1. The YMFA Award  - $25,000 presented by Youth Music Foundation of Australia Inc.  A condition of the Award is that it be used for overseas study. The winner must be available to perform at the Mathy Awards Finals Concert and, at a mutually convenient time, in recital for the sponsor in Melbourne.  The Foundation will require a written report of study undertaken and the benefits derived from the winner. YMFA Sponsor - Di Bresciani.

The winner of The YMFA Award will also receive the:

Armstrong-Martin Scholarship - $4,500 presented by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust for overseas study

Haas Award - $2,500 cash grant presented by Music & Opera Singers Trust Ltd

Editorial Resources Prize - professionally produced résumé. www.editorial.net.au       

2. Royal Over-Seas League Music Bursary - $3000 and one week’s accommodation at Over-Seas House; a lunchtime recital at either St James's Piccadilly or St Martin in the Field; an evening concert at both Over-Seas House London and Over-Seas House Edinburgh; one week at Dartington International Summer School, or similar course of masterclasses; consultation lesson with a leading vocal teacher in London; tickets for major concerts and other cultural events during the stay at Over-Seas House.  The ROSL will provide a prize-winning young professional accompanist for all concerts.  Availability for these opportunities is dependent on the presence of the recipient at the appropriate time.  The recipient must be under the age of 30 years on 30 January 2009. www.rosl.org.uk   

3. Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme - an opportunity to participate in a high calibre master class course, by eminent teachers for short periods of intensive coaching.  Each course ends with a public recital.  The programme of masterclasses for 2009 will be available on the web from September/October 2008 at www.aldeburgh.co.uk/bpp and applications can be made online. The recipient must communicate with the Director of Artist Development by December 2008, complete the application form and audition (either in person or by CD recording) in January 2009.  If selected the recipient will receive a Scholarship to cover the fees for the course but will need to budget for his/her own travel and living expenses.

4. Glyndebourne Festival Prize - an opportunity to attend staged rehearsals and audition for the 2009 Glyndebourne Festival. The recipient will need to budget for his/her own travel and living expenses and will be entitled to receive "company" benefits and support while at Glyndebourne. www.glyndebourne.com

5. A wonderful opportunity is offered to the winner of the Opera Awards by International Opera Productions to make a professional recording in Prague.  The winner would need to meet the cost of travel and accommodation and may select between the Ruby, Sapphire or Silver Packages which are offered at discounted rates of 30% from regular prices. The packages comprise recordings with the renowned Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr David Kram, coaching sessions, 40-70 copies of a personalised CD and more.  Total cost will be dependent on Package selected, point of origin and length of stay in Prague.  See “Packages” section:  www.operapro.org

6. 4MBS Classic FM Award - a recording produced at the 4MBS FM studio. www.4mbs.com.au

N.B. The recipients of any Scholarships and Prizes are reminded that the cash component is a form of income. Any enquiries regarding tax should be referred to the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation, an accountant or a registered tax consultant.

The Australian Singing Competition acts as Co-ordinator of the above prizes and opportunities and cannot accept responsibility if the provider is unable to fulfil its obligations in any form.

The Australian Singing Competition takes no responsibility for the acceptance of scholarships which involve overseas travel.  This decision is taken solely at the discretion of the recipient.  Recipients are advised to check the current status of the country in question with the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs at the time of travel.