Applications for Keith Urban scholarship now open

A new international pathway has opened for emerging Australian country music artists, with Keith Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival joining forces to launch the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship.

Applications for the scholarship are now open, offering one Australian artist a career-defining experience in Nashville and unprecedented access to the US country music industry. The successful recipient will have opportunities to perform, write and record, meet key industry figures, and spend recording time at Urban’s Nashville studio, The Sound, formerly the renowned Tracking Room.

The initiative was first announced in August 2025 and generated significant excitement across the Australian country music community. With applications now officially open, the scholarship represents a new and targeted pathway for artists who are already building momentum and are ready to take the next step onto the international stage.

Unlike programs focused on early discovery, the Rising Star Scholarship is designed for artists who have demonstrated local traction and are positioned to benefit from high-level, market-specific industry support in the United States. It reflects a shared ambition between Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival to help Australian country artists translate domestic success into global opportunity.

The scholarship also builds on Urban’s long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Over his career, he has championed and supported artists including Taylor Swift, Morgan Evans, Kelsea Ballerini and Maren Morris, alongside ongoing mentorship, tour support and education initiatives.

“Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent,” Urban said.

“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.”

Peter Ross, Executive Manager of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, said the Festival was proud to partner with Urban on the initiative, which coincides with the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival currently underway.

“The opening of this scholarship coincides with the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival, which is in full swing this week,” Ross said.

“This scholarship truly reflects the shared values both the Festival and Keith Urban promote – offering meaningful platforms for artists to progress at every stage of their careers.

“Keith is the living embodiment of the Tamworth Festival pathway to success, and together we want to help give other artists the opportunity to take Australian country music to the world.

“It’s wonderful that Keith continues to recognise and support the industry that helped shape his career, and we are thrilled to be partnering with him.”

The successful scholarship recipient will receive comprehensive support, with all expenses covered including flights, accommodation and associated costs. The Tamworth Country Music Festival team will manage the application process, with the final recipient selected by Urban.

Urban’s connection to Tamworth runs deep, from his early days busking at the Festival and performing at local venues, to winning the Star Maker competition at the age of 22, a pivotal moment that set him on the path to international success. In January 2025, Urban was inducted into the Roll of Renown at the Golden Guitar Awards, the highest honour in Australasian country music.

Applications for the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship close on 19 February 2026.