VerifiedMusic is funded by the industry’s own institutions rather than by companies, and the biggest of them is funded by royalties. That is unusual and it is worth knowing, because it means the money is there every year regardless of the economy.
SAMRO Foundation
The SAMRO Foundation is the social investment arm of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, which collects performing rights royalties for composers and publishers. Its bursaries and overseas scholarships are the most significant music funding in the country. No 2027 closing date had been published when we checked in September 2026.
The teaching route
Most working musicians in South Africa teach, and the society that represents music teachers funds people who intend to. The SASMT study bursary, from the South African Society of Music Teachers, is open and closes on 31 October 2026.
If teaching is the plan, read our education bursaries page as well. A music degree plus a teaching qualification is funded from two directions, and most applicants only try one.
Other music funders
- National Arts Council
- Fine Music Radio, for classical students
- Goethe Talents
- Boston and YFM
- Revolution Media Academy
- NESP
- Cape Town Opera Judith Neilson Young Artist Programme
General scholarships that include music: Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship, Canon Collins Tom Queba Scholarship, NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund, Bridgestone.
See also our performing arts bursaries page.
