The NFVF National Bursary is now open for applications from South African students pursuing film and television qualifications. The bursary aims to develop skills within the country’s growing creative industry by supporting eligible students with funding for approved studies at accredited tertiary institutions.
- What Is the NFVF National Bursary?
- Who Can Apply for the Film and Television Studies Bursary?
- NFVF National Bursary Selection Criteria
- What Does the Film and Television Studies Bursary Cover?
- Expenses Not Covered
- Courses That Do Not Qualify
- Required Documents for the NFVF National Bursary
- Important Notice About Institution Changes
- How to Apply for the NFVF National Bursary
- Application Closing Date
- Contact Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Offered by the National Film and Video Foundation, this funding opportunity supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students who want to build careers in the film and television sector.
Applications are open from 2 June 2026 to 31 August 2026 at 17:00.
What Is the NFVF National Bursary?
The NFVF National Bursary is a funding programme designed to assist students studying film and television-related qualifications in South Africa.
The bursary supports full-time studies at accredited South African tertiary institutions that offer recognised qualifications such as:
- National Diplomas
- Undergraduate Degrees
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Postgraduate Degrees
The programme forms part of the NFVF’s mandate to promote growth, transformation, and skills development within South Africa’s film and television industry.
Who Can Apply for the Film and Television Studies Bursary?
To qualify for the Film and Television Studies Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have completed and passed Matric
- Have a good academic record
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be registered or provisionally registered for full-time studies
- Study a film or television-related qualification
- Attend an accredited South African tertiary institution
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students may apply.
RELATED: Masakh’isizwe Bursary Programme
NFVF National Bursary Selection Criteria
The NFVF evaluates applications using several criteria.
Financial Need
Priority is given to applicants whose parents or guardians earn a combined income below R600,000 per year.
Applicants over the age of 21 must provide proof of their own financial circumstances.
Academic Performance
Students already enrolled at tertiary institutions must:
- Maintain an average of at least 60%
- Meet the minimum requirements to progress to the next academic year
Matric learners will be assessed using:
- Grade 11 results, or
- Mid-year Matric results
Final approval remains subject to acceptance at a tertiary institution.
Motivation
Applicants must explain:
- Why they want to study film or television
- How the qualification supports their career goals
- Their future contribution to the industry
Transformation Objectives
The NFVF also considers:
- Gender
- Race
- Disability status
- Home province
These factors support the organisation’s transformation and development goals.
What Does the Film and Television Studies Bursary Cover?
Funding is subject to available funds.
Qualifying Expenses
The bursary may cover:
Full Tuition Fees
Applicants must submit official fee statements from their institution.
Accommodation and Meals
Funding may assist with:
- Student accommodation
- Meal allowances
Supporting documents or quotations must be provided.
Learning Resources
The bursary may contribute towards:
- Textbooks
- Computers
- Software required for studies
Funding Limit for Additional Costs
Accommodation, meals, and study resources are capped at R50,000 per year combined.
This benefit applies only to first-year students.
Expenses Not Covered
The bursary does not cover:
- Travel expenses
- Outstanding tertiary debt
- Historical student fees
Courses That Do Not Qualify
The NFVF excludes programmes that fall outside film and television studies.
These include:
- Acting
- Music
- Dancing
- General performing arts programmes
- Other unrelated creative qualifications
Required Documents for the NFVF National Bursary
Applicants must submit a complete application with all supporting documents.
Required documents include:
- Completed online application form
- Letter of acceptance or acknowledgement from the institution
- One-page motivation letter
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Latest academic results
- Academic fee breakdown from the institution
- Commitment letter from another sponsor or bank, where applicable
Additional Documents for Minors
Applicants under 21 who are unemployed must also provide:
- Affidavit regarding an absent parent
- Social grant proof, if applicable
- Parent or guardian income documents
- Death certificate of deceased parent(s), where applicable
Additional Documents for Applicants Over 21
Applicants older than 21 must submit proof of financial need, including:
- Payslips
- Bank statements
- IRP5 certificates
Important: All certified documents must be dated within six months of submission.
Important Notice About Institution Changes
Students funded at a public tertiary institution cannot transfer to a private institution after bursary approval.
Any approved student who moves from a public institution to a private institution will have their bursary cancelled immediately.
Applicants should therefore confirm their institution before submitting an application.
How to Apply for the NFVF National Bursary
Applications must be completed online through the official NFVF platforms:
Applications submitted via email or fax will not be accepted.
Applications Will Not Be Considered If:
- The application form is incomplete
- Incorrect information is provided
- Supporting documents are missing
- Documents are not certified
- The application is for outstanding student debt
- The application is submitted through unauthorised channels
Application Closing Date
The NFVF National Bursary application period runs from:
- Opening Date: 2 June 2026
- Closing Date: 31 August 2026
- Closing Time: 17:00
Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
Contact Details
Applicants who need assistance with the application process may contact:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
- Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
- Telephone: 011 483 0880
Manti Sekwakwa Mmalebati
- Email: mantim@nfvf.co.za
- Telephone: 011 483 0880
RELATED: Browse more Bursaries on Nasi Ispani.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the NFVF National Bursary?
South African citizens studying full-time film or television qualifications at accredited institutions may apply.
Does the bursary fund postgraduate studies?
Yes. The bursary supports both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
Can private institution students apply?
Yes. However, preference is given to students enrolled at public tertiary institutions.
Does the bursary pay for travel costs?
No. Travel expenses are specifically excluded from funding.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 31 August 2026 at 17:00.
The NFVF National Bursary provides valuable financial support for aspiring filmmakers, producers, editors, cinematographers, and television professionals. Students who meet the eligibility requirements should prepare their documents early and submit their applications before the closing date. With funding available for tuition and selected study-related costs, the Film and Television Studies Bursary can help talented South Africans build successful careers in the country’s creative industry.
