The South African star will award $5,000 each to 10 female students pursuing music and arts-related degrees, alongside a chance to meet her during her tour.

Johannesburg, South Africa — South African music star Tyla has launched the That Girl Music Scholarship, a new education initiative offering financial support to 10 young women pursuing undergraduate studies in music and arts-related fields in South Africa and the United States.

The program, established in partnership with Sony Music and the Institute of International Education (IIE), will provide each successful applicant with a one-time award of $5,000 to help cover tuition and mandatory university fees.

Six scholarships have been allocated to students in the United States, while four will support students studying in South Africa.

The initiative is aimed at young women who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for the next generation of music and creative industry professionals.

Tyla’s That Girl Music Scholarship Offers $5,000 to 10 Students

Under the scholarship program, 10 recipients will each receive $5,000 towards their education, bringing the total value of the financial awards to $50,000.

The funding is intended to reduce the financial burden of university tuition and compulsory fees for students pursuing qualifications in music and related creative disciplines.

In addition to the financial support, each scholarship recipient will receive two tickets to a Tyla concert and an opportunity to meet the singer.

The added experience offers successful applicants a chance to connect with an internationally recognized artist whose career has taken South African music to audiences around the world.

Who Is Eligible for the That Girl Music Scholarship?

The scholarship is open to eligible women aged 18 and above who meet the program’s academic and enrolment requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

For students in the United States, six awards will be distributed to eligible applicants studying in or near New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Tampa, Houston and Los Angeles.

Priority will be given to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

In South Africa, four scholarships will be awarded to eligible applicants.

South African candidates may apply if they are enrolled in a qualifying program during 2026 or are Grade 12 students preparing to begin university in 2027.

The program’s eligibility conditions are designed to reach students at different stages of their undergraduate education.

How to Apply for Tyla’s That Girl Music Scholarship

Students interested in applying must submit documents outlining their academic background, educational goals and financial circumstances.

Required application materials include:

• A personal statement explaining the applicant’s interests and ambitions.
• A short video introducing the applicant.
• An academic transcript.
• Information about tuition costs and mandatory university fees.
• Financial aid details for applicants studying in the United States.

Applicants must also satisfy the program’s age, location and enrolment requirements.

Students are encouraged to review the full eligibility conditions and prepare their documents before submitting an application.

That Girl Music Scholarship Application Deadline

Applications for the That Girl Music Scholarship are open until October 30, 2026, or until 50 eligible applications have been received, whichever comes first.

The application cap means the program could close before the stated deadline.

Prospective applicants should therefore complete their submissions as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.

Successful candidates will receive a one-time scholarship payment intended to support their undergraduate education.

Tyla Supports the Next Generation of Women in Music

The scholarship marks a new effort by Tyla to use her international platform to support young women pursuing careers in music and the wider creative industries.

Through her partnership with Sony Music and the Institute of International Education, the singer is extending that support to students in both her home country and the United States.

For aspiring musicians, performers and other creative professionals, access to higher education can be an important step towards developing the skills and industry knowledge needed to build sustainable careers.

The That Girl Music Scholarship seeks to ease some of those financial pressures while recognizing young women with strong academic records and creative ambitions.

With 10 awards available across two countries, the program provides direct educational support to a small group of students working towards careers in the arts.

For eligible applicants, the immediate priority is meeting the application requirements before the October 30 deadline or the earlier closure triggered by the 50-application limit.