SAKOV (the Southern African Church and Concert Organists Society) has announced its 2026 study bursaries to support meritorious study and training in organ performance, organ building/tuning, and church music in Southern Africa.
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Southern African Church and Concert Organists Society (SAKOV)
- Fields/level: Organ studies (undergraduate to doctoral), church music (academic), organ building/tuning (training), plus bursaries for school learners and church organists
- Who it’s for: Current SAKOV members pursuing eligible study/training in Southern Africa
- Closing date: 26 June 2026 (applications) (recordings: 20 July 2026 where required)
About SAKOV
SAKOV is a Southern African society supporting church and concert organists and the broader organ and church music community. The bursaries aim to provide financial assistance and encourage quality organ playing, organ studies, organ building, and research in church music.
What it covers
The brochure describes this as financial assistance for eligible study/training. The value/amount is not specified in the brochure—confirm the funding details with SAKOV during the selection process.
Eligibility checklist
- Must be a current SAKOV member (membership fees for 2026 must be paid by end of May before applying).
- No age restrictions (as stated in the bursary conditions).
- Meet the category-specific requirements (e.g., programme submission for organ studies; research proposal for academic church music bursary; motivation and organ-builder recommendation for organ building/tuning bursary).
Documents to prepare
- Completed application form
- Certified copy of ID document or passport
- Applicant photo (per brochure requirements)
- Proof of registration at a tertiary/other institution or a letter from your teacher/organ builder
- A programme (required for degree-purpose organ study bursaries)
- Where applicable: scanned copies of the sheet music for pieces to be performed
- Where applicable: academic research proposal (church music – academic bursary)
- Where applicable: motivation letter + cost breakdown + organ builder’s recommendation (organ building/tuning bursary)
Closing date
- Applications close: 26 June 2026
- Recordings close: 20 July 2026 (for organ study bursaries processed through recordings)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without being a paid-up SAKOV member for 2026.
- Leaving out certified documents (ID/photo/proof of registration) or submitting an incomplete form.
- Not including a programme / required category documents (proposal, recommendation, cost breakdown).
- Submitting after the closing date (late applications/recordings are disqualified).
How to apply
- Download the official brochure + application form and identify the bursary category you’re applying for.
- Complete the form and compile the required supporting documents.
- Email your application (with attachments) to info@sakov.co.za as instructed in the brochure.
- If applying for an organ study bursary that requires recordings, submit your recordings via an online transfer/storage link as instructed in the brochure.