CALL FOR LOCAL POSTGRADUATE AND BLOCK INSTITUTIONAL BURSARY APPLICATIONS

2026 ACADEMIC YEAR

IS NOW OPEN

CLOSING DATE 19 December 2025 @ 23 h59          OUTCOMES DATE 30 January 2026

The National Arts Council is pleased to announce the call for bursary applications for the academic year beginning in January 2026. The Bursary funding aims to provide support to aspirational arts practitioners in the acquisition of relevant arts qualifications and arts related knowledge and skills base.

The funding of bursaries is an essential element for developing the arts to ensure excellence. Through support for the provision of training and education, the NAC offers grants for bursaries to help grow the talent of students, art practitioners, art technicians, arts administrators, and other industry related professionals. This ensures that South Africa has a sustainable pool of talented artists and leaders.

The invitation is to local post-graduate students and registered education and training institutions that are involved in studies or provision of tuition in the fields of theatre, dance, crafts, literature, multidiscipline, music, visual arts, cultural policy, arts and culture management as well as any arts related course. This invitation also extends to students applying for Bachelor of Technology degree in the arts. Particular attention will be paid to post-graduate qualifications that address rare skills required in the arts sector.

The invitation is extended to:

(a) Individual local post-graduate studies (both part-time and full-time studies) for the year 2026. The grant will be renewed for the duration of studies, subject to successful completion of each year of study with a minimum pass rate of 65% overall.

(b) Block institutional bursaries for undergraduate students who will be studying in South Africa during 2026. Institutions that apply for funding are required to support undergraduate students for the duration of their undergraduate studies, subject to successful completion of each year of study. Institutions should be prepared to enter into a service level agreement with the NAC in the fulfilment of this requirement.

• Closing date for applications:    19 December 2025 at 11h59
• Outcomes:                                  30 January 2026 

Please note that late and incomplete applications will not be considered, and no exceptions will be made. Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nac.praxisgms.co.za/. For more information, please contact Ms Thola Phetla at Thola@nac.org.za.

Only South African citizens are eligible to apply.

Issued by: The National Arts Council, PO Box 500, Newtown, 2113

66 Margaret Mcingana Street, Market Theatre Precinct,

Newtown, 2113. Tel: 087 700 0683 Email: info@nac.org.za