Applications for 2026 APRA Professional Development Awards

Songwriters and composers at pivotal career stages are invited to apply for the 2026 APRA AMCOS Professional Development Awards (PDAs).

The awards, now in their 15th year, aim to create serious career-boosting opportunities for songwriters and composers, with 13 individual winners each taking home a game-changing $10,000 cash. The funds are designed to help recipients with their professional development through attending workshops, music education courses, composer seminars, co-writing sessions and other relevant activities, either locally or internationally.

Previous notable winners have included Angie McMahon, Baker Boy, BARKAA, Elsy Wameyo, Gotye, Jem Cassar-Daley, Melanie Dyer, Ngaiire, Rebecca Bracewell, Samuel Marks and Yirrmal.

Three of the 13 awards will be presented to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APRA AMCOS members supporting music creators at different life stages, with two general awards and one for senior members, 50 years and older.

This year’s award categories are:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander General (two awards)/  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior – all genres. Entrants must be over the age of 50/  CountryAmericana / Classical & Experimental/  DanceElectronic/  Hip Hop Rap/  Jazz and Improvised Music/  Music Theatre/Stage – workshop funding only/  Popular Contemporary (two awards) – includes Pop, Rock, Alternative, Blues, Roots, Folk, Metal, Christian and Children’s/  R&B/Soul/  Screen Composition (Film, TV, Games)

Applications for the 2026 awards are open now and close at 5pm (AEST) on Tuesday 23 September. The recipients will be announced on Thursday 12 February 2026.

For further information and to apply, visit apraamcos.com.au/professionaldevelopmentawards.