The Arts & Culture Trust is South Africa’s longest-standing independent arts funder, and Nyoloha, meaning to rise, is its scholarship for young artists. Two awards of up to R300 000 each send talented school leavers into performing, visual and digital arts degrees, judged on an audition or a portfolio as much as on marks.
About the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
- Two scholarships worth up to R300 000 each.
- Covers registration fees, tuition fees and up to R5 000 a year in study materials. Accommodation, transport and living expenses are not covered.
- Fields: undergraduate qualifications in the performing arts (singing, dance and acting) and in digital and visual arts.
Nyoloha Scholarship eligibility requirements
- South African citizen aged 17 to 25.
- In Matric, or with Matric and a university exemption, starting first year in the funded year.
- Demonstrated financial need, and real talent and dedication in your discipline.
- Not already a professional artist with specialist training or full-time employment, and not holding a tertiary arts qualification.
How to apply for the Nyoloha Scholarship
- Open the Nyoloha programme page at act.org.za when applications open.
- Upload a certified ID (front and back), recent academic results, a headshot photograph, your tertiary acceptance letter, a signed consent form and a completed financial assessment form.
- Performing arts applicants add a two-minute audition video. Visual and digital arts applicants add four portfolio pieces, a bio of 70 to 100 words and an artist statement. Submit before the closing date.
Nyoloha Scholarship closing date
27 April 2026 for 2027 study. Expect April 2027 for 2028.
Contact details
- Arts & Culture Trust: 010 023 0899, info@act.org.za
Arts students should also see the Netflix scholarship, the AFDA honours bursary and NSFAS.
FAQs
1. When does the ACT Nyoloha scholarship close for 2027? +
The round for 2027 study closed on 27 April 2026, after an extension from early April. Expect the round for 2028 study to open around February 2027 and close in April 2027.
2. What is the Arts & Culture Trust? +
South Africa's longest-standing independent arts funder, which supports artists and arts organisations. Nyoloha, meaning to rise, is its scholarship programme for young artists.
3. How much is it? +
Two scholarships worth up to R300 000 each, covering registration fees, tuition fees and up to R5 000 a year in study materials. Accommodation, transport and living expenses are not covered.
4. Which fields? +
Undergraduate qualifications in the performing arts (singing, dance and acting) and in digital and visual arts.
5. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens aged 17 to 25, in Matric or with a university exemption, starting first year in the funded year, with demonstrated financial need and real talent in their discipline. You may not already be a professional artist with specialist training or full-time employment, or hold a tertiary arts qualification.
6. How do I apply? +
Online at act.org.za, with a certified ID (front and back), recent academic results, a headshot, your tertiary acceptance letter, a signed consent form and a completed financial assessment form. Performing arts applicants add a two-minute audition video; visual and digital arts applicants add four portfolio pieces, a bio of 70 to 100 words and an artist statement.
Update note (checked September 2026): the round for 2027 study closed on 27 April 2026, after an extension from early April. Expect the round for 2028 study to open around February 2027 and close in April 2027.
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