Bursary opportunities open for aspiring artists

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) have opened applications for their 2025 and 2026 bursary programmes, offering significant support to students pursuing advanced studies in the arts and heritage fields.

The NAC’s 2025 Individual Postgraduate Local Bursary Programme officially opened on 11 November 2025 and will close on 19 December 2025, with outcomes expected on 30 January 2026. 

Aimed at strengthening the country’s creative industries, the programme supports academically strong postgraduate students enrolled at accredited South African institutions. Eligible disciplines include theatre, dance, crafts, literature, multidisciplinary arts, music, visual arts, cultural policy, and arts and culture administration. 

Academic performance remains a key consideration, with a minimum average of 65% required. 

Applicants who achieved 65% may be considered under exceptional circumstances, although the NAC stresses this does not create a precedent. Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, in line with the Council’s transformation goals.

While the bursary primarily covers tuition fees, funding may be redirected to accommodation, study materials, travel or research costs where tuition is partially funded elsewhere. Beneficiaries must maintain satisfactory academic performance and, upon completing their studies, give back to their communities through workshops, mentoring, outreach initiatives or capacity-building activities.

In parallel, DSAC has opened applications for its 2026 Heritage Bursary Programme, which supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing heritage-related qualifications at institutions accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applications close on 31 January 2026.

The programme is open to South African citizens under the age of 40 who meet the minimum academic threshold of 65%. Students must be registered full-time, and those who already receive other bursaries will not qualify. The bursary, valued at up to R110 000 per student, covers tuition, books, electronic devices (up to R10 000), and, where applicable, accommodation, meals and transport.

Eligible fields include archaeology, anthropology, heritage and museum studies, palaeontology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, archives and records management, conservation, geography and geomatic sciences, and digitisation of heritage resources. A limited number of students may also receive support for international studies in specialised heritage disciplines.

The DSAC and the NAC require comprehensive supporting documents, and incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Students are encouraged to apply early through the respective online platforms.

For more information about the NAC bursary programme, visit www.nac.org.za.

Enquiries regarding the DSAC Heritage Bursary may be directed to Ms Reinette Stander at reinettes@dsac.gov.za or Mr Maano Muhadi on (012) 441-3622 / maanom@dsac.gov.za.

To apply for the DSAC Heritage Bursary, visit www.dsac.gov.za.