Presidential Scholarship at Berklee College of Music 2027

Berklee created the Presidential Scholarship in 2005 to bring exceptional young musicians to Boston at no cost to them or their families, and about eight students receive it each year. It is awarded to top entering musicians based on their audition and financial need. Students don’t apply for it. Berklee nominates and selects recipients automatically, then notifies them individually through the Office of Admissions. The award covers the full package of tuition, on-campus housing, meal plan, laptop and software, major bundles and the comprehensive fee, for four years.

1. Full tuition.
2. On-campus housing and the meal plan.
3. A laptop and software, major bundles, and the comprehensive fee. Only Berklee College of Music scholars receive the laptop, and Boston Conservatory scholars do not.
4. Renewable for eight semesters, for a single major.
5. Not covered: off-campus housing, health insurance, travel, books and miscellaneous fees.
6. Awards are not increased beyond the initial amount, so rising costs fall on the student.

1. You must apply and be admitted to Berklee as an entering undergraduate.
2. You must complete the audition and interview, or the portfolio process where applicable. The audition decides merit.
3. You must show financial need, which means a need-based aid application (FAFSA for domestic students).
4. Be among the top entering musicians, since the number of awards is very limited.
5. International applicants: Berklee says international students are eligible for merit scholarships through admission, but entering international students are not considered for institutional need-based aid, and the Presidential Scholarship includes a need component. Boston Conservatory’s page says its Presidential Scholarship is open to domestic and international students. International readers should ask Berklee’s scholarship office ([email protected]) before counting on this award.
6. Students meet standard scholarship rules, such as keeping satisfactory academic progress (about a 2.0 GPA).