The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) is looking for bright, creative minds to help shape the next generation of artists. If you’re a South African student already studying a masters, PhD, or advanced arts program, you could get a big help with your tuition, books, and living costs for the next academic year. The deadline to apply is 19 December 2025, so get your paperwork ready and submit it soon.
What the NAC Bursary is All About
The NAC is one of the biggest supporters of arts in South Africa. They give money, create new policies, and run training programs so that artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives can grow. Their bursary program is meant to give students like you the chance to continue their studies without the stress of paying every fee.
Who can Apply?
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need a spot on a postgraduate arts program at a recognized university in South Africa.
- Your grade average should be at least 65% (63% may be considered if there are special reasons).
- Show that you’re talented, can do good research or creative work, and want to give back to your community—whether that means teaching, leading workshops, or helping other artists.
- If you’re a previously disadvantaged applicant, we’ll give you special priority.
What Level of Study can you do?
- Postgraduate Diploma or Honours
- Master’s degree
- PhD
- Local arts-related residencies or supervised research
Example Fields You Can Study
- Theatre
- Dance
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Literature
- Crafts
- Multidisciplinary Arts
- Cultural Policy
- Arts Management
- Film and new media (if your university recognises it)
How Much Money Can You Get?
The bursary can cover:
- Tuition – fully or partially, depending on the cost set by your university.
- Living expenses – if your tuition is already covered elsewhere, the bursary can pay for:
- Rent or accommodation
- Books and study materials
- Travel for research or workshops
- A small allowance for everyday needs
- Research or residency support – if you’re doing a research project or a local arts residency, we can help pay that too.
What Documents Do You Need to Send?
When you fill out the online form, make sure you attach the following:
- Your CV
- A copy of your South African ID (no older than 12 months)
- Your academic transcript
- Certified copies of any previous degrees or certificates
- Proof that you’re accepted or registered in your program
- The course outline and official fee statement from your university
- If you have other funding, show proof of that too
- Two reference letters (written within the last 3 months)
- A motivation letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
- Proof of your household income (bank statements or similar)
- A bank confirmation or statement not older than 6 months
Missing any of these will automatically cancel your application. So double‑check before you hit “submit.”
How to Apply
To start the application, go to the NAC website and look for the “Bursary Programme 2026” section. You’ll see a button that says Apply Here – click that and follow the instructions. Make sure all your files are ready, and submit before the 19 December deadline.
Quick Takeaway
If you’re a South African student looking to deepen your art studies and you meet the requirements, this bursary can help cover your tuition and living costs. Gather your documents, write a clear motivation letter, and send everything before 19 December. Good luck – your future in the arts could be brighter with this support.