Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship South Africa
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2025/2026 is closed for applications — the deadline was 30 March 2025, midnight. Young visual, digital and performing artists were invited to apply. If you want to take part in future cycles, this is what to know in advance. At BursaryForms, we help you stay ahead.
About the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT)
Founded in 1994, the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is an independent non-profit that supports arts, culture, and heritage in all nine provinces of South Africa. The Nyoloha Scholarship is one of its flagship programmes, in partnership with Nedbank Arts Affinity and supported by MTN Foundation. It aims to help talented young artists access tertiary education and creative industry opportunities.
Fields Covered by the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
The scholarship is for undergraduate studies in these areas:
- Performing Arts (Singing, Dance, Acting)
- Visual Arts / Digital Arts
Expenses Covered by the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
If selected, support includes:
- Full or substantial financial support up to **R300,000** toward tuition, fees, registration and related costs at an accredited arts institution in South Africa.
- Supporting workshops, skills-development, and mentorship for finalists.
- Travel, accommodation, meals during finals/exhibition/gala week for selected finalists.
Eligibility Requirements for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
You must meet all of the following in the latest programme:
- South African citizen.
- Aged between 17 and 25.
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric with university exemption.
- Must be starting first year of undergraduate study (arts) in the following academic year.
- Intend to study in performing arts or visual/digital arts.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- Must not be a professional artist, or employed full time in arts; nor hold an existing tertiary qualification in an arts discipline.
- Must commit to participation in the programme’s mentorship, workshops and final week activities.
Tips from BursaryForms:
- Prepare a strong audition video or portfolio in advance. Quality matters.
- Ensure your Matric or academic results are certified and up to date.
- Communicate genuine passion for your art discipline—motivation letters help.
- Make sure you apply before deadline; late applications are not accepted.
This page was updated on September 26, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.
Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.
How to Apply for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
When open, apply via the official ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Application portal. Key steps include:
- Fill out the online application form on the ACT website.
- Submit certified supporting documents: ID, Matric certificate or recent results, proof of application/acceptance at an accredited institution (if available), portfolio or audition video (depending on field).
- Be ready to participate in skills workshops & mentorship, plus the finals week if you make the shortlist.
Related Bursaries in South Africa
Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.
Closing Date for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
The closing date was 30 March 2025 (midnight). Applications after that date were not accepted.
Contact the Arts & Culture Trust
For any queries or to find out when the next cycle opens:
Arts & Culture Trust (ACT)
Tel: 010 023 0899
Email: info@act.org.za
Website: ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme