
The SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 are now open for applications. If you are a music student or a paid-up member of the South African Society of Music Teachers, this opportunity could help you fund your music studies. The SASMT grew out of a small association of music teachers formed on the Rand in 1919, with the first Annual General Council Meeting held in October 1922. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what types of bursaries are available, what the requirements are, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT)
The South African Society of Music Teachers grew out of a small association of music teachers formed on the Rand in 1919.
The first “Annual General Council Meeting”, as it was called, was held in October 1922. The prime mover in the formation of the Society was Harry Garvin, a prominent teacher and all-round musician in Johannesburg. Mr Garvin had previously been one of the founders of “The South African Union of Musicians” and was president of that body during its lifetime from 1894 to 1907. He was also president of the South African Society of Music Teachers from its inception till the end of 1931.
The South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) Bursaries South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their bursary programmes for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) • Founded: 1919 • Focus: Music studies • Academic Year: 2027
What Types of Bursaries Are Available?
The SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 offers five types of bursaries to paid-up SASMT members and students of members:
- SASMT Study Bursary: For music studies
- David Reunert Bursary: For music studies – students who wish to pursue music professionally, as teacher or performer
- Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship: For music studies in the field of stringed instruments, particularly the violin
- Gladwell Scholarship: For music studies, either instrumental, vocal, or composition
- Kathleen Irish Scholarship: For piano studies
Note: Winners of the bursary awards will be required to perform at the next SASMT Annual General Meeting.
Eligibility Requirements for the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027, check that you meet the specific requirements for each bursary below.
SASMT Study Bursary
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be an existing paid-up SASMT member of more than 2 years
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards a Music qualification
- You must be studying or accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
David Reunert Bursary
- You must be a student of current and paid-up members of the SASMT
- You must reside in South Africa
- You must be between 18 and 25 years old
- You must be studying Music and intend on taking up music professionally, either as teacher or performer
- You must have completed Matric and be in possession of a National Senior Certificate or equivalent
Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be a student of current and paid-up members of the SASMT
- You must be studying within the field of stringed instruments, particularly the violin
- You must be studying local or international music
Gladwell Scholarship
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be under 25 years old
- You must be a student of current and paid-up members of the SASMT
- You must be studying within the music field – instrumental, vocal, or composition
- You must be studying local or international music at an institution or teacher approved by the Council of the SASMT
- You must be of Grade 8 standard of any of the music examining bodies or of a higher standard
Kathleen Irish Scholarship
- You must be a student of current and paid-up members of the SASMT
- You must have financial need
- You must be a promising music pupil wishing to study piano at tertiary level
- You must be studying local or international music at an institution or teacher approved by the Council of the SASMT
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
SASMT Study Bursary
- ID document
- Photo of yourself in electronic format (500 px in height – not older than 3 months)
- Full academic record
- Proof of acceptance at an academic institution
- Recommendation by a SASMT member
- Short Curriculum Vitae
- Motivational letter stating why you require financial support
David Reunert Bursary, Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship, Gladwell Scholarship, Kathleen Irish Scholarship
- ID document
- Photo of yourself in electronic format (500 px in height – not older than 3 months)
- Full academic record
- Recommendation letter by teacher or mentor
- Short Curriculum Vitae
- YouTube link to a recent unedited video recording (must consist of the unedited performance of a minimum of 3 contrasting works from at least 2 style periods with a total duration of 15–20 minutes. The name and instrument of the candidate must be indicated on the video. The quality of the recording could influence the result)
- Declaration by the teacher that the recording is of the candidate’s own performance
How to Apply for the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for your chosen bursary, including membership requirements, age limits, and music study criteria.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. For performance-based bursaries, prepare your YouTube video recording as specified.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the appropriate button below for your chosen bursary. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
SASMT Study Bursary
David Reunert Bursary
Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship
Gladwell Scholarship
Kathleen Irish Scholarship
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027: 31 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027, please contact the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) directly:
- Contact person: Priscilla Crundwell (Executive Officer)
- Cell: 083 788 2649
- Email: pmcrundwell@gmail.com
SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT)
- Bursary Name: SASMT Bursaries Programme
- Founded: 1919
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: Paid-up SASMT members and students of members
- Five bursary types: SASMT Study Bursary, David Reunert Bursary, Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship, Gladwell Scholarship, Kathleen Irish Scholarship
- Fields of study: Music (general, stringed instruments/violin, piano, instrumental, vocal, composition)
- Key requirements: Vary by bursary – includes membership, age limits (18-25 or under 25), Grade 8 standard, financial need, professional intent
- Performance requirement: YouTube video recording (3 contrasting works, 15-20 minutes) for most bursaries
- Required documents: ID, photo, academic record, recommendation, CV, motivational letter, YouTube link, teacher’s declaration
- Application method: Online via SASMT website
- Closing date: 31 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027
1. Do I need to be a SASMT member to apply?
Most SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 require you to be either a paid-up SASMT member (more than 2 years for the Study Bursary) or a student of current paid-up SASMT members. Check the specific requirements for each bursary.
2. What is the age limit for the David Reunert Bursary?
The David Reunert Bursary under the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be between 18 and 25 years old.
3. What is the Grade level required for the Gladwell Scholarship?
The Gladwell Scholarship under the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be of Grade 8 standard of any of the music examining bodies or of a higher standard.
4. Do I need to submit a video recording?
Yes. For the David Reunert Bursary, Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship, Gladwell Scholarship, and Kathleen Irish Scholarship under the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027, you must submit a YouTube link to an unedited video recording of a performance.
5. What should my video recording include?
Your video for the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 must consist of the unedited performance of a minimum of 3 contrasting works from at least 2 style periods with a total duration of 15–20 minutes. Your name and instrument must be indicated on the video.
6. What is the Kathleen Irish Scholarship for?
The Kathleen Irish Scholarship under the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 is specifically for piano studies.
7. What is the Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship for?
The Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship under the SASMT Bursaries South Africa 2027 is for music studies in the field of stringed instruments, particularly the violin.
8. Where can I find more music bursaries?
Visit EduFunds music bursaries page for more funding opportunities in the field of music.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT)
Bursaries Programme 2027
Supporting musical excellence • Developing music teachers • Enriching South Africa’s cultural future