Scholarships


KU Scholarship opportunities are posted in the Scholarships Portal, which allows students to view and apply for many of the scholarship opportunities available across campus. 

The KU School of Music has scholarships available for students admitted to the music program (undergraduate and graduate). Incoming undergraduate and graduate students are automatically considered for these scholarships as part of the audition and application process for the School of Music.  Notification of scholarship awards usually occurs in March and April.  Scholarship renewals are dependent upon GPA, participation in ensembles and applied study, and other considerations.  These awards are in addition to academic scholarships offered through the Financial Aid and Scholarships office. 

Academic scholarships are separate from the School of Music scholarships and have different deadlines set by the Office of Admissions.  

All students should file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or ISNAW (International Student Need Analysis Worksheet) each year by December 1st to ensure they are considered for all scholarships & financial aid for which they are eligible.

If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Matthew Smith, scholarship coordinator for the School of Music.


Frequently Asked Questions

Your award will be in the form of payment on your account. If the amount of your award is more than what you currently owe, a refund will be distributed for the remaining balance. This takes 1-2 additional weeks and will be paid through direct deposit to your bank account (set up through your Enroll & Pay account) through Student Accounts & Receivables. If you owe more than the award amount, the award is posted as payment towards your bill and your remaining balance will be due by the due date listed. GTA tuition waivers will be posted before your bill is due each semester (if applicable).  

International students have additional paperwork that will need to be completed and returned to Student Accounts & Receivables (GLACIER form). More information can be found in the International Student Guide to Glacier tutorial on Student Accounts & Receivables under “Video Tutorials”. KU Legal Services for Students can help students set up an SSN or ITIN if needed to complete this process. 

Your award will be in the form of payment on your account. If the amount of your award is more than what you currently owe, a refund will be distributed for the remaining balance. This takes 1-2 additional weeks and will be paid through direct deposit to your bank account (set up through your Enroll & Pay account) through Student Accounts & Receivables. If you owe more than the award amount, the award is posted as payment towards your bill and your remaining balance will be due by the due date listed. GTA tuition waivers will be posted before your bill is due each semester (if applicable). 

Due to the additional paperwork involved with processing international student awards, it is not uncommon for scholarships to be delayed beyond the first two weeks of the semester.

Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to be eligible for a scholarship.  

Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester.  However, graduate students who have a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) are only required to enroll in a minimum of 6 hours. GTAs must notify the scholarship coordinator if they are enrolled in less than 9 hours so the reduction in hours can be accepted by the Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

If other situations arise that require students to take fewer than the minimum number of hours, the award may be reduced to reflect the proportion of credit hours to the scholarship amount.  For example, if an undergraduate student only enrolls in 9 hours instead of 12 hours, then the award may be adjusted to 75% of the original award amont.  These situations are only approved in consultation with the Scholarship Coordinator.

Pay attention to your scholarship contract for details on your disbursement.  Most awards will be distributed in two equal parts, half in the fall semester and half in the spring semester. For example, if you were awarded a $2,000 fellowship, you would receive $1000 in the fall and $1,000 in the spring. For summer awards, students receive them in one lump sum at the beginning of the summer semester. It can take up to a month or more to complete processing and have the money delivered to you, so plan accordingly and contact the Scholarship Coordinator with questions.  

Once you complete the requirements mandated by KU and your scholarship contract and reach the enrollment minimum, we will begin to process your award. It can take 3-4 weeks to process, but you should receive your award, deposited to your Enroll & Pay account before your first bill is due. Be sure to update all contact and account (direct deposit) information regularly in Enroll & Pay to prevent delays.   

If your award more than covers your amount due for tuition and fees in Enroll & Pay, you will be issued a refund for the remaining amount. It will be sent by direct deposit to your bank account. If you have questions or concerns about your refund, please contact Student Accounts & Receivables

You should pay your bill to prevent late fees and contact the Scholarship Coordinator or the office awarding you funding (for university or external scholarships). There can be delays for students who are not enrolled, students who are under the minimum number of credit hours, or those who have not completed their scholarship contracts.  Failure to submit GLACIER forms is often a cause for delays for international student awards. Please check to see that you have completed all requirements, and then contact the Scholarship Coordinator.

If you have extenuating circumstances. academic year scholarships or fellowships may be deferred enrollment for up to one year.  Approval is required by your area coordinator and/or the funding unit/division. Deferment of enrollment and awards are approved on a case-by-case basis.  If you think you will have to defer your enrollment please contact the Scholarship Coordinator and your area coordinator.
 

There are several offices on campus that offer free services to students to help manage their finances and assist in tax preparation. We encourage students to utilize these services, to better prepare for their academic careers and plan for the future (see list below). 

Student Money Management - Contact this office to set up individual money management counseling and learn more about financial planning. 
Legal Services for Students- This office offers a variety of services including free tax preparation, notary, and advise & consultation on legal matters.  
Student Accounts & Recievables – Contact this office to set up payment plans and discuss charges. 


Marching Band lined up and ready to perform

Undergraduate Scholarships

The KU School of Music has scholarships available to entering freshman and continuing undergraduate students. This is in addition to scholarship awards from the University. This support is made possible through generous donations from successful alumni and friends of the school who want to ensure others have access to the tremendous opportunities in the School of Music.

Undergraduate Funding Resources

horn player playing and reading music

Graduate Scholarships

KU has graduate funding options at the university, school, and department level, along with funding for professional development and conference participation to build transferable skills that will build your resume and experience.

Graduate Funding Resources

trumpet player practicing in the sunlight during class

International Scholarships

KU International Admissions offers various scholarships to degree-seeking undergraduate students. All scholarships are renewable and range from $3,000 per year to a full tuition waiver valued at over $25,000 a year. Contact world@ku.edu with questions.

International Admissions




Scholarship Coordinator