Fine Music Radio Bursary 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 12 June 2026
Provider: Fine Music Radio
Field of study: Performing Arts, Music
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The most recent round closed on 12 June 2026.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Closed · applications closed on 12 June 2026 Fine Music Radio runs an annual mid-year cycle, so expect the next round to close in June 2027. Latest update ↓

Fine Music Radio is the Cape Town community station devoted to classical and jazz, and its Bursary Trust Music Awards are part audition, part scholarship. Students submit a recorded performance, and the strongest play a final round live at the Baxter Concert Hall in front of a panel.

About the FMR Bursary

Categories: African music (vocal or instrument), classical vocal, classical instrumental, and jazz vocal or instrumental.
Judged on a pre-recorded video audition, with a final round performed live at the Baxter Concert Hall.
Supports students working towards a diploma or degree in music at a South African tertiary institution.

FMR Bursary eligibility requirements

South African citizen living in South Africa.
Studying towards a diploma or degree in music.
Registered at a South African tertiary institution.
Able to perform at the standard the audition requires.

How to apply for the FMR Bursary

Open the bursary awards page at fmr.co.za for the current application form.
Prepare your ID, proof of registration on the institution’s letterhead, a reference letter from your teacher or lecturer with contact details, a biography of no more than 300 words, a motivation letter on your career goals, and full programme details including composers and instrumentation.
Record an unlisted YouTube audition video of up to 15 minutes, filmed in landscape at 720p or better, and submit everything before the closing date.

FMR Bursary closing date

12 June 2026 in the most recent round. Expect June 2027 for the next one.

Contact details

Email: bursaryawards@fmr.co.za
Website: www.fmr.co.za

Music and arts students should also apply to the ACT Nyoloha scholarship and NSFAS.

FAQs

1. When does the FMR bursary close for 2027? +

The most recent round closed on 12 June 2026. Fine Music Radio runs an annual mid-year cycle, so expect the next round to close in June 2027. Email the bursary office to confirm.

2. What is Fine Music Radio? +

A Cape Town community radio station specialising in classical and jazz music, which runs the FMR Bursary Trust Music Awards for young South African musicians.

3. Which categories? +

African music (vocal or instrument), classical vocal, classical instrumental, and jazz vocal or instrumental.

4. Who qualifies? +

South African citizens living in South Africa who are studying towards a diploma or degree in music and registered at a South African tertiary institution.

5. How is it judged? +

On a pre-recorded video audition. Selected candidates go through to a final round performed live at the Baxter Concert Hall in Cape Town.

6. How do I apply? +

Through the online application form, with your ID, proof of registration on the institution's letterhead, a reference letter from your teacher or lecturer with contact details, a biography of no more than 300 words, a motivation letter on your career goals, full programme details including composers and instrumentation, and an unlisted YouTube audition video of up to 15 minutes, filmed in landscape at 720p or better.

Update note (checked September 2026): the most recent round closed on 12 June 2026. Fine Music Radio runs an annual mid-year cycle, so expect the next round to close in June 2027. Email the bursary office to confirm.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

About Fine Music Radio

Non-profit community radio station (classical and jazz)

Fine Music Radio (FMR) has broadcast classical music and jazz to Cape Town since 1995 from the Artscape Theatre Centre, on 101.3FM and associated frequencies. FMR runs largely on donations, and most of its presenters and staff work…

Read the full Fine Music Radio profile →

Website: fmr.co.za

Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.