Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program

Q: Which countries can apply?

A: The Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program is an international scholarship program. Students from around the world can apply.

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Q: Do I need to study in the United States to apply to the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program?

A: No, the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program is an international scholarship program. Students from around the world can apply.

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Q: What fields of study are supported by this scholarship?

A: This scholarship is open to students pursuing undergraduate degree programs in music business-related fields of study at accredited educational institutions around the world.

Examples of Field of Study included by not limited to the following:

 Example Fields of Study
 Analytics Electronic Production and Design International Marketing Performance
 Audio Production Entertainment LawJazz Composition  Philanthropy & Social Impact
 Business & Legal Affairs Film ScoringMusic  Podcasting
 Business/Management Finance Inc Accounting, Royalties, FacilitiesMusic Artist & Product Management  Professional Music
 Compliance Global Digital Business (Data Analytics & Partnerships Management)Music Distributor/Distribution  Publishing
 Composition Global TechnologyMusic Education  Songwriting
 Contemporary Writing and Production Human ResourcesMusic Licensing/Copyright  Sound Engineering
 Corporate Communications Information SecurityMusic Production and Engineering  Public Policy
 Non Profit Management Intellectual PropertyMusic Therapy  
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Q: What do scholarship recipients receive?

A: The Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program will provide a robust scholarship package, including:

  • Annual financial support ranging between USD 3,000 and USD 20,000 per student up to the period of the degree program or upon completion, whichever occurs first. Recipients are responsible for the balance of funding, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, and transportation.
  • Ongoing student advising services throughout the duration of the scholarship to maximize degree program completion rates.
  • Self-service portal for scholars to update information and gain access to resources.
  • 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.
  • Students pursuing graduate degree programs are not eligible for this scholarship.
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Q: Scholarship Benefits say “structured events and webinars” are available for the Scholars. Are these available in every country? Will you cover travel costs?

A: Virtual, in-person, and hybrid enrichment events, including convenings, development programming, cohort-building exercises, and networking activities will be made available in region or global as applicable. Given Covid protocol, we will determine in-person activities and any cost associated at a later time.

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Q: Scholarship Benefits say “the Sony Music Group Scholars Program will provide a wide range of enrichment programming.” What is the wide range of enrichment programming? What does it mean more specifically?

A: Enrichment programming means – Scheduled extracurricular activities where students can receive advanced instruction, get extra help with homework assignments, or discover new hobbies, interests, and activities outside the classroom setting. It also creates cultivation and stewardship over the course of the students’ scholarship time with Sony.

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Q: In what currency will the awards be paid?

A: Awards will be paid in the currency the Scholar prefers – either U.S. Dollars or their local currency. Awards will be the equivalent of USD 3,000 – USD 20,000.

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Q: How do I receive the scholarship payment?

A: Scholarship payments will be sent directly to educational institutions on behalf of students on an annual basis.

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Q: Does the scholarship have to be used solely for tuition?

A: Yes. This scholarship is to assist your tuition and mandatory fees required for your degree and will not be able to support any other expenses, such as local transportation, room and board. This is not what the scholarship was intended for and is not an option at this time.

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Q: Why only full time? What about those going part time – e.g., single parents, those providing care, or those having to work to cover living costs?

A: Sony’s approach is to target students coming out of high schools and post-secondary schools entering college full-time.

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Q: I have already completed secondary school but have not yet started college/university. Can I still apply?

A: Yes. We understand that some students take time off to study for university entrance exams, work to earn extra money for tuition, etc. In the Education Background section of the application, you will have a chance to explain any time gaps in your education.

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Q: I do not know where I will attend college/university yet. How do I complete the financial data section?

A: When completing the proposed study program and financial data sections of the application, use the information for the college/university you are most likely to attend; however, if selected for a scholarship, proof of full-time enrollment will be required before scholarship funds can be sent.

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.

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Q: How will you define ‘accredited’ in educational institutions outside the United States?

A: In most countries outside of the United States, appropriate government agencies such as the ministry of education play a role in higher education accreditation. Please check with your university directly before applying for the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program to confirm your university is an accredited and recognized higher education institution.

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Q: Who should I ask to be a reference? Can I include more than two references?

A: The reference letters must come from a non-family member who knows you well – for example, a teacher, instructor, professor, employer/work supervisor, scout leader, advisor to an extracurricular club, etc. It is recommended to include at least one referee who is familiar with your music work or music business activities.

We can only accept two references from each scholarship applicant, and you will only be able to register two individuals as references in your application. If you would like to change one of your references, you will have the ability to cancel one of your existing reference requests and then register a new person.

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Q: Can I use this scholarship for my graduate study?

A: No. Awards are for undergraduate study only.

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Q: Am I eligible if I am not majoring in a music business-related field of study but minoring in these fields?

A: No, you must pursue a music business-related major for this scholarship program.

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Q: Can I use this scholarship for room & board?

A: No, this scholarship is to assist your tuition and mandatory fees required for your degree.

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Q: My university does not charge tuition fees for my undergraduate programs. Can I still apply for the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program?

A: In countries where colleges and universities are publicly funded or subsidized, applicants are still able to apply for funding to assist with their mandatory university costs such books, class supplies, equipment, university service costs, and more.

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