Are you a passionate musician aiming to take your skills to the next level on a global stage? The SYLFF Fellowships for 2025, offered by the Tokyo Foundation in partnership with the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), might just be your backstage pass to greatness.
With world-class mentorship, prestigious recognition, and generous funding, this is more than a scholarship—it’s a career-defining experience.
Key details of SYLFF Fellowships 2025:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | SYLFF Fellowships 2025 |
| Organizers | Tokyo Foundation & mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree or Diploma Programme (2nd Phase of Study) |
| Fields of Study | Chamber Music, Piano Performance, Vocal Studies, Wind & Percussion Instruments, String Instruments, Harp, Guitar |
| Award Amount | USD 16,666 per fellowship |
| Number of Awards | 3 Fellowships per year |
| Application Deadline | 3 November 2025 |
| Access Mode | Online |
| Location | Vienna, Austria |
| Eligibility (Nationality) | Open to all nationalities |
| Enrollment Requirement | Must be actively enrolled at mdw in 2025/26 (no academic leave permitted) |
| Language of Application | English |
| Documents Required | CV, Motivation Letter, Recommendation Letter, Endorsements, Project Proposal |
| Project Budget Limit | EUR 3,000 |
| Application Link | Apply Now |
🎼 What Are SYLFF Fellowships?
The SYLFF (Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund) Fellowships are designed for exceptional postgraduate students who demonstrate both artistic excellence and leadership potential. In this case, we’re talking about music students pursuing their master’s or diploma studies at mdw in Vienna—one of the most iconic classical music cities in the world.
Every year, three students receive a whopping USD 16,666 to support their academic and artistic journey. Imagine the doors this could open—not just to concert halls, but to lifelong global collaborations.
🌍 Who Can Apply for SYLFF Fellowships 2025?
These fellowships are open to all nationalities, so whether you’re from Tokyo, Toronto, or Tunis, you’re eligible as long as you meet the academic requirements.
🎓 Eligible Fields of Study:
Applicants must be enrolled in the second phase of one of the following music programs at mdw:
- Chamber Music
- Piano Performance (including Art Song Interpretation)
- Vocal Studies (Lied-Oratorio-Concert, Vocal Performance, Stage Performance)
- Wind and Percussion Instruments
- String Instruments, Harp, and Guitar
If you’re diving deep into classical performance, the SYLFF Fellowships are built to support your artistic growth.
📌 Application Deadline: 3 November 2025
Mark this in bold red ink: 3rd November 2025. This is your deadline to submit the full application. A missed deadline means a missed opportunity—don’t let that happen.
✅ SYLFF Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this prestigious music scholarship:
- You must be actively enrolled at mdw during the 2025/26 academic year (no leaves allowed).
- You should be in the 2nd phase of your master’s degree or diploma programme.
- You must show exceptional talent and artistic distinction in your field.
These fellowships are for leaders in music, not just technically skilled artists, but those who bring depth, innovation, and a drive to create meaningful impact through music.
📝 How to Apply for the SYLFF Fellowships
You’ll need to put together a thoughtful and professional application package. This isn’t the time to wing it—stand out with precision, purpose, and personality.
📃 Required Documents:
CV in English
- Max 2 pages
- Format: PDF
Letter of Motivation (English)
- Maximum 2 pages
- Must clearly reflect your artistic goals and how the fellowship supports them
Recommendation Letter
- From your main artistic instructor
- Must highlight your excellence in the specific discipline
- The letter must be explicitly for this application
- Endorsement Signatures
- From the department head and a disciplinary colleague
One-Page Project Proposal
- Must be based on a socially relevant theme
- Should include concept, target audience, and budget (max €3,000)
Ready to apply? Do it here:
👉 Apply Now for SYLFF Fellowships
💸 What Makes SYLFF Fellowships Special?
Let’s be real: there are plenty of scholarships out there. But SYLFF Fellowships?
They’re on another level.
- Generous funding (USD 16,666—yes, that’s six figures in your currency)
- High prestige through Tokyo Foundation and mdw
- Societal impact—your art must matter, not just sound good
- Vienna—the heart of classical music culture and history
You’re not just winning money. You’re gaining access to a legacy of excellence that can shape your future.
🎯 Pro Tips for a Strong Application
Want to boost your chances?
- Be authentic in your motivation letter—your story matters.
- Choose a socially conscious theme for your project. Think mental health, sustainability, diversity, or community building.
- Make sure your recommendation is detailed and specific to your discipline.
- Submit a polished application—proofread it like your career depends on it (because it does).
APPLY NOW
The SYLFF Fellowships 2025 aren’t just about funding your education—they’re about empowering artists to become thought leaders, social changemakers, and cultural ambassadors. If you’ve got the talent, the drive, and the vision, this is your call to action.
So go ahead, tune your strings, warm up those vocal cords, and pour your soul into the application. The Vienna stage awaits.
