The Gazelle Twin Scholarship for Women in Music Technology 2026 at the University of Sussex is offering one undergraduate student £500 for each year of study, together with the opportunity to help organise an annual student music event.
The scholarship is open to women and non-binary applicants who have received an offer to study either Music BA or Music Technology BA at the University of Sussex starting in September 2026.
Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their musical achievements, relevant work or extracurricular experience, and their views on how women can shape the future of music. They must also provide an audio or video example of their musical work.
The application deadline is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Gazelle Twin Scholarship 2026 – Quick Summary
| Scholarship | Gazelle Twin Scholarship for Women in Music Technology |
|---|---|
| University | University of Sussex |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible courses | Music BA or Music Technology BA |
| Start date | September 2026 |
| Award | £500 per year of study |
| Additional opportunity | Organise an annual student music event |
| Number of awards | 1 |
| Eligible applicants | Women and non-binary applicants |
| Requirement | Must have an offer for an eligible Sussex course |
| Application materials | Personal statement + audio/video musical work |
| Deadline | 31 October 2026, 23:59 GMT |
| Decision | Successful recipient contacted during November |
| Award type | Cash award |
The University of Sussex currently lists the scholarship as an undergraduate award with a deadline of 31 October 2026.
What Is the Gazelle Twin Scholarship?
The Gazelle Twin Scholarship for Women in Music Technology is a University of Sussex undergraduate scholarship created to encourage women and non-binary students to pursue careers in music and music technology.
The scholarship takes its name from Gazelle Twin, also known as Elizabeth Bernholz, a composer, vocalist, producer and performance artist who studied Music at the University of Sussex and graduated in 2006. Sussex says the scholarship was established with her support and is funded through donations from University of Sussex Music Department alumni and friends.
The scholarship reflects the university’s focus on increasing representation in music technology. Sussex states that women are estimated to make up only around 5% of the music technology industry, while its previous reporting has highlighted concerns about women leaving music technology at a young age.
What Does the Gazelle Twin Scholarship Cover?
The successful applicant will receive:
- £500 for each year of study
- The opportunity to organise an annual student music event
The scholarship is classified by Sussex as a cash award.
The scholarship therefore provides financial support throughout the student’s course rather than being described as a one-time £500 payment.
Only one scholarship is available for the 2026 entry.
Who Can Apply for the Gazelle Twin Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a woman or non-binary applicant.
- Have received an offer to study Music BA or Music Technology BA at the University of Sussex.
- Be starting the course in September 2026.
The current University of Sussex scholarship page does not list a separate nationality or family-income requirement.
Eligible courses
The scholarship is specifically connected to two undergraduate programmes:
- Music BA
- Music Technology BA
Students applying for other undergraduate programmes at Sussex should not assume that they are eligible for this particular scholarship.
Music BA at the University of Sussex
The Music BA is a three-year full-time undergraduate programme. For September 2026 entry, Sussex says the course covers areas including writing and composition, arrangement, performance, electronic music, music production, studio recording and global music cultures.
Students can also develop their creative practice through areas such as composition, arrangement, installation, film music, performance, studio production and sound design.
The course is based on campus and has access to recording studios, project studios, practice rooms, a multifunction performance space and the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.
Music Technology BA at the University of Sussex
The Music Technology BA is also a three-year full-time undergraduate degree.
Sussex describes the course as combining music with technology, creativity, innovation and research. Students can work with studio recording, music production, electronic music and other creative technologies.
The university says students have access to facilities including recording studios, a Mac Lab, practice rooms, turntables, synthesizers and a maker space.
For applicants interested in music production, electronic music, recording, sound and emerging technologies, this course is directly connected to the purpose of the Gazelle Twin Scholarship.
What Do Applicants Need to Submit?
Applicants are required to provide a personal statement as part of the scholarship application.
The statement should address three main areas.
1. Previous musical achievement and excellence
Applicants should explain their previous experience in music.
This could include relevant performances, compositions, recordings, productions, musical projects or other achievements that demonstrate their development as a musician or music creator.
2. Relevant work or extracurricular experience
Applicants should discuss any work or extracurricular activity related to their chosen course.
For example, relevant experience could include music production, performing, recording, event organisation, sound engineering, composing, DJing, remixing or involvement in music-related projects.
The important point is to show the connection between the experience and the course the applicant plans to study.
3. The future of women in music
Applicants must also consider how women can shape the future of music and what role they will play in that future.
This means applicants should not simply describe their previous experience. They should also explain their ambitions and how they hope to contribute to the music industry.
Audio or Video Portfolio Requirement
Applicants must also provide an audio or video example of their musical work.
Sussex says this could include:
- A performance
- Composition
- Recording
- Remix
- Music production
- Another form of relevant creative practice
This allows applicants to demonstrate their musical ability through actual creative work rather than relying entirely on written information.
