FMR Bursary 2026 Applications Open For Music Students

Fine Music Radio (FMR) has opened applications for its 2026 Bursary Trust Awards, a competition that helps talented music students continue their studies while also giving them a platform to showcase their abilities.

Unlike many bursaries that are awarded through academic results alone, this opportunity asks students to perform.

The competition combines funding, live performance opportunities, and exposure through one of South Africa’s best-known music radio stations.

Applications close on 12 June 2026.

Not Every Bursary Starts With An Audition

Most students apply for bursaries by submitting documents and waiting for a decision. The FMR Bursary Trust Awards take a different approach.

Applicants must submit a pre-recorded audition video that will be reviewed by judges. The strongest performers will then move on to a live final round at the Baxter Concert Hall in Cape Town.

The finals will also be broadcast on Fine Music Radio, giving participants the chance to have their performances heard by a wider audience.

For music students hoping to build a professional career, that kind of exposure can be valuable.

Four Different Categories Are Open

The competition is open to students studying towards a Diploma or Degree in Music.

Awards will be presented in four categories:

• African Music (Vocal or Instrumental)
• Classical Vocal
• Classical Instrumental
• Jazz Vocal or Instrumental

Up to three finalists will be selected in each category. Only the strongest performers will advance to the final stage of the competition.

More Than A Performance Competition

While the competition centres on musical ability, judges will look at more than technical skill. Applicants will also be assessed on their presentation and programme selection.

For Jazz and African Music entries, judges may consider factors such as musical arrangements, instrumentation choices, and leadership within an ensemble.

This means students need to think carefully about the pieces they choose and how they present themselves.

The Stage Where Finalists Will Perform

Successful applicants will perform at the Baxter Concert Hall in Rondebosch. The Classical categories will take place on 28 July 2026.

The Jazz and African Music categories will follow on 31 July 2026. Finalists will receive copies of their recorded broadcasts for personal use after the event.

The performances may also be recorded and used by the FMR Bursary Trust.

What Musicians Need To Prepare

Applicants are required to perform a programme of up to 15 minutes. The programme must include at least two pieces with contrasting styles. Additional requirements apply to some categories.

For example: Classical Vocal applicants must include at least one opera aria and one art song.

African Music applicants must demonstrate skill on at least two instruments, with voice allowed as one of those instruments.

The competition is designed to test versatility as well as musical talent.

Who Can Enter?

Students who wish to apply must:

• Be South African citizens
• Live in South Africa
• Be studying towards a Music Diploma or Degree
• Be registered at a recognised South African tertiary institution

The competition is aimed at students who are actively developing their musical careers through formal study.

The Audition Video Could Make The Difference

One of the most important parts of the application is the audition video. Applicants must upload an unlisted YouTube video and include the link in their application.

The video should:

• Be no longer than 15 minutes
• Be recorded in landscape format
• Have clear audio and video quality
• Begin with the applicant introducing themselves and their programme
• Include details of all works performed

Because the video acts as the first round of judging, applicants should spend time preparing a strong submission.

Why Opportunities Like This Are Important

Building a career in music can be difficult.

Many talented students have the skills needed to succeed but struggle to access funding, performance opportunities, and industry exposure.

Competitions such as the FMR Bursary Trust Awards help bridge that gap by supporting students financially while also placing them in front of industry professionals, audiences, and fellow musicians.

For young performers, that combination can be just as important as the bursary itself.

About Fine Music Radio

Fine Music Radio 101.3 FM is a Cape Town-based community radio station known for its focus on classical and jazz music.

Over the years, the station has built a reputation for supporting music education, live performance, and artistic development.

The FMR Bursary Trust Awards were established through the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation to help talented music students continue their studies and develop their careers.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official FMR Bursary Trust Awards application platform. Applicants must also read the competition rules before applying.

Supporting documents include:

• ID document
• Proof of tertiary registration
• Reference letter from a lecturer or teacher
• Short biography
• Motivational letter
• Programme details
• Unlisted YouTube audition link

Applications close on 12 June 2026.

Final Word

For music students, opportunities to gain funding and perform before a live audience do not come around often. The FMR Bursary Trust Awards offer both.

Students with talent in African Music, Classical Music, or Jazz have a chance to compete for support while showcasing their abilities on a respected platform that reaches audiences beyond the classroom.