ACT Nyoloha Scholarship South Africa 2026 – Arts Scholarship for Visual & Performing Students

Are you a talented young South African artist who dreams of studying the arts at a tertiary institution? 

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), in partnership with the Nedbank Arts Affinity and the MTN Foundation, invites aspiring visual, digital, and performing artists to apply for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) 2025, with scholarships for studies starting in 2026.

What the Scholarship Offers

The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is designed to support passionate young artists between the ages of 17 and 25 who want to study full-time towards an undergraduate arts qualification. 

The programme includes:

• Scholarship funding up to R300,000 to cover tuition, registration, books, or study materials.
  
• Mentorship and training in your chosen art discipline.
  
• Exposure to industry professionals and career-building experiences.
  
• A chance to perform or showcase your work in a gala event in Johannesburg.

Two full scholarships (one for performing arts, one for visual/digital arts) will be awarded for the 2026 academic year.

Who Should Apply?

You are encouraged to apply if you:

• Are a South African citizen aged 17–25.
  
• Are in matric OR already have matric with university/college admission.
  
• Are not currently enrolled in any tertiary arts programme.
  
• Have no previous arts qualification.
  
• Are not a professional artist or performer.
  
• Have not previously participated in the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme.
  
• Want to pursue a full-time arts qualification at a South African accredited institution.

Fields of Study

The scholarship supports studies in:

• Performing arts (e.g. singing, acting, dancing)
  
• Visual or digital arts

Applicants must be ready to begin first-year tertiary study in 2026.

Key Dates

• Applications close: 30 March 2025, 23:59 SAST
  
• Online training starts: 7 June 2025
  
• Gala showcase week in Johannesburg: 28 September – 5 October 2025
  
• Winners announced: 4 October 2025

When asked where you heard about bursaries, enter “www.bursariesafrica.co.za”

How to Apply

Visit the ACT Nyoloha application portal at www.act.org.za/nyoloha and:

1. Read the Application Guidelines Document
   
2. Complete the online application form
   
3. Upload your documents in one session

Required Documents

• South African ID copy (certified)
  
• Matric certificate or latest results
  
• Parental/guardian consent form (if under 18)
  
• Headshot photo

Additional Requirements by Category:

• Visual/Digital Arts: Submit a portfolio with 4 artworks, artist bio, and a short artist statement
  
• Performing Arts: Submit a 2-minute audition video in acting, singing, or dance
  
  • Actors must use one of the monologues provided on the website

Selection Process

• Around 80 applicants will be selected to join the NSP training phase.
  
• Bi-weekly virtual workshops will help develop your skills and confidence.
  
• A monthly evaluation system will track participation and growth.
  
• The top 15 finalists will be invited to Johannesburg for the final showcase week.
  
• ACT covers all travel, accommodation, and meals during the Johannesburg gala week.
  
• One winner in each category will be awarded a scholarship of up to R300,000.

Who May Not Apply

You are not eligible if you:

• Are a professional artist
  
• Already have a qualification in the arts
  
• Are currently studying or have already been accepted at a tertiary institution for 2025
  
• Participated in the ACT NSP within the last 3 years

Contact Details

• Website: www.act.org.za/nyoloha
• Phone: 010 023 0899
• Email: [email protected]