About the Brian May Scholarship

Scholarship Value for 2025 – 2026: The scholarship value, as determined by the Trustees in accordance with the will of the late Brian May, is set at a fixed amount of AU$95,000. This amount will be allocated as a contribution towards tuition and related fees for the selected candidate.

Important Considerations: Applicants should note that the scholarship does not cover the full cost of tuition and other fees required to complete the course at USC Thornton. Additionally, the cost of living in Los Angeles is notably high. Potential applicants are advised to thoroughly research and understand the likely expenses for travel, tuition, equipment, books, materials, accommodation, and general living costs for the duration of the course of study.

1. Scholarship Eligibility

(a) Applicants must be ordinarily resident in Australia, which means that:

(i) the applicant’s permanent home is in Australia; or
(ii) the applicant is temporarily absent but Australia remains the country of their permanent home.

(b) Applicants must demonstrate a permanent residence status in Australia rather than a casual or intermittent stay.
(c) Applicants residing in Australia temporarily or for a specific or non-permanent purpose will not be considered ordinarily resident.
(d) The Trustees will assess and determine residency status based on all provided evidence in their absolute discretion.

2. Academic Requirements

(a) Applicants must meet the admission requirements of USC Thornton, typically requiring at least a related undergraduate degree.
(b) For detailed entry requirements, visit: https://music.usc.edu/admissions-graduate-student/
(c) Applicants are encouraged to make contact with the faculty for more information.

3. Visa and Immigration Requirements

(a) The successful applicant must possess a valid passport and obtain a student visa to the USA, including a completed non-immigrant visa application.
(b) International students must register as full-time students with USC Thornton.
(c) Please refer to https://music.usc.edu/admission/international/ and other information on the USC website.

4. Visa Preparation

Visa and entry requirements for the USA are stringent and time-consuming; applicants must ensure they fully understand these requirements and are eligible to enter the USA for this course of study.

1. Applicants must complete:

(a) a Brian May Scholarship Application, and
(b) a separate Course Application to be sent directly to USC Thornton.

2. It is emphasised that applicants cannot be considered unless they have completed and lodged both applications.

3. The Brian May Scholarship Application Form is now available by clicking here.

4. There are separate application criteria for the Brian May Scholarship and USC Thornton.

5. Application for admission to USC Thornton must be made directly to USC Thornton and applicants are responsible for meeting all of the relevant requirements.

6. The Brian May Scholarship Application must be made directly to the Trustees and applicants must attach a copy (not the original) of the USC Thornton Application Form (not accompanying materials).

NB The application to us should be online including downloading materials etc.

7. Applicants must attach to their USC Thornton Application a Letter of Authority, which is set out at the end of the Brian May Scholarship Application form.

8. The Trustees are not in a position to assist or advise on any of the requirements of USC Thornton.

Brian May Scholarship Application

1. This Application will be reviewed by the Trustees to ensure that the applicant understands, meets and commits to the wishes and intentions of Brian May in establishing the Scholarship under his Will.

2. The matters to be considered include:

(a) appropriate academic qualifications;
(b) background in and commitment to screen scoring, particularly as part of the Australian screen music scene;
(c) interests and ambitions: how would the Scholarship contribute to the applicant’s aspirations?
(d) knowledge of the benefactor, Brian May, and his works;
(e) Australian residential qualifications;
(f) the applicant’s references;
(g) any other matter the Trustees consider relevant

A copy only of the USC Thornton Application (not accompanying materials) must be attached to the Brian May Scholarship Application.

USC Thornton Application

1. All properly completed USC Thornton applications will be separately reviewed by the University in accordance with its normal procedures. The Trustees of the Scholarship play no part in this.

2. Selection
The University will choose and recommend to the Trustees its preferred candidate. Provided the Trustees are satisfied that the nominee meets all of the requirements of the Scholarship, they will confirm the selection and notify the successful candidate.

[Note: candidates will not be notified by USC about the Scholarship award.]