Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship South Africa 2027 

WHAT FIELDS DOES THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME COVER?

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), partnered with Nedbank Arts Affinity, supported by Nedbank, and MTN Foundation South Africa, is inviting students to apply for the Nyoloha Scholarship programme (NSP), for the 2027 academic year.

Scholarships will be awarded for undergraduate studies within the following fields:

• Performing Arts (Singing, Dance and Acting)
• Digital/ Visual Arts

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship.

RELATED BURSARIES

• View our other Arts Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Bursaries OPEN for application here.

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP COVER / WHAT IS THE TOTAL VALUE?

2 full scholarships will be awarded, up to a maximum value of R300 000, for studies at a tertiary or an accredited South African arts institution.

Scholarships will cover registration fees, tuition fees, and study materials (up to R5 000 per year). It will NOT cover accommodation, transport, or living expenses.

WHEN WILL STUDENTS BE SELECTED FOR THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP?

Selected applicants will be contacted by the end of May 2026 and unsuccessful applicants will be notified accordingly.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between the ages of 17 and 25 years old
• You must be currently in Matric OR must have completed Matric with a university exemption
• You must intend on pursuing an undergraduate qualification within the performing or visual arts field
• You must be starting your 1st year of study in 2027
• You must be in need of financial assistance to pursue your studies
• You must be a passionate, talented, and dedicated singer, dancer, actor, visual or digital artist
• You must be willing and able to commit to the 6-month duration of the programme
• You must intend on studying (but not currently registered) at an ACT approved accredited institution in South Africa
• You must NOT be considered a professional artist (you must NOT have specialized training/ and or be employed full time in your artistic discipline)
• You must NOT have any existing tertiary qualification in an arts/ creative discipline from a tertiary/ accredited institution in South Africa
• You must NOT be a 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme participant or finalist

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP?

Students may apply by following these steps:
Step 1: Complete the online: ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Application 2026

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Application.

Applicants should read the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Guidelines (.pdf) before applying.

Step 2: Upload clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed online application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID Document (certified copy of the front and back)
• Previous semester/ last academic results
• Clear photograph of yourself (head and shoulders only)
• Tertiary Acceptance Letter
• Signed and completed Consent Form (.pdf) (if you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian must sign this form)
• Signed and completed Financial Assessment Form (.pdf)
• Performing Arts (Singing, Dance and Acting) students: 2 minute video, following these guidelines:
  • Singing: prepare a song of your choice, in any genre, that best showcases your vocal range, technique and overall talent. You may use a backtrack or instruments as back-up.
  • Dance: prepare a dance/ movement piece of your choice, which best showcases your range and talent.
  • Theatre/ acting: prepare a monologue from the ACT Nyoloha Addendum 2, which best showcases your acting range and talent. Do NOT use your own material. Film in a room with good lighting and a plain background. Ensure to use landscape/horizontal mode. Avoid places with background noise and do not do your audition in the bathroom or any place where the sound will echo. No parents/legal guardian or teachers are allowed participation in the audition video. Use minimal props for your audition video. You may use a table and chair, and musical instruments (for singing recordings) as part of your props.
• Digital/ Visual Arts students: 4 x Portfolio pictures, following these guidelines:
  • 4 different and original pieces of work: 1x portrait, 1x landscape, 2x original artworks.
  • The submission must also include: A short bio of between 70 and 100 words. A short artist statement of between 70 and 100 words, detailing reason of creation of artworks in the format and style.

WHAT IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP?

5 April 2026.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

Please do NOT contact the Arts & Culture Trust if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this scholarship programme, please contact the Arts & Culture Trust directly:
Tel: 010 023 0899
Email: info@act.org.za

WHAT IS THE ARTS & CULTURE TRUST (ACT) AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) opened its doors in 1994, when it was known as the Arts and Culture Trust of the President. 28 years later, ACT serves the arts and culture sector in all 9 provinces of South Africa, as a registered non-profit organisation and is completely independent of government.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) was formed as a partnership between ACT and Nedbank Arts Affinity, with the goal of funding higher education for young South African performers and visual artists.

This bursary listing was last updated in March 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.