NFVF National Bursary 2026: Funding for Film & Television Studies in South Africa
NFVF National Bursary 2026: Funding for Film & Television Studies in South Africa
Anyone who has tried to break into the film and television industry in South Africa knows the same story — talent isn’t usually the problem, tuition fees are. The NFVF National Bursary for Film & Television Studies exists precisely to close that gap, offering funded study opportunities to South Africans who want to build a career behind or in front of the camera but need financial backing to get there.
Here’s the essential information before anything else:
- Closing Date: 31 August 2026 at 17:00 (applications opened 2 June 2026)
- Location: Nationwide — open to students at accredited tertiary institutions across South Africa
- Salary/Funding: Not a salary, but a non-repayable bursary covering full tuition fees, with accommodation, meals and study resources capped at R50,000 per year, available only to first-year students
If you’re studying, or planning to study, anything film or television-related and money is the thing standing between you and your qualification, this bursary is worth a proper look before the deadline closes.
Bursary Overview
This isn’t a loan that needs repaying — it’s a merit and need-based grant aimed at growing South Africa’s pool of skilled film and television professionals. The National Film and Video Foundation puts funding directly into the hands of students who are registered, or provisionally registered, for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study in film or television disciplines at accredited South African institutions. It’s a national programme, meaning students from any province can apply, provided they meet the criteria set out below.
What This Bursary Is Really About
South Africa’s creative industry has been growing steadily, but access to formal, funded training has historically been one of its biggest bottlenecks. This bursary was designed to change that by directly funding students who show both academic promise and genuine financial need, rather than restricting support to only the most well-resourced applicants. It reflects a broader push within the sector to bring more voices — particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds — into film and television as a viable, funded career path.
Eligibility Requirements
Not every applicant will qualify, so it helps to check the basics before starting the paperwork. To be considered, an applicant must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have completed and passed matric
- Have a good academic record
- Be able to demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance
- Be registered, or provisionally registered, for a full-time undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, or degree in a film or television discipline at an accredited South African tertiary institution
Courses in acting, music, dancing, or any other performing arts discipline outside of film and television fall outside the scope of this particular bursary, so it’s worth confirming your specific course qualifies before applying.
Compulsory Documents
Applications that are missing supporting documents are one of the most common reasons candidates get turned away, so it pays to prepare everything properly in advance. Required documentation includes:
- A completed online application form
- A letter of acceptance from the institution, or a letter acknowledging the application
- A one-page motivation letter for tuition funding
- A certified copy of your ID, dated within six months of application
- A certified copy of your matric certificate or latest academic results, dated within six months
- A commitment letter for a bursary or loan from another sponsor or bank, where applicable
- A full breakdown of annual academic fees from the institution
- A certified copy of the Senior Certificate, dated within six months
Applicants who are minors and unemployed need to provide additional documentation, including an affidavit on the whereabouts of an absent parent, proof of any social grant received, and proof of a guardian’s income. Applicants older than 21 need to show their own proof of financial need through recent payslips or bank statements.
Selection Criteria
Because funding is limited, applications are assessed against a set of weighted factors rather than handed out on a first-come basis. These include:
- Financial need — households earning a combined income of less than R600,000 per year generally qualify under this criterion
- Academic performance — current students need an aggregate of at least 60%, along with meeting the minimum pass rate for progression; matric applicants without final results yet are assessed on Grade 11 or mid-year matric marks
- Motivation — a clear, detailed explanation of why the applicant wants to study film or television and how it connects to their career goals
- Demographics and transformation — gender, race, disability status and home province are all factored in, in line with the NFVF’s transformation objectives
What the Bursary Covers
Successful applicants can expect the bursary to cover:
- Full tuition fees, verified directly through the tertiary institution’s letterhead
- Accommodation and meals, though only for first-year students and capped at R50,000 combined per year for accommodation, meals and other resources
- Additional resources such as textbooks, a computer, or relevant software, subject to the same overall cap
Travel expenses are not covered under this bursary, so applicants should budget separately for that. It’s also worth noting that outstanding or previously owed tertiary fees will not be funded — this bursary is intended for forward-looking study costs only.
A Few Important Conditions
Students approved for funding at a public tertiary institution cannot switch to a private institution afterwards without losing their bursary. This condition is enforced strictly, so applicants should be certain of where they intend to study before submitting an application, rather than treating institution choice as flexible later on. Preference is also given to applicants enrolled at public tertiary institutions over private ones.
About the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
The National Film and Video Foundation is a statutory body established to drive the equitable growth and development of South Africa’s film and video industry. Operating as an agency under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, its mandate covers far more than just bursaries — the NFVF funds the development, production, marketing and distribution of South African films, while also investing in the training and upskilling of new filmmakers entering the industry.
Beyond funding, the NFVF commissions research and compiles industry statistics that give both the public and industry stakeholders a clearer picture of how South Africa’s film sector is performing and where the gaps lie. Its work spans everything from supporting local productions and festival attendance to backing international bursaries for postgraduate study abroad, all aimed at building a more competitive, representative film and television industry for the country.
How to Apply
Applications for the NFVF National Bursary for Film & Television Studies must be submitted online between 2 June and 31 August 2026, before 17:00 on the closing date. Applications sent via email or fax will not be considered, and incomplete forms or uncertified supporting documents will result in disqualification, so it’s worth double-checking everything before hitting submit.
For any questions about the process, applicants can reach out to the NFVF’s Applications Officers, Thandekile Hlatshwayo or Manti Sekwakwa Mmalebati, on 011 483 0880. Given how detailed the documentation requirements are, it’s worth starting the application well before the closing date rather than rushing it in the final days.
