The music access courses referred to as Bridging Courses or Foundation Courses at several tertiary institutions are specifically oriented towards entry into tertiary undergraduate music programmes. SAMRO Foundation's support of these programmes is to address problems of previously disadvantaged students by providing support to programmes that provide music literacy and skills to prepare students for tertiary education at universities. Many of the students who have been awarded these bursaries have completed diplomas or degrees. It is also a way of providing students with access to education and career opportunities in music and the ability to return to their communities as leaders in order to raise the standard of music education.

Such courses currently supported by the Foundation include programmes at the following institutions: The North-West University, Stellenbosch University, The University of Cape Town, The University of KwaZulu-Natal, and Wits University.