Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) Bursary For 2026. The Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) is one of the leading organizations dedicated to supporting music and arts education in Southern Africa. With a rich history of over a century in safeguarding the performing rights of its members, SAMRO plays an integral role in promoting the music industry. The organization’s contributions extend beyond just rights management; through the SAMRO Foundation, it aims to nurture young talent, fund educational initiatives, and support the growth of the music and arts sector in South Africa and surrounding countries.
SAMRO Bursaries for 2025 are part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for music students to further their education. If you’re a student passionate about music, this bursary could be the key to unlocking a promising academic and professional future.
What is SAMRO?
SAMRO stands for Southern African Music Rights Organization, an entity responsible for managing the performing rights of its members. SAMRO’s vast archive contains over 100,000 music scores, serving as a valuable resource for music creators. The SAMRO Foundation works hand-in-hand with SAMRO to provide support for music students, musicians, and educational institutions dedicated to the arts. Through its various programs, SAMRO ensures that composers and performers in South Africa and the surrounding Southern African region have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
SAMRO Bursaries for 2025
The SAMRO Bursary is an annual initiative that provides financial support to music students who are pursuing degrees or diplomas in music at South African universities. Each year, the foundation awards bursaries worth R11,000, which is used exclusively for tuition fees. This amount is meant to support students who are dedicated to their studies and want to build a career in music.
While the bursary amount is substantial, it is important to note that it is limited to specific criteria, and not all music students are eligible. For example, the SAMRO Bursary does not support students from private higher education institutions such as City Varsity, COPA, AFDA, or the Academy for Sound Engineering. Additionally, first-year university students, those in foundation or bridging programs, and students specializing in Musical Theatre or Music Therapy are excluded from the bursary. Doctoral students are also not eligible to apply.
Eligibility Requirements for SAMRO Bursary
To be eligible for the SAMRO Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Full-time students: Only students enrolled as full-time students at a South African university can apply.
- South African, Botswana, Lesotho, or Swaziland citizens: The bursary is open to students from these four countries.
- Degree or diploma students majoring in music: Applicants must be pursuing a degree or diploma with a major in music.
- 2nd, 3rd, 4th-year students, and postgraduates: The bursary is intended for students in their second, third, or fourth year of study, or for those pursuing an honours or master’s degree in music.
SAMRO Bursary Application Process
If you meet the eligibility requirements and wish to apply for the SAMRO Bursary, you need to follow a clear process:
Step 1: Application Form
Visit the official SAMRO Foundation website and complete the most recent application form available. You can find the form at the following link: SAMRO Music Bursary Application Form.
Step 2: Required Documents
Submit your completed application form along with the following supporting documents:
- Identity Document (ID): A copy of your official ID card.
- Proof of Registration: Proof that you are currently enrolled at a South African university.
- Examination Results or Latest Academic Record: Submit your most recent university transcript or proof of academic performance.
- Two Letters of Reference: You need to submit two letters of reference that are not older than three months. Ensure that these references follow the provided guidelines:
Reference Letter Guidelines. - Masters Applicants: If you are applying for a master’s bursary, include a 5–8 page synopsis of your thesis or dissertation.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the form and gathered all necessary documents, submit your application to the SAMRO Foundation. You can send the application via email to any of the following contact addresses:
Alternatively, you can mail your application to the address listed below:
- SAMRO Foundation
SAMRO Place, 20 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2017
Postal Address: P O Box 31609, Braamfontein 2017
Telephone: +27 (0) 11 712 8417
Important SAMRO Bursary Information
- Bursary Duration: The bursary is awarded for one academic year. If you are successful, the funds will be paid directly to the university where you are registered for the academic year.
- Non-transferable: The bursary cannot be transferred to other degrees or institutions. It is specifically for the degree or diploma program listed in your application.
- Closing Date: All applications must be submitted by 31 March of the academic year.
Contact Information for SAMRO
If you have any further questions regarding the bursary or need assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the SAMRO Foundation. Below are the relevant contact details:
- Address: SAMRO Place, 20 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2017
- Telephone: +27 (0) 11 712 8417
- Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
SAMRO Bursary Key Information
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Amount | R11,000 (Tuition Fees Only) |
| Eligible Countries | South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland |
| Eligible Programs | Music-related degrees and diplomas |
| Ineligible Programs | Musical Theatre, Music Therapy, Doctoral students |
| Eligibility | Full-time students, 2nd-4th year or postgraduate |
| Application Deadline | 31 March annually |
| Bursary Duration | 1 academic year |
| Application Link | SAMRO Bursary Application |
FAQs About SAMRO Bursary for 2026
Who can apply for the SAMRO Bursary?
Only full-time students registered at a South African university who are pursuing a degree or diploma majoring in music can apply. The bursary is also open to citizens of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
What documents are required to apply for the bursary?
Applicants need to submit their ID, proof of university registration, latest academic record, two letters of reference (not older than three months), and a synopsis of their thesis/dissertation if applying for a master’s bursary.
How can I contact SAMRO for more information?
You can contact SAMRO Foundation through their phone number (+27 (0) 11 712 8417) or email at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also visit their official website for more details.
Conclusion
The SAMRO Bursary for 2026 provides an invaluable opportunity for talented music students to pursue their studies without financial stress. Through this bursary, SAMRO continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the development of the arts and music sector in Southern Africa. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the necessary documents, make sure to apply by the annual deadline of 31 March. Take the first step toward your academic and professional success in music by applying for this prestigious bursary.
