The National Arts Council (NAC) of South Africa understands that securing funding for education in the arts can be incredibly challenging.
As a response, they provide talented South African students with financial support through their comprehensive National Arts Council bursary program.
Whether you are an aspiring artist, performer, designer, or arts administrator, the National Arts Council bursary opportunity could be the big step in realizing your academic goals.
About the National Arts Council Bursary
The NAC Bursary program extends to a variety of specializations within the arts sector, catering to undergraduate studies pursued within South Africa.
Funding may also be available in specific cases for postgraduate studies or specialized courses.
Some of the disciplines that may be eligible for funding include:
- Visual Arts
- Performing arts (dance, theater, music)
- Literature
- Crafts
- Arts Administration and Management, etc.
If an applicant is successful, they can receive financial aid to cover essentials like tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and in some instances, living expenses.
National Arts Council Bursary Application Form
To apply for the NAC Bursary program, you will need to obtain the official application form from the National Arts Council.
It can be found on their website or you may be able to request a copy from their offices.
Here’s what you’ll likely need to provide:
- A completed National Arts Council Bursary application form
- Certified copies of your academic records and relevant transcripts
- A detailed motivational letter outlining your artistic goals and why you’re a good fit for the bursary
- Letters of reference or recommendation (usually 2-3)
- A comprehensive portfolio of your artistic work or proof of skills (if applicable)
Careful completion of the application with supporting documents is very important so be sure to follow all instructions and provide complete information.
National Arts Council Bursary Requirements
To be considered for the National Arts Council Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizenship: You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Academic acceptance: You need to have secured provisional or confirmed acceptance into an accredited arts-related program at a South African tertiary institution. For international studies, you must be able to demonstrate the non-availability of a comparable course within South Africa.
- Academic merit: Applicants must demonstrate strong academic potential, typically reflected in past academic transcripts.
- Financial need: The NAC prioritizes financially disadvantaged students.
National Arts Council Bursary Closing Date
The closing date for the National Arts Council Bursary varies each year. Last year’s bursary application cycle closed on 31 March 2023 at 23:59. This year’s dates are yet to be confirmed.
It’s essential to stay updated by regularly checking the NAC website or contacting your nearest NAC office for the most accurate closing date information applicable to the current funding cycle.
For further inquiries or assistance with the National Arts Council Bursary, you can contact the NAC through phone call on: 087 7000 683/ 011 010 8850 or email at: [email protected].