From the Down Under to down South, one aspiring country artist will be given a unique opportunity to hone their craft as a musician in Music City.

Australian country artist Keith Urban has partnered up with the Tamworth Country Music Festival — which is the second largest country music festival in the world — to establish the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship.

Described in an August 18 press release as “a groundbreaking initiative designed to support emerging Australian country music artists,” this scholarship will see an aspiring artist travel to Nashville for opportunities to “to perform, write, record, meet industry personnel, and enjoy two days of recording time at Urban’s recording studio, The Sound (formerly the legendary Tracking Room).”

Speaking on this scholarship opportunity, Urban said, “Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent. Having the opportunity to do that not only inspires me, I’m hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others.”

According to the press release:

“The scholarship represents yet another effort by Urban to inspire and nurture developing artists, something he has done for the better part of his career. Urban has consistently used his platform to champion up-and-coming musicians, whether through surprise collaborations, bringing emerging artists on tour as support acts, or participating in music education programs that provide aspiring musicians with industry insights and opportunities.”

Peter Ross, the executive manager of the Tamworth Festival, said the festival’s leadership is “honored and excited” to team up with Urban “to advance one lucky individual each year with this unique scholarship.”

Ross said, “[Urban] is the living embodiment of the Tamworth Festival pathway to success, and, together, we want to help give other artists the opportunity to take Australian country music to the world.”

He added, “It’s wonderful that Keith continues to recognize and support the industry that helped shape his career and we are so pleased to be partnering with him.”

The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship was announced on August 18, and applications will be available starting in January of 2026.

While details on who qualifies for the scholarship have not yet been released, the announcement noted that “the scholarship winner will receive comprehensive support with all expenses covered including flights, accommodation, and all related costs.”

The selection process will be managed by the Tamworth Country Music Festival team, which will also work to facilitate meetings in the music industry as well as performance opportunities.

For more information, and to access the application in January 2026, visit the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship webpage.

Watch Keith Urban talk about his 1992 decision to move to Nashville from Australia near the start of his career, here: