BAEF Music Study Fellowship

About this scholarship

BAEF’s Music Study Fellowship enables Belgian musicians to undertake undergraduate or graduate-level study at a leading U.S. music school during 2027–2028. The nonrenewable award is worth up to $62,000 for one nine-month academic year. It combines a $22,000 stipend for living and travel expenses with up to $40,000 for tuition and health insurance. Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music or an equivalent foreign qualification when the fellowship begins, although documented exceptional artistic ability and professional experience may substitute for a formal degree. The application must demonstrate both artistic distinction and academic readiness through a recent performance recording, transcripts where applicable, a study plan, references, and English-proficiency results. Candidates must apply separately to at least three U.S. music schools rather than relying on the fellowship application for admission. BAEF first screens candidates through its online eligibility form and then gives eligible musicians access to the full platform. The main application is due October 31, 2026, with three reference letters and any outstanding language-test results due November 15. The fellowship is selected competitively through written review and a short interview in Brussels, and final university admission must later be confirmed.

Eligibility

• Hold Belgian nationality
• Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music or document exceptional artistic ability and experience
• Have earned the corresponding bachelor’s degree after January 1, 2023 when relying on a formal degree
• Submit a recent personal performance recording by MP3 or YouTube link
• Apply to at least three music schools in the United States
• Provide official transcripts where applicable and evidence of an outstanding record
• Submit TOEFL iBT above 100 or IELTS above 7.5 by November 15, 2026
• Complete the BAEF eligibility form and application by October 31, 2026