Oscar Badman Announced As The Justin Cosby Scholarship Recipient For 2025

The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) has announced today that Sydney singer-songwriter Oscar Badman is the 2025 recipient of The Justin Cosby Scholarship.

 The scholarship is a prestigious award that was made to commemorate the legacy of the late A&R Director of Inertia Music, Justin Cosby.

Funded in part by AIM through the AIM Education Foundation, and donations from friends, family and business partners of Cosby, the scholarship is handed to one student annually who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management degree. 

Cosby was a longstanding supporter and defender of independent artists, music and emerging talent, fuelling his passion through Inertia Music. As such, the Justin Cosby Scholarship honours the heartfelt impact the label founder and community figure has had on the Australian music scene, as well as his undying devotion to uplifting emerging artists.

This year, Oscar Badman – a music and business enthusiast, and talented young artist – has been bestowed the Justin Cosby Scholarship of 2025. Badman has been releasing music from as recently as September 2024, making his debut with the moving, acoustic guitar-driven Someday.With the scholarship, the artist aims to make stark contributions to the industry on both the music and marketing side, with ultimate plans to launch his own business. In a press release, Badman expressed a keen interest in the future of Australian music, and is excited to see how it flourishes at AIM.

“I am beyond thankful to the organisers, donors and affiliates of the Justin Cosby Scholarship for presenting me with this immense opportunity,” he said.

“I hope to live up to the standard of work that Justin was known for and help contribute to his legacy throughout the duration of my studies and beyond. I can't wait to see what the future brings. Thank you all. "

The Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management degree program at AIM aims to provide students with a holistic education that coexists with the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the arts and music industries. Therefore, through coursework that explores both theory and practice, students are able to gain expansive knowledge and skills that’ll set them up for success in their careers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Oscar. He is a passionate and driven music person who will make a positive impact on the music industries in future years,” said AIM’s Arts & Entertainment Management degree coordinator Tim Kelly.

“The Justin Cosby Scholarship is making a real difference to people’s lives and career aspirations. With thanks to Katja, Melissa, Ashley and all those who helped make this happen in the memory of Justin.”