When the music stops and the lights dim, the best tunes aren’t always written on stage — sometimes, they’re carried forward by people whose dreams and generosity change lives. The Justin Cosby Scholarship at AIM stands as a powerful testament to that belief.
Launched in 2023, the Justin Cosby Scholarship commemorates the life of Inertia Records A&R Director Justin Cosby, whose passion for music and caring, soulful approach to the music business inspired anyone who crossed his path.
“The beautiful thing about Justin is that he was a whale in a sea of sharks, as the A&R business can be pretty sharky, but he just loved music. He would do anything for the artist and would really put them first. That’s the kind of person we want to encourage in the music business,” AIM’s Head of Music Business Tim Kelly reflects.
Crafted in collaboration with AIM and Katja, Justin’s widow, this scholarship offers far more than financial support – it opens the door to the music industry with guidance, mentorship, and a network that embodies Justin’s extraordinary legacy.
“We want to support students seeking a career in the industry who show similar character traits and continue in his spirit. The world needs more music industry professionals who don’t care only about their personal success but see the bigger picture,” Katja shared.
Throughout his career, Justin championed coaching, connection, and collaboration. He believed deeply in fostering talent, not for individual gain, but to help bring great music into the world and provide a voice for artists who truly deserve to be heard.
“It’s a tough industry, but if you’re doing something you truly love, you will be rewarded in so many ways. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Get as much work experience as possible, internships, volunteer work, or side jobs. The music industry is all about personal connections…that’s how you land a job.”
At AIM, we believe that your talent and ambition shouldn’t be limited by financial barriers. Whether you’ve just graduated from high school, have prior studies, or are a mature-aged applicant ready to follow your passion, the Justin Cosby Scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting diverse talent across the music industry.
“The whole course is there to give students a grounding in the business of music and the many different ways you can go [in the industry]. Our purpose is to help you understand the music landscape and to uncover the kind of trajectory you want, to introduce you to the right people, and to give you the skills that enable you to become a great person to work with,” added Tim.
If you’re aiming for a Bachelor of Music Business or Bachelor of Music (Music Business) with a mind toward working behind the scenes in the industry, management, A&R, event promotion, or artist development, the Justin Cosby Scholarship presents a rare opportunity to reduce financial burden significantly while building your career toolkit.
Justin’s Scholarship benefits include:
- Two-thirds of your tuition fees are covered of approximately $45,000 over the full Bachelor of Music Business degree.
- Mentorship and internship opportunities designed to provide hands-on industry experience.
- A chance to develop your career under the guidance of AIM and the scholarship network, reflecting Justin’s values of care, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Your chance to start building your career, not just a degree
Choosing to study at AIM isn’t just about getting a qualification. It’s about stepping into a community that’s built around music with peers who share your ambition, lecturers who know the industry, and opportunities to collaborate, perform and grow from day one.
Our scholarships exist so passionate, talented individuals like you don’t miss out on the chance to pursue their dreams simply because of financial constraints. They’re designed so you can focus on what you came here to do: hone your craft, build your skills, and begin shaping your music career.
For students hoping to study another music discipline, AIM is also offering Musical Excellence Scholarships for students commencing in 2026. These are awarded to applicants who demonstrate exceptional musical skill and a clear drive for success in the industry. Recipients receive a fee reduction valued at more than $7,000 across the duration of their degree.
If you’re ready to make 2026 the start of your journey, now is the time to act.
Both scholarship applications are now open for students commencing in February 2026. For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, click the button below.
