Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary
Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation)
The Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary Awards are a performance-based bursary competition for South African music students. Run by the FMR Bursary Trust and supported by the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation, it culminates in a live final at the South African College of Music (UCT) where finalists perform for a panel of adjudicators.
- Amount
- Cash bursary awards (varies by category and placement)
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Duration
- One academic year
- Renewable
- No
Eligible Fields of Study
Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Registered at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Studying for a Diploma or Degree in Music
- ✓ Submit a pre-recorded audition meeting FMR's technical and content requirements
- ✓ Signed reference letter from your current music teacher
- ✓ Strong performance ability in your chosen category
What's Included
- ✓ Cash bursary award to support tuition and music studies
- ✓ Exposure on Fine Music Radio (FMR)
- ✓ Performance opportunity at the UCT South African College of Music final
- ✓ Networking with the SA classical and jazz music community
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation) bursary application
- 1
Record a pre-audition video meeting FMR's technical standards (minimum 720p, clear audio, beginning with the applicant stating their name and works performed)
- 2
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted
- 3
Complete the FMR Bursary Awards entry form
- 4
Attach proof of academic registration, a copy of your South African ID and a signed teacher's reference letter
- 5
Submit the application before 12 June 2026
- 6
If chosen, perform live in the final round at the SA College of Music (UCT)
- 7
Winners announced after the final
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed FMR Bursary Awards entry form
- 📄 Pre-recorded audition video (YouTube unlisted link)
- 📄 Copy of South African ID
- 📄 Proof of academic registration at a recognised SA tertiary institution
- 📄 Signed reference letter from your music teacher
- 📄 Repertoire list for the audition video and the live final
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can enter the FMR Bursary Awards?
- South African music students registered for a Diploma or Degree at a recognised SA tertiary institution. You enter in one of six categories: classical voice, classical instrumental, jazz vocal, jazz instrumental, African music vocal or African music instrumental.
- How does the audition work?
- You first submit a pre-recorded video uploaded to YouTube as unlisted. Up to three applicants per category are then invited to perform live at the South African College of Music (UCT) final.
- What are the technical requirements for the audition video?
- Minimum 720p video resolution, clear audio, beginning with the applicant stating their name and full list of works being performed. Poor recordings are disqualified.
- When does the FMR Bursary close?
- Applications close on Friday, 12 June 2026. Late submissions are not considered, so prepare your audition video and documents well in advance.
When do 2027 applications open?
Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 12 June 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation) before you rely on them.
Check Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-05-19. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other General bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
NFVF National Bursary for Film and Television Studies
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS)
The NFVF National Bursary funds South African students pursuing accredited film and television studies at South African tertiary institutions. Awarded as a non-repayable grant based on merit and financial need, it covers 100% of tuition fees, with accommodation, meals and resources such as textbooks, computer and software covered subject to available funds. It is distinct from the NFVF's separately-applied-for International Bursary Programme for overseas postgraduate film and TV studies.
View details →Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary
Ninety One (administered by CareerWise)
The Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary is a fully-funded, holistic undergraduate bursary for high-potential South African school leavers from low-income households entering their first year of university in 2027. Beyond covering tuition, accommodation and learning materials, the programme provides private tutoring, mentorship and wellbeing support to help talented young people succeed. It is run by global asset manager Ninety One (formerly Investec Asset Management) and administered by CareerWise.
View details →Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship
Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) (Old Mutual; established April 2005 via a B-BBEE transaction with ten participating trade unions; administered in-house by Old Mutual, with the Trust Board granting final approval)
The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship is a partial bursary for paid-up members of ten participating South African trade unions, and the spouses and child-dependants of those members, who are studying towards a first undergraduate qualification at an accredited public university. It provides roughly R70,000-R77,000 per year toward study costs plus wraparound support including a dedicated Student Support Practitioner, a laptop, counselling, tutoring and vacation work. Around 60 scholarships are awarded each year, and the programme has produced more than 550 graduates since 2005.
View details →