Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship 2026

About the Bursary Provider

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) was established in 1994, originally known as the Arts and Culture Trust of the President. Today, ACT operates as an independent, registered non-profit organisation supporting the arts and culture sector across all nine provinces of South Africa. The Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) was created through a partnership between ACT and Nedbank Arts Affinity to provide financial support to talented young South African performers and visual artists who wish to pursue higher education in the arts.

Fields Covered

In partnership with Nedbank Arts Affinity and with support from Nedbank and MTN Foundation South Africa, ACT invites applications for the 2027 academic year. Scholarships are available for undergraduate studies in Performing Arts (Singing, Dance, Acting) and Digital and Visual Arts.

Scholarship Value and Coverage

Two full scholarships will be awarded, each valued at up to R300,000, for study at a recognised South African tertiary institution or accredited arts institution. The scholarship covers registration fees, tuition fees, and study materials (up to R5,000 per year). It does not cover accommodation, transport, or living expenses. Successful applicants will be contacted by the end of May 2026, and unsuccessful applicants will also be notified.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be South African citizens between 17 and 25 years old, currently in Matric or have completed Matric with university exemption. They must intend to pursue an undergraduate qualification in performing or visual arts and be entering their first year of study in 2027. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and show passion, talent, and dedication in singing, dancing, acting, visual, or digital arts. They must commit to the 6-month duration of the programme and intend to study at an ACT-approved accredited institution (not currently registered). Applicants must not be considered professional artists, must not hold any tertiary qualification in an arts or creative discipline, and must not have been participants or finalists in the 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme. Failure to meet all requirements will result in disqualification.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship application portal. When asked how you heard about the scholarship, enter https://bursariesguru.co.za/. Applicants are advised to read the official ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Guidelines before applying.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit a certified copy of their ID (front and back), latest academic results, a clear head-and-shoulders photograph, a tertiary acceptance letter, a signed Consent Form (parent or guardian signature required if under 18), and a signed Financial Assessment Form. Performing Arts applicants must submit a 2-minute video: singers should perform a song that showcases vocal range and technique (backing tracks allowed); dancers should present a dance or movement piece demonstrating range and skill; actors must perform a monologue from the official ACT Nyoloha Addendum 2 (no self-written material). Videos must be recorded in landscape mode, with good lighting, a plain background, minimal props, and no assistance from parents, guardians, or teachers. Digital and Visual Arts applicants must submit four portfolio images (one portrait, one landscape, and two original artworks), along with a short biography (70–100 words) and a short artist statement (70–100 words) explaining their creative process and inspiration.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 5 April 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Contact Details

For enquiries, contact the Arts & Culture Trust at Tel: 010 023 0899