Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe - Yamaha Music Foundation scholarship for Music students

Yamaha Music Europe Foundation (YMEF) scholarship

You will receive a sum of one-time payment of up to 2,000 EUR (between 1,300 and 2,000 EUR, depending on the country). This is a one-off cash grant and not a monthly scholarship (a regular, ongoing payment). You can spend it on anything that benefits your studies: an instrument, lessons, courses, travel or competitions. The money comes from the Yamaha Music Europe Foundation, which awards this scholarship to young musicians every year. Each year, the foundation awards a total of around 66,000 EUR. For 2026/2027, there are 44 grants available in 33 countries, and the instrument featured is the classical piano.

Who can apply

• What you study: You are undertaking training for a professional career in music. Each year, the focus is on a different instrument; for 2026/2027, this is classical piano.
• Where you study: You are enrolled at a recognised music school or university somewhere in Europe.
• Age: At the time the scholarship is awarded – which is usually in February or March – you must be 25 years old or younger.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The programme is run in 33 European countries, although the eligibility criteria may vary slightly from country to country.

How to apply

First, you must submit a video recording via the online form. Applications open in October, and the deadline is 30 November. Up to ten candidates per country will then be invited to a live audition. There, a jury of renowned musicians will decide who receives a scholarship.

How realistic are your chances?

Each country selects up to ten candidates for the audition, and only a handful win – so it’s a genuine competition in which the performance is judged. As the focus is on just one instrument each year, you can only take part when it’s your instrument’s turn, which limits the field of entrants to specialists. Prepare a compelling video and a strong performance. Talent and clearly recognisable potential – not the paperwork – determine who wins.