Are you a talented music student looking for financial support and a platform to showcase your skills? Fine Music Radio (FMR), in partnership with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation, is officially inviting South African music students to apply for the 2026 FMR Bursary Trust Music Awards.

This is more than just a bursary; it is a prestigious competition that offers a total of R120,000 in prizes across four distinct categories. It provides young musicians with the opportunity to perform at the Baxter Theatre and have their music broadcast to a wide audience.

Bursary Overview

• Closing Date: 12 June 2026
• Total Prize Value: R120,000
• Finals Location: Baxter Concert Hall, Cape Town
• Finals Dates: 28 July 2026 (Classical) & 31 July 2026 (Jazz/African)

Available Categories

The competition rewards one winner in each of the following four categories:

1. Classical Instrumental
2. Classical Vocal (Must include at least one opera aria and one art-song)
3. Jazz Vocal/Instrumental
4. African Music (Vocal/Instrumental) (Must show skill on at least two instruments, one of which can be voice)

The Competition Process

1. Preliminary Round: Applicants submit a pre-recorded audition video (max 15 minutes) uploaded to YouTube as an “unlisted” link.
2. Final Round: A maximum of three finalists per category will be selected to perform live at the Baxter Concert Hall in Cape Town. These performances will be recorded and broadcast on Fine Music Radio.

Requirements: Who Should Apply?

To be eligible for the FMR Bursary Trust Awards, you must meet these criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen and reside in South Africa.
• Must be currently registered for a Diploma or Degree in Music (Performance focus) at a recognized South African tertiary institution.
• Must have a strong academic and performance record.

Required Supporting Documents

When applying, you must submit clear copies of the following:

• Certified copy of your ID document.
• Proof of registration for 2026 on the institution’s official letterhead.
• A reference/endorsement letter from your music teacher or lecturer.
• A short biography (maximum 300 words).
• A motivational letter outlining your career goals and how you would use the funds.
• Full programme details (titles of works, composers, and arrangers).
• An unlisted YouTube link for your audition video.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the official FMR application portal.

Click Here to apply Online for the Fine Music Radio 2026 Bursary Awards