Applications Open for Keith Urban Country Rising Star Scholarship
Applications for the new Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship are now open, and will close in one month's time.
Applications for the new Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship are now open, inviting emerging country music artists to experience the industry in the world's country music capital, Nashville.
The scholarship winner will provide unprecedented access to Nashville’s music scene, including a chance to perform, write, meet industry personnel and have two days of recording time at Urban’s studio, The Sound. The winner will have all expenses covered, including flights and accommodation.
The creation of this first-of-its-kind initiative, in partnership with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, was announced mid-last year, generating widespread excitement across the Australian country music community. Rather than focusing on early discovering, the Rising Star Scholarship is tailored to artists who have demonstrated momentum and are positioned to benefit from targeted, high-level industry support in the US market.
The scholarship is the latest expression of Urban’s deep commitment to emerging artists - a commitment that has seen him champion talents including Taylor Swift, Morgan Evans, Kelsea Ballerini, and Maren Morris, alongside ongoing tour support, mentorship and education initiatives that elevate new voices at critical career moments.
Plus, his connection to the Tamworth Country Music Festival runs deep, from his early days busking to his Star Maker competition win at the age of 22. He has since won 15 Golden Guitar Awards, and early last year was presented with the Roll of Renown, for his “extraordinary creative contributions to the Australasian country music industry".
“Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent,” said Urban. “Having the opportunity to do that not only inspires me, but I’m also hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others.”
Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival team will manage the application process, with the final recipient selected by Urban.
Applications are now open and will be managed via an online submission platform here. It will close at 5pm on February 19th, 2026.
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Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.
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