The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) invites applications for its 2025–2026 bursary programmes. These include block bursaries (via institutions) for undergraduate arts students, direct postgraduate bursaries, and an International bursary for study abroad in craft, dance, literature, music, theatre, visual arts and related fields.

About the Bursary Provider

The NAC is a statutory agency under the Department of Arts & Culture, established to promote cultural expression and arts excellence. Through bursaries and grants, it invests in artistic talent across diverse disciplines, supporting both academic and creative development.

Fields Covered

Bursaries are offered in the following arts disciplines:

  • Craft, Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Multidiscipline

Local institutional bursaries support undergraduates. Individual postgraduate and international bursaries support further study in these fields.

Expenses Covered

Depending on the bursary type:

  • Registration and tuition fees (local/international)
  • For international bursary: may include accommodation, travel, living and materials up to R250 000 per year.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Be accepted or enrolled in an arts qualification in eligible fields
  • Must achieve ≥ 65% academic average (63% considered in exceptional cases)
  • Demonstrate financial need; preference given to disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Undergraduates: apply via institutional nominations (not directly)
  • Postgraduates and international applicants: apply directly through NAC’s portal.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via NAC’s Grants Management System at nac.praxisgms.co.za. Institutions nominate undergraduates directly; postgrad/international applicants must register and complete their own applications online.

Applicants must upload certified supporting documents, such as ID, transcripts, course outlines, acceptance letters, CV, two reference letters, motivational letter, proof of income, and bank details.

Closing Dates

International bursary applications close on 11 July 2025 at 23:59 CAT. Outcomes expected by 26 August 2025. Local and postgraduate applications follow separate windows: typically 12 September 2025 for postgraduate and institutional rounds, with notifications by December 2025.

Contact the Bursary Provider

National Arts Council of SA
Email: info@nac.org.za or funding@nac.org.za
Tel: 011 010 8886 / 011 838 1383
Website: nac.org.za

1. Can I apply directly if I am a 1st year undergraduate?
No. Undergraduates must apply via their institution’s Head of Department in the block institutional bursary scheme; external applications are not accepted.
2. What about postgraduate applicants?
Postgraduates can apply directly online via NAC for individual bursaries in arts disciplines, full-time or part-time, based on merit and need.
3. What qualifies as an international bursary?
Only postgraduate arts courses not offered in South Africa, at accredited overseas institutions, qualify. Tuition plus living support is available, up to R250 000/year.
4. What academic average is required?
Applicants must meet or exceed a 65% average. In exceptional circumstances, a 63% average may be considered with justification.
5. What documents do I need?
Certified ID, transcripts/academic record, proof of acceptance/registration, course and fee structure, CV, two references, motivation, income proof, and banking details.
6. When is the international bursary closing?
Applications close on 11 July 2025 at 23:59 CAT. Successful applicants are notified by 26 August 2025.
7. Is the bursary renewable?
Yes. Both postgraduate and international awards are renewable annually, provided satisfactory academic progression and compliance with grant conditions.
8. How are applications assessed?
Selection is based on artistic merit, financial need, quality of the proposed qualification, institutional prestige, and alignment with NAC’s mandates.
9. What if I have other funding?
You must disclose other bursary support. If tuition is already covered, NAC funding may be redirected to cover accommodation, books, travel, or subsistence.
10. Who do I contact for support?
Email info@nac.org.za or funding@nac.org.za, or call 011 010 8886 / 011 838 1383 for bursary queries.