Open call: 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme

The scholarship covers tuition and prescribed study materials only and supports studies in performing, visual and digital arts. Successful applicants will begin their tertiary studies in 2027 at accredited institutions.

The 2026 theme, #NyolohaTranscends, is drawn from the Sesotho word nyoloha, meaning “to rise”. According to ACT, the theme reflects its focus on identifying artistic talent in communities where access to opportunity is limited.

Key dates

• Applications open: 10 February 2026
• Applications close: 5 April 2026
• Online applications: act.org.za/nyoloha

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be aged between 17 and 25
• Be in matric or not currently studying arts at a tertiary institution
• Demonstrate talent in acting, singing, dance, visual arts or digital arts
• Require financial assistance to pursue tertiary arts studies

The programme includes a structured training and mentorship component. In 2025, 60 artists from all nine provinces participated in a three-month development process, from which the final scholarship recipients were selected.

“Through the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, the ACT continues to enable young artists to transcend financial and structural barriers, strengthening access to professional development and career pathways,” ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen said. “Each year, we witness extraordinary artistic potential emerging from across the country and we remain committed to ensuring that this talent is recognised, supported, and able to flourish within South Africa’s creative industries.”

The programme is delivered by ACT in partnership with Nedbank and MTN South Africa.

Nedbank head of the social impact unit, Poovi Pillay said the training and mentorship component helps participants develop both their artistic skills and professional confidence.

View the original call here.

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