General Membership Information

Bursaries and Financial Support

At Queensland Youth Orchestras, we believe that every young musician should have the opportunity to participate, grow, and belong — regardless of financial circumstances.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, QYO is able to offer a number of bursaries to assist with membership fees and participation costs in 2027.

These bursaries are designed to support musicians and families who would benefit from additional assistance.

As part of the application process, we ask applicants to share some context about their circumstances and how this support would help them continue their musical journey with QYO.

Applications are considered carefully and confidentially, with the aim of ensuring support is available to those who need it most.

We encourage individuals or families to apply if financial considerations could impact participation in QYO.

The following bursaries and support are available in 2027:

First Nations Bursaries (4)

Open to students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

  • Must have accepted a position in one of QYO’s eight orchestras in 2027.
  • Must achieve a satisfactory attendance record if a QYO member in 2026.

Regional Bursaries (2)

Two bursaries valued at $700 each for QYO members from regional Queensland.

  • Open to tertiary students from regional Queensland living in rented accommodation in the Brisbane area in 2027.
  • Must have accepted a position in one of QYO’s eight orchestras in 2027.
  • Must achieve a satisfactory attendance record if a QYO member in 2026.

Queensland Country Women’s Association Eumundi Branch Regional Bursaries (3)

  • Open to students who have relocated to Brisbane from rural or remote Queensland to pursue their studies.
  • Must have accepted a position in one of QYO’s eight orchestras in 2027.
  • Must achieve a satisfactory attendance record if a QYO member in 2026.

In addition to the QCWA Bursaries administered by QYO, the QCWA offers and administers other bursaries. Please see QCWA student bursaries .

Siblings Bursary

$700 for a family with two or more members in QYO in 2027.

  • The family must have two or more musicians who have accepted positions in QYO orchestras in 2027.
  • Orchestra members must achieve a satisfactory attendance record at QYO in 2026.

Other Financial Assistance Available

Extended payment plans and funds up to $500 may also be available to QYO members experiencing financial difficulties.

  • Open to QYS members who have accepted positions in QYO orchestras in 2027.
  • Orchestra members must achieve a satisfactory attendance record if a QYO member in 2026.
Applications close 1 December 2026.

In assessing requests for financial support, consideration will be given to the eligibility criteria listed above, applicant responses on the application form, and additional criteria such as membership history in QYO.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome by email in January 2027.

Apply for financial support