Open call: SACO 2025 and 2027 Postgraduate Scholarship programme

The initiative offers postgraduate students from accredited South African universities a valuable opportunity to receive financial support while contributing to the growth and development of the country’s creative economy.

This call is open to South African citizens pursuing postgraduate degrees aligned with the creative, cultural, heritage, or sports sectors. Successful applicants will receive funding of up to R40 000, which can be applied towards tuition fees and other study-related costs. Although not a full scholarship, this support is intended to ease the financial burden on students committed to advancing research and innovation in South Africa’s cultural landscape.

Supporting the future of South Africa’s cultural economy

SACO’s Postgraduate Scholarship programme forms part of its broader mission to build a knowledge-based creative economy that is inclusive, innovative and responsive to the needs of the sector. Through this initiative, SACO aims to empower the next generation of cultural scholars, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the academic and professional discourse surrounding South Africa’s cultural and creative industries.

“The scholarship programme not only invests in individuals but also in the future of the country's creative economy,” SACO said in a statement. “Students passionate about the intersection of culture, economy, and research are strongly encouraged to apply. By doing so, they become part of a broader movement to value and uplift the cultural and creative sectors in South Africa.”

Application details

• Closing date: 5 August 2025.
• Eligibility: South African nationals enrolled at accredited South African universities.
• Funding amount: Up to R40 000 per recipient.
• Fields of study: Cultural, creative, heritage, or sports-related disciplines.

Applicants must submit all required documentation via the official SACO website.

View the original call here.