The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, calls for applications for its International Bursary for Film and Television Postgraduate Studies for the 2026 academic year. The deadline to apply is 9 March 2026 at 17h00 (CAT). This opportunity aims to upskill South African film and television professionals, enabling them to compete globally.
The bursary supports full-time postgraduate studies at accredited overseas institutions in areas not available at South African universities. Importantly, live performance and acting courses do not qualify for this funding. The bursary covers tuition and living expenses, capped at R280,000.
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Application Deadline: 9 March 2026 (17h00 CAT)
Eligible Countries: South Africa (citizens and permanent residents)
To be taken at (country): Overseas (outside South Africa)
About this Scholarship
Level of Study: Postgraduate (Masters/PhD)
Eligibility
- Apply at least six months before the course starts.
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Hold a good academic record.
- Show financial need.
- Gain acceptance or enrollment at an accredited overseas tertiary institution for full-time postgraduate film or television studies.
- Course must start in September/October 2026.
- Apply for a course not available in South Africa.
- Live performance and acting courses do not qualify.
Number of Awards: Not specified – please see official page
Value of Award: Up to R280,000 (tuition and living expenses)
Duration of Award: One academic year (renewable upon reapplication and academic progress)
Benefits
- Tuition fees covered up to the cap.
- Living expenses included within the total cap.
- Opportunity to study at top international institutions.
- Support for courses not available in South Africa.
Required Documents
- Detailed motivation letter explaining why you should receive the bursary.
- Proof of acceptance or enrollment at an accredited overseas institution.
- Academic transcripts and records.
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency.
- Financial need documentation.
- Other supporting documents as indicated in the online application form.
Award Provider: National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
How to Apply
- Register and complete the online application form via the NFVF Grant Management System: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za
- Prepare all required documents, including a detailed motivation letter.
- Submit your application before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will be automatically disqualified.
- Consult the NFVF Funding Policy for further guidance: http://bit.ly/3a57dr4
- For queries, contact Thandekile Hlatshwayo (thandekileh@nfvf.co.za) or Manti Sekwakwa (mantim@nfvf.co.za) at 011 483 0880.
👉 Visit the official scholarship page for details
