Tyla, Epic Records and the Institute of International Education (IIE)
Tyla That Girl Music Scholarship 2026 — $5,000 Awards for Music and Arts Students
South African singer Tyla, in partnership with Epic Records and the Institute of International Education, is offering the That Girl Music Scholarship to support 10 students pursuing undergraduate degrees in music and arts-related fields. Each selected recipient will receive a one-time US$5,000 scholarship toward tuition and mandatory fees, along with two tickets to a Tyla concert and an exclusive meet-and-greet experience.
This page is an informational summary. Requirements and dates can change. Confirm every detail on the official provider website before taking action.
About the programme
The That Girl Music Scholarship is an initiative launched by South African singer Tyla in partnership with Epic Records and the Institute of International Education (IIE), in celebration of her album APOP*.
The programme aims to help aspiring musicians and arts students overcome financial barriers while pursuing their education and professional ambitions.
A total of 10 students will receive scholarships worth US$5,000 each. The opportunity is geographically targeted at eligible colleges and universities in selected United States markets and South Africa.
In addition to financial assistance, successful applicants will receive two tickets to a Tyla concert and an opportunity to meet the artist.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old by the application deadline of 30 October 2026.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Be pursuing a music-related or arts-related undergraduate major.
- Meet the full-time enrolment requirements for their country and academic year.
- Attend, or plan to attend where permitted, an eligible institution in one of the programme's designated locations.
- Provide the required academic records and supporting application materials.
Applicants in the United States must be enrolled full-time in a music or arts-related major at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States during the 2026–2027 academic year. Their institution must be in or near one of the eligible markets.
Applicants in South Africa must either be enrolled full-time in a qualifying music or arts degree programme at an accredited four-year university or equivalent institution during the 2026 calendar year, or be a Grade 12 student planning to begin a full-time music or arts degree at an eligible South African institution in 2027.
The programme's published application information specifically requires US applicants to provide financial aid information to demonstrate financial need.
Eligible locations and available awards
The scholarship covers institutions in the following markets:
United States
- New York City, New York
- Washington, D.C.
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Tampa, Florida
- Houston, Texas
- Los Angeles, California
South Africa
- Eligible institutions in South Africa, subject to the programme's enrolment criteria.
The programme will select 10 recipients in total. The announcement describes six US-market awards and four South African awards. Applicants should check the official eligibility guidelines to confirm that their institution and location qualify before applying.
What you get
1. US$5,000 scholarship
Each recipient receives a one-time award of US$5,000 to support tuition and mandatory fees for the relevant academic year.
The award is not intended to cover the full cost of university education. Students remain responsible for any outstanding tuition, books, supplies, accommodation, transportation and other living expenses.
The scholarship payment is sent directly to the recipient's educational institution.
2. Two tickets to a Tyla concert
Recipients will receive two tickets to a Tyla performance in one of the programme's eligible locations.
3. Meet-and-greet experience
Scholarship recipients will have an opportunity to meet Tyla before or after the concert.
The scholarship combines financial support with a special experience connected to the artist's tour and music career.
How to apply
- Visit the official scholarship page: https://www.iie.org/programs/tyla-that-girl-music-scholarship/
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully and confirm that your age, academic programme, institution location and enrolment status qualify.
- Open the official application page: https://www.iie.org/programs/tyla-that-girl-music-scholarship/application/
- Access the application portal: https://myapp.iie.org/apply/?sr=59111ed8-2bcb-491c-84e1-dd3ecaef7855
- Complete the application in English and prepare your personal statement, estimated tuition and mandatory fees, most recent transcript or grade report, and a self-introduction video of no more than 30 seconds.
- If applying from the United States, also provide information from your financial aid package to demonstrate financial need.
- Submit the complete application before the deadline. Because the programme may close applications once 50 eligible responses have been received, applicants should not wait until the final day.
Important application rule: All submitted materials must reflect the applicant's own original work, voice and experiences. The official programme expressly prohibits AI-generated application content, as well as falsification or plagiarism. Applicants must write their own personal statements and create their own videos and other application materials.
Documents required
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Completed online application form.
- Personal statement of up to 3,000 characters.
- Estimate of expected tuition and mandatory fees for the applicable academic year.
- Most recent university transcript or grade report.
- Self-introduction video of no more than 30 seconds.
- Financial aid package information, for applicants studying in the United States.
South African Grade 12 applicants entering university in 2027 must provide the relevant tuition and fee estimate for the 2027 academic year. Applicants should follow the official application instructions for any additional information requested for their enrolment category.
All application materials must be submitted in English and must be original work created by the applicant.
Important dates
- Applications open: October 2026.
- 30 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time: Application deadline.
- Earlier closure possible: The application may close once 50 eligible application responses have been received.
- By the end of November 2026: Applicants are expected to be notified of their selection status.
Selected applicants must provide proof of full-time enrolment at an accredited college or university by the date specified in their award letter. Failure to provide this proof may result in the award being withdrawn and another candidate selected.
Official links
Main scholarship page: https://www.iie.org/programs/tyla-that-girl-music-scholarship/
Eligibility criteria: https://www.iie.org/programs/tyla-that-girl-music-scholarship/eligibility-criteria/
Scholarship benefits: https://www.iie.org/programs/tyla-that-girl-music-scholarship/scholarship-award-experience/
Application instructions: https://www.iie.org/programs/tyla-that-girl-music-scholarship/application/
Application portal: https://myapp.iie.org/apply/?sr=59111ed8-2bcb-491c-84e1-dd3ecaef7855
Contact email: SonyMusic@iie.org
Source: https://grantseason.com/news/tyla-girl-music-scholarship-students/
Official source
Use the official provider's website for current eligibility rules, application instructions, fees and deadlines.
Visit official websiteSource verification date: October 25, 2026. This is not a guarantee that the opportunity remains open.
