National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) Bursary South Africa

The National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF), a statutory agency under the Department of Arts and Culture, is now accepting applications for its 2026 National Bursary Programme. Designed to support South African students pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate diplomas or degrees in Film and Television disciplines at accredited institutions in South Africa.

About the Bursary Provider

The NFVF commissions and supports film & TV skills development to foster equitable sector growth. It funds education for emerging creatives, emphasising academic merit and representation in the local industry.

Fields Covered

This bursary supports full-time study in accredited Film and Television qualifications—undergraduate diplomas/degrees and postgraduate diplomas/degrees—with a mandatory 60% average for current tertiary students.
Excluded: Acting, music, dance, or any performing arts courses.

Expenses Covered

Bursary benefits include:

  • Full tuition fees for the qualification
  • First-year students may receive up to R50 000 for accommodation, meals, textbooks, and resources (e.g., software), based on need and available funding
  • Does not cover travel or any outstanding debt

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Completed Matric with strong academic results; current students require ≥ 60%
  • Proven financial need (e.g. household income ≤ R600 000); parental income required if under 21
  • Registered or provisionally registered for full-time Film/TV qualification at accredited SA institution
  • Preference to students at public institutions

This page was updated on July 10, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply

Apply online via the NFVF bursary portal (PraxisGMS) between 2 June and 31 July 2025 at 17:00 CAT. Do not fax or email your application.

Required documents:

  • Certified ID and Matric certificate (≤6 months old)
  • Latest academic results/transcripts (if currently studying)
  • Proof of acceptance/enrollment (on institution letterhead)
  • Fee breakdown from your institution
  • 1-page motivation letter outlining goals in film/TV
  • Proof of income (parents/guardian if under 21; self if older)
  • If already funded elsewhere, a letter stating other bursary funding details

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date

31 July 2025 at 17:00 CAT. No late submissions will be accepted.

Contact the Bursary Provider

National Film & Video Foundation
Applications Officers:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo – Tel: 011 483 0880 / Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
Manti Sekwakwa – Tel: 011 483 0880 / Email: mantim@nfvf.co.za

1. What fields does the NFVF bursary support?
It funds accredited film or television qualifications (undergrad or postgraduate diplomas/degrees) only—excluding acting, music, dance, or general performing arts.
2. Am I eligible if I’m in Matric?
Yes—Matriculants with provisional acceptance to a Film/TV qualification at an SA institution can apply.
3. What academic average is required?
Current tertiary students need at least a 60% average. Matric candidates should have strong academic results.
4. Does the bursary cover accommodation?
First-year students may receive up to R50 000 towards accommodation, meals, books, and resources—subject to financial need and available funding.
5. Can final-year students apply?
Yes—both undergraduate and postgraduate full-time students can apply if enrolled in Film/TV programmes.
6. What documents do I need?
Certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate or latest results, acceptance letter, fee breakdown, motivation letter, proof of income, and any other bursary commitments.
7. When is the deadline?
31 July 2025 at 17:00 CAT. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
8. How are applicants selected?
Selection is based on financial need, academic merit, motivation, demographics, and alignment with NFVF’s mandate to develop the film & TV industry.
9. How will I be notified?
Only successful applicants will be contacted. If you haven’t heard back by February 2026, your application was likely unsuccessful.
10. Who can I contact for help?
Email or call NFVF bursary officers: Thandekile Hlatshwayo (thandekileh@nfvf.co.za) or Manti Sekwakwa (mantim@nfvf.co.za) at 011 483 0880.