National Arts Council (NAC) Bursary — Full Guide

The NAC bursary is a funding scheme run by the National Arts Council of South Africa to support students and other practitioners studying arts-related qualifications. It is aimed at helping talented individuals in creative fields — whether undergraduate arts students (via institutional support) or postgraduates/individuals studying arts disciplines — to access education without financial stress.

Through this bursary, NAC invests in skills development across music, theatre, dance, literature, visual arts, crafts, and related cultural disciplines. This helps build a strong, sustainable arts community across South Africa.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility varies depending on the type of bursary:

• For undergraduate arts students: institutions (universities, colleges) apply on behalf of eligible students under the “block institutional bursary” scheme. Individuals themselves cannot apply directly for undergraduate bursaries.
• For postgraduate, honours, or arts-qualification students (local or international), individuals can apply directly.
  General requirements include:
• South African citizenship.
• Registration (or acceptance) in an arts-related qualification at a recognised institution.
• For postgraduate funding: a strong academic record — typically a minimum average of around 65%.
• Demonstrated commitment to arts or culture; some emphasis may be given to financially needy or disadvantaged applicants.

Which Fields and Study Levels Are Supported

The NAC bursary supports a wide variety of arts-related disciplines. Some of the main fields and study tracks include:

• Visual arts, painting, sculpture, crafts
• Music, theatre, dance, performance arts
• Literature, creative writing, publishing, media arts
• Multidisciplinary arts, cultural policy, arts management
• Arts-related postgraduate studies (honours, masters, PhD), local or international, in arts disciplines not sufficiently offered in South Africa

Undergraduate support is generally via block institutional bursaries; postgraduate bursaries are open directly to applicants.

What the Bursary Covers and Benefits

Depending on the type and funding availability, the NAC bursary may cover:

• Tuition and registration fees (especially for postgraduate or international arts courses)
• Study materials, books, and other academic costs (if fees are already covered by other sources)
• For international bursaries: possible support for accommodation, travel, living expenses and subsistence — up to a set limit per year (for example, a grant ceiling applies under international funding schemes)
• Support for supervised arts research or arts residencies (especially for postgraduate or creative arts-based projects)

Funding is not guaranteed to cover everything; coverage depends on course, stream, funding type, and availability.

How to Apply

• For undergraduate bursaries: your institution (university or college) must apply on behalf of students under the block-institutional scheme. Students themselves cannot apply directly for this type.
• For postgraduate or individual bursaries (including international arts funding): you must apply directly via NAC’s online application system.
• Applicants generally need to submit multiple documents: certified ID copy, proof of registration/acceptance, academic transcripts, course or fee structure, CV, motivation letter, references, and proof of financial need (if relevant).
• International bursary applications require proof that the course is not offered locally, plus acceptance from a recognised international institution.
• Applications must be complete and submitted before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.

Important Notes & Conditions

• Undergraduate bursary support is provided through institutions only; individual undergraduates cannot apply directly.
• Postgraduate and international bursary funding is competitive and based on academic merit and arts potential.
• Applicants with a strong arts background and commitment — and in many cases financial need or disadvantaged background — may receive preference.
• The bursary may not cover all costs; sometimes only tuition or partial support is offered.

Why the NAC Bursary Matters

For students passionate about arts, culture, creative writing, performance, visual arts or any allied field — the NAC bursary offers a realistic chance to pursue studies or advanced training without being held back by financial limitations. It supports local arts talent, encourages cultural growth, and helps build careers in sectors often underserved by traditional bursary schemes.
For those seeking postgraduate arts education — or even international arts study — NAC funding can make the difference between giving up and achieving a dream in humanities or creative arts.

Final Thoughts

If you are a South African arts student — especially at postgraduate level — and you meet the requirements, the NAC bursary could provide significant support. Whether you study music, theatre, visual arts, literature, or cultural management — prepare your documents carefully, apply via the correct channel, and submit before deadlines. This funding could help turn your artistic ambitions into reality.