NAC South Africa International Bursary 2025

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL (NAC)

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) was established by parliament in 1997. The NAC is mandated to encourage and provide opportunities to artists, allow historically disadvantaged individuals the opportunity to access the arts, promote the understanding and appreciation for art, allow all the right/ freedom to do art, promote art within various communities, promote national identity and consciousness through art, address the historical imbalance in the promotion of arts, and create a relationship on a national scale between individuals and art institutions.

The NAC’s vision is to be a front runner in the cultural, arts and creative community, actively supporting diverse and free creative expression. This is further supported by its mission to be an accessible and responsive funding agency, delivering value to the public by creating partnerships that promote the development/ sustainability of the creative sector.
 

ABOUT THE NAC INTERNATIONAL BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The National Arts Council (NAC) is inviting students to apply for their International bursary programme, for the 2025 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for International Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies, in the disciplines of Craft, Dance, Literature, Multidiscipline, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

Through the bursary programme, the NAC hopes to increase the development of talented artists at various international institutions.
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE NAC INTERNATIONAL BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED & SELECTION

Applicants will be assessed based on the following main criteria: artistic merit, financial need, acceptance at the identified institution, credibility of the qualification, prestige of the institution.

Funding will be granted to a maximum value of R250 000 per annum, subject to Council approval.

Funding is renewable each year, for the duration of the course, subject to the student completing each year of study and with adherence to the conditions of the grant.

Successful candidates will be contacted by 26 August 2025 – if you do not receive any feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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 NAC South Africa International Bursary.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NAC INTERNATIONAL BURSARY

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 studying towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate qualification, within one of the Arts fields of study listed above
  • You must be registered or accepted to study at an international tertiary institution
  • You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%
  • You must be enrolled at an accredited overseas tertiary institution
  • Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
  • You must read the NAC international bursary guidelines (.pdf)

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NAC INTERNATIONAL BURSARY

Applications must be submitted online at: NAC International Bursary Application 2025

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the NAC South Africa International Bursary.
 

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

  • ID document (certified copy – not be older than 12 months)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Course structure/ content
  • Study fees structure from tertiary institution
  • Proof of acceptance/ registration at an accredited institution (on institutions letterhead)
  • Transcript of results/ recognition of prior learning qualification by academic institutions
  • Certified copies of degrees/ certificates/ diplomas
  • Proof of any other bursary funding (if applicable)
  • Two reference letters from industry professionals (signed, dated with a full address and not be older than 12 months) (read our tips on how to get a letter of reference/ testimonial for your bursary application)
  • Motivational letter stating why you should be awarded the bursary and your future career aspirations (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
  • Proof of household/ own income
  • Bank statement/ proof of bank account (with a bank stamp not older than 6 months)

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE NAC INTERNATIONAL BURSARY

11 July 2025 (at 23:59).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Tel: 087 700 0683 / 011 010 8886
WhatsApp: 060 791 5555
Email: info@nac.org.za / Thola@nac.org.za
 

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

This bursary listing was last updated in June 2025.

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.