WaterBear Ronan Keating Scholarship Award 2026
Develop your music career with a fully funded Master’s scholarship from artist and presenter Ronan Keating. Apply for the chance to receive full tuition to study a Master’s degree in 2026.
WaterBear X Ronan Keating MA Scholarship 2026
We are excited to launch a brand new scholarship in collaboration with the incredible artist and presenter Ronan Keating. The award gives one aspiring music professional the opportunity to study a Master’s degree with full tuition covered in 2026. Eligible courses include our 1-year, on-site or online MA degrees in Songwriting, Music Business, Education, and Music Performance, Production & Business.
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Ronan first rose to fame at 16 as co-lead of Boyzone, a band that sold over 25 million records worldwide. He has since released more than ten solo albums, selling over 20 million records.
Alongside his recording career, he has embraced opportunities across broadcasting and television, including The X Factor and The Voice, while maintaining a long-running presence in radio. His work reflects the professionalism, versatility, and mindset of an accomplished performer and creative professional.
In 2026, he returns to the stage with Boyzone for a reunion concert, celebrating a career defined by creativity, collaboration, resilience, and reinvention.
“This scholarship is very much for those of you who’ve put quite a few years into your music career and know what you want. I want to help you progress to the next level. Having a career in music is not just about getting your foot in the door; it’s about longevity. It’s about having a long career, but also a long-term plan and a vision. This scholarship is there to support that for those of you who know what you want. Get yourself involved, and together I hope to see you grow and have a long career in the music industry.” Ronan Keating
To be in with a chance of securing this fantastic opportunity please apply from 13th April 2026.
Key Information
Applications Open: Monday 13th April 2026
Applications Close: Tuesday 30th June 2026
The application form will be available on this page once applications are open on 13th April 2026.
Scholarship Details
- Please complete the form below providing a personal statement telling us about your background, your music and why you would benefit from this scholarship. Tell us where you would like to take your music in the future. This can be submitted in a written format (approx. 1000 words) or a video (approx. 5 minutes).
- Include links to at least 3 filmed or recorded performances. These can be studio or live performances; phone video is fine, and audio quality needs to be good enough that we can clearly identify the parts and performances. If you are sending a collaborative performance, please make your own contribution clear.
- Please also confirm in the email that you have read and understood the Ronan Keating Scholarship Terms & Conditions (see below).
- Ensure you get your completed application with all requested information to us by the deadline of Tuesday 30th June 2026.
- WaterBear will be in contact with you thereafter with news about your application and whether or not you have been successful. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday 7th August 2026.
The 1-year on-site and online Master’s degrees are designed to give you the perfect blend of artistic freedom alongside practical strategies to forge your own career. The degree is built on three fundamental elements – your music, your career and your projects. It deals with what really matters in the industry. It will expand your options and push you to create original, boundary-shifting music. It’s fully accredited and run-in close partnership with one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries, Falmouth University. Please find details of our 1-year Master’s degree courses here.
Applications to the Ronan Keating Scholarship by students enrolling on a 1-year on-site or online Master’s degree are subject to the following Terms and Conditions:
The Ronan Keating Scholarship place is available for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.
The Scholarship award application is open to new students applying to study a 1-year Master’s degree course on-site or online.
Applications can be submitted from Monday 13th April 2026 will remain open until Tuesday 30th June 2026.The successful applicant will be announced by Friday 7th August 2026.
Please read the full Standard Scholarship Terms & Conditions.
WaterBear X Ronan Keating MA Scholarship 2026
If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please complete the application form below by the deadline of Tuesday 30th June 2026. Before submitting, please read the terms and conditions carefully and include all requested information.
If you require any further assistance, please contact the WaterBear enquiries team on
01273 726230 or email [email protected].