Music Scholarships

Who can apply

To apply for a scholarship, you must: 

• be an individual who is a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident, and
• have a track record of experience and success in your artform. This means you must have completed, as a minimum, a university degree, diploma, or LTCL or LRSM qualification related to your proposed musical studies.

Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarships

To apply, you must be a composer.

Jack McGill Music Scholarships

To apply, you must be 20 years of age or over. Priority is given to pianists.

Get advice before you apply

Talk to a Music Practice Adviser about applying to this fund.

Check that:

• you are eligible
• your course of study can be funded
• you know what to include in your application 

Get accessibility support

If our systems are not accessible for you, we will help you find an accessible way to apply.

Talk to a Music Practice Adviser about your access needs.

Read more about how we can support your access needs when applying for funding.

What can be funded

The scholarships support international study costs for up to 12 months.

Typically, scholarships are awarded for an accredited course of study at a recognised overseas training institution.

Eligible study costs include:

• study fees
• accommodation and living expenses
• travel costs

Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarships

You can apply for up to $30,000. This is the total amount for the fund, which may be split between two recipients.

Jack McGill Music Scholarships

You can apply for up to $8,000. This is the total amount for the fund, which may be split between two recipients.

What cannot be funded

Scholarships cannot be used for study in New Zealand.

How to apply

Start your application in the CNZ Portal

Register or sign into the CNZ Portal.

The application form is available when the funding round is open. 
Submissions close at 1.00 PM on the closing date (New Zealand standard time).

You can submit one application per funding round.

Get help using the CNZ Portal.

Identify which scholarship you are applying for

In your application, use the Description box to state which scholarship you are applying for.

Write either, “towards the Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarship,” or, “towards the Jack McGill Music Scholarship.” 

Prepare answers to the application questions

1. What do you want to do? 
2. How will this expand your skills and knowledge? 
3. Why is this course of study a good fit for you?
4. Why is it important that you do this now?
5. What is your age and musical specialty? (Jack McGill Music Scholarship only)

Prepare support material

Attach your artistic CV and a letter of confirmation or acceptance from the host institute, if available.

If your application is successful, you must supply an official letter of acceptance from the host institute before we release the grant.

Read more about support material, and which file formats can be attached to your application.

Create a budget

You must include in your application a detailed and viable budget for your 12 months’ study. 

Read more about creating a budget.

How your application is assessed

Your application is reviewed by a panel of established music practitioners.

The panel makes funding recommendations to Creative New Zealand for each scholarship.

Scholarship amounts are decided by Creative New Zealand staff.

For the Jack McGill Music Scholarship, final decisions are made in conjunction with Public Trust New Zealand.

Who to talk to