General

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

Classical Voice
Classical Instrumental Music
Jazz Vocal
Jazz Instrumental
African Music Vocal
African Music Instrumental

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. 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. 2

    Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted

  3. 3

    Complete the FMR Bursary Awards entry form

  4. 4

    Attach proof of academic registration, a copy of your South African ID and a signed teacher's reference letter

  5. 5

    Submit the application before 12 June 2026

  6. 6

    If chosen, perform live in the final round at the SA College of Music (UCT)

  7. 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 site

Information verified 2026-05-19. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

Other General bursaries

More funding opportunities in this field

Enel Green Power RSA Bursary

Enel Green Power RSA (ENGPRSA) (administered by StudyTrust)

The Enel Green Power RSA Bursary supports academically strong, financially needy South African students from communities living within roughly 50 km of Enel's wind and solar farms in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape and Western Cape. Administered by StudyTrust, it is open to all fields of study at accredited public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges, with the value set individually and full-cost support where applicable. It forms part of Enel Green Power RSA's community and socio-economic development commitments near its renewable energy sites.

View details →

Investec High School Bursary Programme

Investec (administered by StudyTrust)

The Investec High School Bursary Programme funds high-achieving learners from township and rural schools for the remainder of their high school studies (Grades 10, 11 and 12). It supports learners at their existing schools rather than moving them, with a strong focus on Mathematics and Physical Science. Selection is based on both financial need and academic potential, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an award.

View details →

ITHUBA National Lottery Bursary

ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery)

The ITHUBA National Lottery Bursary funds high-performing South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in commerce (accounting, finance, marketing) and IT disciplines - including a lower household-income threshold than most corporate bursaries.

View details →