Scholarships
Opportunity Scholarships
Opportunity Scholarships are awarded based on financial need to help cover the cost of your annual SYO membership contribution.
To apply, indicate on your audition application form that you would like to receive more information about Financial Assistance & Scholarships. You will be sent an application form when 2027 Opportunity Scholarship Applications open on the 22nd of October, 2026. Scholarship applications will close on the 6th of December, 2026. You will receive your scholarship application results in December when audition results are released.
Regional Scholarships
Musicians from regional NSW who live more than 200km from the Sydney CBD are awarded a scholarship based on their distance from Sydney. You do not need to apply for a Regional Scholarship – eligible musicians will have their scholarship applied automatically when they enrol.
For Holiday and Digital Programs, Regional Scholarships are based on the program value and applied automatically once you are offered a place.
Tertiary Scholarships
In recognition of the additional demands placed on university students at this stage of their musical development, scholarships are available to all musicians enrolled in a tertiary institution. You do not need to apply for a Tertiary Scholarship – eligible musicians will have their scholarship applied automatically when they enrol.
Principal Chair Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of SYO’s private donors, section principals of The Sydney Youth Orchestra receive support toward their participation fees. Section principal positions are merit-based and confirmed in December when audition results are released.
Principals play a vital role in shaping the sound, culture, and experience of the orchestra. As part of accepting a Principal Scholarship, musicians are expected to take on a leadership role within the orchestra, support their section, and represent SYO at key events throughout the year.
