, Music Production, Composition, Performance, etc.
  
  

• Eligible Countries: All countries
  
  

• Scholarship Reward: Up to $20,000 USD
  
  

• Language Requirement: No IELTS required (if university requirements are otherwise met)
  
  

• Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
  
  

Benefits

• $20,000 financial support toward tuition and education costs
  
  

• Enrichment programming, curated workshops, and global networking events
  
  

• Exclusive access to Sony Music Group mentors, producers, and industry experts
  
  

• Invitation to attend SMG's conference at headquarters in New York (for selected scholars)
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the SMG Global Scholars Program, you must:

• Be enrolled or accepted into a full-time undergraduate program in music/music business at an accredited college or university.
  
  

• Demonstrate financial need.
  
  

• Exhibit academic excellence and leadership potential.
  
  

• Have no prior degree from the host country institution.
  
  

• Meet any regional or institutional application criteria.
  
  

How to Apply

1. Apply or be admitted into an eligible undergraduate music or music-business program.
   
   

2. Visit the official application portal managed by IIE.
   
   

3. Complete the scholarship application form with your academic records, essays, and recommendation letters.
   
   

4. Submit your application before August 8, 2025.

IIE–Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program 2025/26

Sony Music Group, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education (IIE), proudly launches the 2025/26 edition of its Global Scholars Program, created to identify, support, and uplift the next generation of diverse talent in the global music industry. This program is a powerful opportunity for aspiring students in music and music business-related fields to gain both financial support and professional enrichment on a global stage.

   The IIE–Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program provides financial scholarships and professional development opportunities to students planning to pursue full-time undergraduate studies in music or music business disciplines. Students from all over the world are invited to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2025/26 scholarship, applicants must:

• Be planning to enroll full-time in a 3–4 year undergraduate program in music or music business-related fields for the 2025–2026 academic year.
  
  

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (U.S. equivalent).
  
  

• Demonstrate financial need.
  
  

• Show academic potential in their chosen music-related field.
  
  

• Not be required to already have an offer of admission at the time of application, but must provide proof of enrollment if selected.
  
  

Scholarship Benefits

• Funding Range: USD $3,000 – $20,000 per academic year, based on financial need, tuition cost, and university type.
  
  

• Covers required tuition and mandatory fees (not intended to cover full educational expenses).
  
  

• Access to professional enrichment opportunities:
  
  

• Webinars, virtual events, and mentorship with SMG professionals.
  
  

• Career exposure, including the potential for unpaid internships.
  
  

• Award renewable for up to three years (total of four years), subject to:
  
  

• Maintenance of at least 3.0 GPA
  
  

• Continued full-time enrollment in eligible programs
  
  

• Continuation of the program by Sony Music Group
  
  

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Completed online application form
   
   

2. Personal statement (up to 3,500 characters)
   
   

3. Tuition estimate for the 2025–2026 academic year
   
   

4. Two letters of recommendation (from non-family members such as teachers, supervisors, mentors, etc.)
   
   

5. Official high school transcript (or equivalent: A-levels, GCSE, BTEC, etc.)
   
   

Note: Only completed applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed. Plagiarism or falsified information will result in disqualification.

Scholarship Duration

• The scholarship is awarded annually and may be renewed up to three additional years, or until graduation, whichever comes first.
  
  

• Renewal is based on performance and eligibility.
  
  

Deadline

• Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
  
  

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Begin by preparing all required documents.
   
   

2. Visit the official application portal hosted by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
   
   

3. Submit your application before the deadline