The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has opened its 2026 Bursary program and is inviting all interested applicants to apply now. All interested applicants should apply using the details below.

The NFVF are offering 2 types of bursaries for the 2026 academic year, aimed at helping previously disadvantaged students pursue their studies within the Film and Television industry (NOT performance arts and acting courses), but who lack the funding to do so. The National bursary is intended for studies within South Africa, and the International bursary for studies outside of South Africa, for courses NOT available in South Africa.

The NFVF National bursary will provide cover will for tuition fees only – 1st year students will receive full funding, and the following years of study will receive 80% funding. Students are NOT required to pay back or work back the bursary. The bursary does NOT cover outstanding tertiary fees. Candidates will be selected based on academic merit and/or financial need.

The NFVF International bursary will provide cover up to a maximum of R280 000 (which includes cover for tuition fees and living expenses).
 

All applications will undergo assessment by the internal and external panel. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview before final selection is made.

Students are encouraged to read the NFVF Bursary Funding Policy when applying.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NFVF BURSARIES

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
National Bursary:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric
• You must be registered or provisionally registered to study full-time towards a qualification in a Film or TV discipline (undergraduate or postgraduate Diploma or Degree)
• You must NOT be registered to study towards a performance arts and acting course
• You must be registered or provisionally registered to study at an accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 50% in their previous year of study, if currently studying
• You must be in need of financial assistance, with a combined household income of less than R600 000 per year (if applicant is a minor)
• Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged individuals and students registered at a South African public tertiary institution

International Bursary:

• You must be a South African citizen OR South African permanent resident
• You must be registered to study full-time towards a postgraduate qualification in a Film or TV discipline
• You must be registered to study towards a course that is NOT available in South Africa
• You must NOT be registered to study towards a Live Performance or Acting course
• You must be registered to study at an accredited tertiary institution outside of South Africa
• You must apply at least 6 months before the start of the course (starting in January 2026)
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be in need of financial assistance

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NFVF BURSARIES

Applications must be done online at: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za

You will be required to Register an Account before you can Login and proceed with your bursary application.

*Please note: applications submitted via fax or email will NOT be accepted.
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):
National Bursary:

• ID document (certified copy)
• Grade 11 final results or Matric June results, if Matric certificate is not available (certified copy)
• Matric certificate or latest academic results (certified copy)
• Proof of tertiary acceptance or acknowledgment of your application (on tertiary letterhead)
• Breakdown of annual academic fees (on tertiary letterhead)
• Motivational letter stating why you should be awarded a bursary (1 page)
• If under 21 years old: parents/ guardian/ spouse proof of income (latest payslips/ latest bank statement)
• If over 21 years old: students proof of financial support (latest payslips if employed/ latest bank statement/ social grant if applicable/ affidavit if unemployed)
• If in receipt of other private or public bursary funding: a commitment letter stating this and the coverage amount

Please note: all certified documents must be valid for at least 3 months from date of application.

International Bursary:

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric certificate or latest academic results (certified copy)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Covering letter (with personal motivation for study, how your studies will be relevant to your intended career path, and how the skills acquired will benefit South Africa)
• Breakdown of annual academic fees (on tertiary letterhead)
• If in receipt of other private or public bursary funding: a commitment letter stating this and the coverage amount

CLOSING DATE FOR THE NFVF BURSARIES

National bursary: 31 August 2026.
International bursary: 31 August 2026 (at 23:59).

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the NFVF directly:
Contact people: Thandekile Hlatshwayo (Applications Officer) / Manti Sekwakwa (Applications Officer)
Tel: 011 483 0880
Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za / mantis@nfvf.co.za