The awards scour the land for the act worthy of winning the top prize, which includes recording time at the prestigious Grouse Lodge Studios, rehearsal time at The Rehearsal Rooms, CD duplication from Easy Duplication, a guaranteed place in the UK NSMA Final.
Winners of the UK NSMA final not only get studio time at Abbey Road studios, but they will also appear on CD:UK.
And last year's recipients of the accolade and prizes were Dublin's own Delorentos.
Lead singer Kieran McGuinness said: ""The NSMA’s were a great experience last year. Due to the event we got a lot more press, got to record in an excellent studio and it certainly helped us in our touring and release. We would recommend all student bands to get involved and give it a go, it could make a massive difference."
The NMSA are now inviting budding musicians to submit their demo to NSMA 2006, Suite 49, 148 Lower Rathmines Road. Dublin 6 before February 17. The awards are open to any act that has at least one member in full-time education in Ireland.