Berklee Merit-Based Scholarships

In addition to holding auditions in Boston, Berklee travels to more than 50 cities throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America in search of talented artists who are pursuing a college education in music, theater, or dance.

While the vast majority of awards are partial-tuition, a limited number of full-tuition awards are available to exceptionally qualified applicants.

Berklee on the Road Clinics

The college also hosts teaching and performance programs across the United States and the world, including in Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Italy, and Japan, at various times throughout the year. Students may be selected to receive scholarships based upon their performance during these programs. Learn more about Berklee on the Road.

Presidential Scholarship

Each year, the college selects top entering musicians to receive this scholarship. The scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition, on-campus housing, the meal plan, laptop*, software, and the comprehensive fee**, is renewable over four years of study. Students demonstrating the highest musical merit and highest financial need are automatically nominated and selected for this exclusive award. No application or request for consideration is necessary.

*Only Berklee College of Music Presidential Scholars receive the laptop portion of their scholarship in their first semester. Boston Conservatory at Berklee Presidential Scholars do not receive the laptop.

**Health insurance, travel, books, and miscellaneous fees are not included.

Donor Scholarships and Endowed Funds

We have several scholarships funded by specific donors. These awards are sometimes automatically granted during the admissions process, and during the academic year some students may have a portion of their standard scholarship replaced by a donor or endowed fund. Students will be notified via email if they are recipients of these select awards; no application or request for consideration is necessary.

City Music College Scholarship

A limited number of full-tuition scholarships are awarded each year to participants in the Berklee City Music® program. Students must demonstrate merit and financial need to be considered for this award.