SCHOLARSHIPS

Who is eligible for Berklee scholarships?
Domestic and international students who are interested in one of Berklee's undergraduate programs and meet the eligibility as outlined in the guidelines of the World Scholarship Tour.

Continuing and returning students who have completed at least two semesters of full-time study, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and meet the eligibility requirements may apply to the Berklee Achievement Scholarship (BAS).

Will I automatically be considered for scholarships once I have submitted my Admissions application or Financial Aid application?
Students applying for admission for the upcoming academic year will be asked to select a live audition site as part of their admissions application, and all students that participate in a live audition as part of their application for admission will automatically be evaluated for scholarship consideration.

The Berklee admission and scholarship application process is separate from the financial aid application process. Scholarships at Berklee are merit-based and are administered by the Office of Scholarships and Student Employment. The other type of financial aid at Berklee is need-based financial aid, which is administered by the Office of Financial Aid. You should review the information provided in the Financial Aid section of the website in order to be considered for need-based financial aid.

Do I have to be accepted to Berklee before I apply for a Berklee scholarship?
No. Students that are applying to the college are required to participate in a live audition as part of the admissions requirements. During that live audition, students will be considered both for admission and scholarship.

Please keep in mind that Berklee entering student scholarships may not be used for the 12 Week Program.

When will I be notified if I am scheduled for a live audition?
The schedule for live audition invitations is posted on the dates page of the World Scholarship section of the websites. You should check the website frequently for updates. Please note all dates are subject to change.

Does Berklee offer scholarships to transfer students?
Transfer students are treated as prospective students. They too are required to audition as part of the admissions process. Transfer students may also choose to submit an application for the BEST in order to be considered for scholarship based on their original compositions in addition to their abilities on their instrument.

Does Berklee offer academic scholarships?
Berklee's scholarships for entering students are merit-based and scholarships are primarily based on the applicant's performance abilities during a live audition on their principal (one) instrument. Composition and songwriting material may also be taken into consideration through the BEST scholarship.

Can I apply for scholarship on more than one instrument?
While Berklee understands there are musicians with multi-instrumental abilities, scholarship decisions are primarily based on a student's demonstrated ability on their principal instrument.

Can I apply on one instrument and then study another instrument once I have enrolled?
Change of principal instrument or failure to perform on the principal instrument will result in review of the award decision and may result in a loss of scholarship.

If I receive a scholarship, will my need-based aid be affected?
The federal government requires that scholarships be applied to your eligibility as calculated by the FAFSA. Any additional funding you receive from any source may require an adjustment to your eligibility for federal or state aid.

Does Berklee have scholarships for students enrolled in particular majors?
A number of endowed scholarships are designated for students studying in particular majors. The endowed scholarships are awarded to upper-semester students that have shown outstanding achievement in their major. The Berklee Achievement Scholarship also evaluates a student's achievement in their major. Prospective students are not eligible for these awards, but can apply to Berklee's World Scholarship Tour and the BEST scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements for those scholarships.

What is the maximum amount that Berklee awards?
Exceptionally talented applicants may be eligible to receive a full-tuition award based on their performance in a live audition. For more information about auditioning live for Berklee, please refer to Berklee's World Scholarship Tour. Students are responsible for housing, school supplies, and living expenses.

In addition, each year Berklee will select seven Presidential Scholarship recipients from a pool of highly talented candidates to receive scholarships that will cover the cost of tuition and housing. For more details about this scholarship, please refer to the Presidential Scholarship section.

Are scholarships awarded for one year or are they guaranteed for all four years?
Entering student scholarships are renewable through graduation. Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain high academic and musical standards as outlined in the Berklee Entering Student Scholarship Conditions and Renewability Guidelines, which are included in every entering student scholarship award letter.

How many people apply for scholarships each year?
Berklee receives over 4,000 scholarship applications annually.

If I receive a scholarship to Berklee, but I need more money to attend, what can I do?
Domestic students should apply for federal financial aid. In addition to applying for federal aid, all students should seek financial assistance in the form of scholarships and sponsorships outside of Berklee.

Some excellent resources for information about these types of funding can be found by contacting local, state and federal government institutions, by accessing the Internet, and by researching this information in a local public library.

What office do I contact about scholarships and how do I reach them?
Please contact the Office of Scholarships and Student Employment by phone at (617) 266-1400, ext. 2579 or by e-mail at scholarships@berklee.edu.