Renowned musician Ronan Keating has unveiled a significant initiative to support students. Initially rising to fame as part of the popular boyband Boyzone, Keating later carved out his own successful solo career, selling over 20 million records globally as a solo artist and another 25 million with Boyzone. Despite his achievements, Keating recognizes that not everyone may have the same opportunities in the entertainment industry, especially those without existing connections.
In an effort to level the playing field, Keating, a native of Dublin, has introduced The Ronan Keating Scholarship in partnership with WaterBear – The College of Music. This fully-funded Master’s scholarship is designed to assist aspiring musicians and industry professionals by covering the tuition fees for a one-year Master’s degree program. The cost of Master’s degree tuition typically ranges from £4,575 to £14,500 according to government sources.
The scholarship will cater to various disciplines such as Songwriting, Music Business, Education, and Music Performance, Production & Business, offering both in-person and online study options at WaterBear’s campuses in Sheffield or Brighton. Keating emphasizes that the scholarship is geared towards individuals who are committed to their music careers and have a clear vision for their future in the industry.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Keating aims to share his insights on building and sustaining a successful music career with scholarship recipients. The program focuses on supporting students in transitioning from early momentum to long-term success within the industry.
Eve Massaad, Chief Marketing Officer at WaterBear Music College, expressed that the scholarship aims to remove barriers for talented individuals, providing them with opportunities to grow creatively and professionally. The application deadline for the scholarship is June 30, with the successful applicant set to be announced on August 7. The chosen candidate will commence their studies for the academic year 2026 to 2027 shortly thereafter.
Keating’s scholarship initiative aligns with WaterBear’s broader efforts to support emerging artists through various partnerships, including the Tramlines Festival. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement highlighting their background, music interests, and future goals in the industry, along with samples of their work in written or video format.
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