Applicants should therefore choose a piece of work that represents their abilities and is relevant to the type of music or technology they want to explore at university.
How to Apply for the Gazelle Twin Scholarship 2026
Applicants must first have received an offer to study an eligible Music course at the University of Sussex.
The university states that applicants can apply for the scholarship after receiving an offer of a place on a Music course at Sussex.
Application steps
- Apply to study Music BA or Music Technology BA at the University of Sussex.
- Receive an offer for the September 2026 intake.
- Prepare your scholarship personal statement.
- Explain your previous musical achievements.
- Describe relevant work or extracurricular experience.
- Explain how women can shape the future of music and your intended role in that future.
- Prepare an audio or video example of your musical work.
- Submit the scholarship application before 31 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Official scholarship application:
Apply for the Gazelle Twin Scholarship – University of Sussex
Official scholarship information:
University of Sussex – Gazelle Twin Scholarship for Women in Music Technology
Gazelle Twin Scholarship 2026 Deadline
The application deadline is:
31 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
The University of Sussex states that the successful recipient will be contacted during November.
Applicants should therefore complete their personal statement and prepare their audio or video work well before the deadline.
Who Is Gazelle Twin?
Gazelle Twin is the professional name of Elizabeth Bernholz, a British composer, vocalist, producer and performance artist.
She studied Music at the University of Sussex and graduated in 2006. Sussex describes her work as combining voice and acoustic instruments with analogue and digital electronics.
Her work covers electronic music, experimental composition and music for film, television and other media.
Sussex’s scholarship page lists credits including work connected with film and television projects and collaborations with artists and organisations across music, theatre and screen.
The scholarship allows her connection with Sussex to support another generation of students interested in music and music technology.
Who Funds the Gazelle Twin Scholarship?
The Gazelle Twin Scholarship is funded through donations from University of Sussex Music Department alumni.
Sussex also describes the scholarship as co-funded through donations from Music Department alumni and friends.
The funding supports the university’s effort to encourage women and non-binary students to pursue careers in music technology.
Why Was the Scholarship Created?
The scholarship was created against a backdrop of significant gender imbalance in music technology.
The University of Sussex currently states that women are estimated to represent only around 5% of the music technology industry. Sussex has also reported that young women can leave music technology around the age of 16.
A 2024 Sussex article highlighted barriers including limited visibility, gender bias, discrimination and access to education and mentorship.
The scholarship is therefore intended to encourage more women and non-binary students to pursue music technology and related careers.
The Annual Music Event Opportunity
The scholarship provides more than financial support.
The successful recipient will be asked to help organise a student music event within the School once a year.
Sussex gives examples such as a concert or an inclusive musical ensemble.
This allows the recipient to gain experience in organising and contributing to musical activities within the university community.
Tips for Preparing Your Scholarship Application
Although Sussex sets out the areas applicants must address, a strong application should make it easy for the selection team to understand the applicant’s musical journey.
- Show your actual musical experience: Do not simply say that you are passionate about music. Give specific examples of what you have created, performed, produced or worked on.
- Connect your experience to your degree: Explain why Music BA or Music Technology BA is the right next step for you.
- Explain your future goals: The scholarship specifically asks applicants to consider the future role of women in music. Use this section to explain the kind of contribution you hope to make.
- Choose your creative work carefully: Your audio or video submission should demonstrate your abilities. Choose a piece that represents your strongest or most relevant creative work.
- Keep your application focused: Your personal statement should directly answer the areas requested by Sussex rather than becoming a general university personal statement.
Is the Gazelle Twin Scholarship Open to International Students?
The current scholarship page does not specify a nationality restriction. Its published eligibility requirements focus on gender identity, receiving an offer for Music BA or Music Technology BA, and starting in September 2026.
However, applicants should still check their eligibility with the University of Sussex if they have questions about nationality, immigration status or other admission requirements.
The Music and Music Technology courses themselves list separate tuition fees for home and international students. For September 2026 entry, Sussex lists international tuition fees of £27,300 per year on both course pages.
The £500 scholarship is therefore not a full tuition scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Gazelle Twin Scholarship?
The scholarship provides £500 for each year of study. The successful recipient also has the opportunity to organise an annual student music event.
Who can apply for the Gazelle Twin Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship is open to women and non-binary applicants who have received an offer to study Music BA or Music Technology BA at the University of Sussex starting in September 2026.
Do I need an offer from Sussex before applying?
Yes. Sussex states that applicants can apply after receiving an offer of a place on a Music course at the university.
What documents are required?
Applicants must provide a personal statement covering their previous musical achievements, relevant work or extracurricular activity, and their thoughts about the role women can play in the future of music. They must also provide an audio or video example of their musical work.
What can I submit as my musical work?
Sussex says the example can be a performance, composition, recording, remix, production or other relevant creative practice.
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