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
- Closed 12 June 2026
- 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.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 12 June 2026.
Check Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation)'s official site for the next application window.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
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.
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