✅ Attention Job Seekers: Be sure to read through the entire post for important details! You'll find the application link or email provided at the end of the post.
National Arts Council Invites Applicants for 2026 Local Individual Postgraduate Bursary Funding
The opening for this scholarship ends on 19 December 2025.
What Is the Local Individual Postgraduate Bursary?
The National Arts Council (NAC) offers a free money package for South African graduate students who are studying arts‑related degrees. The bursary covers tuition, books and living expenses while you finish your studies. It is meant to lift up talented people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and help them share their skills with their communities.
Who Can Apply?
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| South African citizen | You must be a SA citizen or permanent resident. |
| Currently studying | You must be registered at a South African university or college for a full‑time or part‑time postgraduate course in the arts. |
| Grades | You need at least a 65 % average. Below that you are not considered. An average of 63 % may be looked at if your case is special; we decide case by case. |
| Prior learning | If you already have a qualification that shows you meet the course standards, we can review it after you get accepted at a university. |
| Background | Students from previously disadvantaged groups get priority. |
| Accepted to a program | You must be officially accepted by a tertiary institution before you apply. |
| Agreement | If you win, you sign an agreement with the NAC. This says you will keep working on your studies, log your progress and share your learning with a community once you finish. |
What Happens After You Win?
- Sign an agreement.
- Get a letter from your university or supervisor stating you’ve completed the course.
- Send a final report showing your results and any community work you did.
- Proof of service – You may host workshops, mentor classmates or help a local arts program. Photographs and a leader’s signature count as proof.
If your progress is unsatisfactory, the NAC may end the agreement after the second semester or year.
After you graduate, the rule is that you give back: share your new skills with a less privileged group or person in your area.
How to Apply
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to the NAC Grant Management System online. |
| 2 | Find the “Local Individual Postgraduate Bursary” form and fill it out. |
| 3 | Check what extra documents are needed – the online form will tell you. |
| 4 | Submit everything before the deadline. Missing pieces automatically knock you out. |
You only need to apply as an individual post‑graduate student – no group applications.
Documents You Must Submit
- CV – show your education and experience.
- ID copy – must be dated within the last 12 months.
- Course outline and fee structure – from your university.
- Proof of acceptance/registration – official letter or enrolment card.
- Transcript – or a record that shows you meet the university’s degree standards.
- Diplomas or certificates – any previous studies.
- Other bursary info – if you have money from another source.
- Two reference letters – from professionals in the arts or related fields. These must be signed, dated and include a full address, and be no older than 3 months.
- Motivation letter – why you deserve the bursary and what you plan to do after finishing.
- Household income proof – like a pay slip or tax return.
- Bank statement – stamped by the bank, not older than 6 months.
All documents should be clear, official copies – scanned PDFs are fine.
Important Dates
| Action | Date |
|---|---|
| Last day to submit | 19 December 2025 |
| Decision release | 30 January 2026 |
Applications after 19 December 2025 will not be considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early – gather all documents before you fill the form.
- Check the grading requirement – double‑check your average on your transcript.
- Show community impact – tell the NAC about previous projects where you helped others.
- Proof of motivation – explain in your letter why you’re passionate about arts and community work.
- Keep copies – save every page of every submission, in case the NAC asks for proof.
Apply Now
Ready to take the next step in your arts career? Gather your documents, log on to the NAC Grant Management System and fill the Local Individual Postgraduate Bursary form before 19 December 2025. Good luck, future artist!