The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) continues to play a vital role in fostering artistic excellence and providing financial assistance to young and talented South African artists. The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP), a prestigious initiative developed in partnership with Nedbank Arts Affinity, is set to open doors for aspiring artists in 2026, offering financial aid for higher education in the performing and visual arts.
With a history spanning nearly three decades, the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is a well-established non-profit organisation that supports and develops South Africa’s vibrant arts sector. Initially launched as the Arts and Culture Trust of the President in 1994, the organisation now operates independently across all nine provinces, providing financial support and mentorship to young artists.
Fields of Study Covered by the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for the 2026 academic year welcomes applications from students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the following fields:
- Performing Arts (Singing, Dance, and Acting)
- Digital/ Visual Arts
This scholarship provides a lifeline for talented South African artists, enabling them to study at accredited South African arts institutions and hone their craft under expert guidance.
Scholarship Benefits and Programme Structure
One of the standout features of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is its comprehensive financial assistance, covering up to R300,000 towards tuition and associated study costs. The programme also offers professional development opportunities, ensuring that recipients receive both financial and practical support to kickstart their careers in the arts.
Key Programme Highlights
- Selected applicants will be contacted by the end of May 2025 and unsuccessful candidates will be informed accordingly.
- Workshops: Successful applicants will participate in bi-weekly workshops from 7 June to 16 August 2025.
- Finals Week: The scholarship finals week will take place in Johannesburg from 28 September to 5 October 2025.
- Expenses Covered: ACT will cover meals, travel, and accommodation costs during the finals week.
- Final Showcase and Gala Night: The exhibition event will take place on 2 October 2025, followed by the gala night on 4 October 2025, where the scholarship winners will be announced.
This structured programme ensures that young artists receive intensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will equip them for a successful future in the arts.
Eligibility Criteria for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
Prospective applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements to be considered for the scholarship:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 25 years old.
- Must be currently in Matric OR have completed Matric with a university exemption.
- Must intend to pursue an undergraduate qualification in performing or visual arts.
- Must be starting their first year of study in 2026.
- Must require financial assistance to further their studies.
- Must be a passionate, talented, and dedicated artist.
- Must be willing and able to commit to the full six-month programme.
- Must intend to study at an ACT-approved accredited institution in South Africa.
- Must not be a professional artist, meaning they should not have specialised training or be employed full-time in their artistic field.
- Must not have any existing tertiary qualification in an arts or creative discipline.
- Must not be a 2024 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme participant or finalist.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in an automatic disqualification from the selection process.
How to Apply for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship
Applications for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2026 must be submitted online via the official ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Application portal.
Application Process
- Read the Guidelines: Applicants must first read the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Guidelines before proceeding with their application.
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Submit Required Documents:
- Certified ID document (front and back).
- Latest academic results.
- Clear headshot photograph (head and shoulders only).
- Acceptance letter from a South African accredited tertiary institution.
- Signed consent form (.pdf) (for applicants under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign this form).
Additional Requirements for Performing and Visual Arts Applicants
Performing Arts (Singing, Dance, and Acting) Applicants
- A two-minute audition video, following these guidelines:
- Singing: Perform a song in any genre that showcases vocal range and talent. Applicants may use a backtrack or instruments.
- Dance: Perform a dance/movement piece that showcases range and ability.
- Theatre/Acting: Prepare a monologue from Addendum 2. No self-written material is allowed.
- Videos must be filmed in a well-lit room with a plain background, in landscape mode.
- No external interference (e.g., parents, guardians, or teachers) is allowed in the audition video.
- Props must be minimal, and musical instruments are permitted for singing recordings.
Digital/ Visual Arts Applicants
- Submit four original portfolio pieces, including:
- 1 portrait artwork
- 1 landscape artwork
- 2 additional original artworks
- Provide a short bio (70-100 words).
- Write an artist statement (70-100 words) explaining the concept and style behind the artworks.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 30 March 2025. Late applications will not be accepted, and applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to ensure their submission is processed.
Contact Details for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
For any queries or further information, applicants may contact the Arts & Culture Trust directly:
- Telephone: 010 023 0899
- Email: info@act.org.za
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is a transformational opportunity for aspiring young artists in South Africa. By providing substantial financial aid, mentorship, and exposure, the programme ensures that the country’s most promising talent has the support needed to pursue their artistic dreams.
Aspiring artists who meet the eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to apply, as this scholarship could be the stepping stone to a successful career in the arts.
Check also: PN Foundation Bursary Programme 2025