Africa Scholars

Education and Opportunity Through Music: Africa Scholars Program

	Victor Dogah, Berklee's First Africa Scholar
	Photo by Margot Edwards

The Africa Scholars Program is designed to create opportunities for gifted African musicians who lack the financial means to study at Berklee. In addition, the program is intended to enhance Berklee's presence in Africa, and includes holding more auditions there, increasing awareness of Berklee among African musicians, and encouraging the already impressive roster of alumni from Africa to actively support this scholarship and the college.

Founded in 1945, Berklee College of Music is the world's largest independent music college and the premier institution for the study of contemporary music. The college's 4,200 students and over 500 faculty members interact in an environment designed to provide the most complete learning experience possible, including all the opportunities and challenges presented by a career in the contemporary music industry.

Since the college's inception, one of its primary goals has been to foster international understanding through the medium of contemporary music. Young musicians come to Berklee from every corner of the earth to study music, and as a result, the college is a uniquely international place. Of all United States colleges and universities, Berklee has among the largest percentage of undergraduate students from outside the country—25 percent, representing more than 80 countries.

Through the Africa Scholars Program, Berklee seeks to provide educational opportunities by awarding scholarships to talented musicians who are citizens of any African country and who meet the admissions requirements for the college.

Learn how to apply to become an Africa Scholar.

Berklee travels the globe visiting more than 40 cities annually seeking talented musicians whom we feel are an excellent match with the college. By participating in a live audition and interview, applicants to the college are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.

While the vast majority of awards are partial-tuition awards, a limited number of full-tuition awards are available to exceptionally gifted musicians who participate in a live audition and interview. Each year, Berklee selects seven top entering musicians to receive the Presidential Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and housing. To qualify for the Presidential Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate the highest musical merit and potential as well as financial need. In addition to the Presidential Scholarship, Berklee selects one Africa Scholar and one Canada Scholar to receive awards covering the cost of tuition and housing.