Open call: National Arts Council of SA local block bursary applications

The bursary programme is intended to support students and arts practitioners in acquiring formal qualifications and developing skills in the creative sector. According to the NAC, the funding is part of its broader mandate to strengthen training and education in the arts, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable talent pipeline in South Africa’s cultural industries.

The call is open to registered education and training institutions involved in the provision of tuition in disciplines including music, theatre, dance, crafts, literature, visual arts, multidisciplinary studies, cultural policy and arts and culture management, as well as other arts-related courses.

Institutions are invited to apply for block institutional bursaries for undergraduate students who will be studying in South Africa in 2026. Successful institutions will be required to support selected students for the full duration of their undergraduate studies, subject to satisfactory academic progress each year. As part of the funding conditions, institutions must be willing to enter into a service-level agreement with the NAC.

Only South African citizens are eligible to benefit from the bursary support.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted through the NAC’s online portal here. The council has indicated that the outcomes of the application process will be communicated on 30 January 2026.

Further information can be obtained from Ms Thola Phetla at Thola@nac.org.za.

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View the original call here.