Arts Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Find on this page a List of Arts Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a creative and talented South African student with a passion for expression, performance, and design? If you dream of pursuing a career in the arts but face financial challenges, applying for an Arts bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be the key to unlocking your future. From dance studios and theatres to film sets, fashion houses, music schools, and art galleries, South Africa’s growing creative industries continue to demand highly skilled professionals who can inspire, educate, and innovate. Fortunately, many universities, cultural organizations, government departments, and private sponsors are offering Arts bursaries in South Africa for 2026, giving deserving students the financial support they need to excel in this exciting field.
What Are Arts Studies?
Arts studies encompass a wide range of disciplines that use creativity, imagination, and technical skill to produce work that entertains, inspires, or educates. It includes performing arts such as Dance, Drama, Theatre, and Music, as well as creative design fields like Fashion, Textiles, Jewellery Design, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, and Film Production. Beyond personal expression, the arts play a vital role in preserving culture, driving innovation, and contributing to South Africa’s economy through industries such as entertainment, cultural tourism, and design.
Major Fields of Arts in South Africa
Students in South Africa can specialize in various artistic disciplines depending on their passion and career aspirations, including:
- Dance: Contemporary, Ballet, African Dance, Jazz, Choreography, and Dance Education.
- Drama and Theatre: Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Stage Management, and Theatre Production.
- Fashion and Textile Design: Garment Construction, Textile Innovation, Fashion Marketing, and Sustainable Fashion.
- Film and Motion Picture: Screenwriting, Cinematography, Directing, Editing, and Film Production.
- Fine Art and Visual Art: Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Arts, Photography, and Multimedia.
- Jewellery Design: Metalwork, Gemstone Setting, and Creative Product Design.
- Performing Arts: Stage Performance, Musical Theatre, and Arts Production.
- Music: Instrumental Performance, Vocal Studies, Music Composition, and Sound Engineering.
Career Opportunities in Arts in South Africa
Graduates with Arts qualifications have diverse career opportunities, both locally and internationally. Career paths include:
- Professional Dancer, Actor, or Musician
- Theatre Director, Producer, or Playwright
- Fashion or Textile Designer
- Film Director, Screenwriter, or Cinematographer
- Fine Artist, Visual Artist, or Multimedia Designer
- Jewellery Designer or Craft Entrepreneur
- Arts Educator, Lecturer, or Cultural Development Practitioner
- Sound Engineer, Music Composer, or Recording Artist
With the expansion of creative hubs, cultural tourism, and international collaborations, skilled arts professionals in South Africa can thrive across industries and even establish their own creative businesses.
Why Apply for Arts Bursaries in 2026?
Studying towards a career in the arts can be financially demanding, with costs ranging from tuition fees and study materials to equipment, costumes, instruments, and accommodation. Luckily, many institutions and sponsors are offering Arts bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027 to help talented students overcome these challenges. These bursaries often cover tuition, living expenses, and study supplies, while also providing mentorship, performance opportunities, and industry exposure.
Applying for an Arts bursary not only eases the financial burden but also connects students with networks in South Africa’s creative industries, helping them gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in highly competitive fields.
List of Arts Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Below, you will find the list of Arts bursaries in South Africa for 2026, covering Dance, Drama and Theatre, Fashion and Textile, Film and Motion Picture, Fine Art and Visual Art, Jewellery Design, Performing Arts, and Music. Each listing includes details on eligibility criteria, supported fields of study, application procedures, and closing dates to help you secure your place in South Africa’s vibrant creative sector.
Dance Bursaries Available for 2026
Drama and Theatre Bursaries Available for 2026
Fashion and Textile Bursaries Available for 2026
Film and Motion Picture Bursaries Available for 2026
Fine Art and Visual Art Bursaries Available for 2026
Jewellery Design Bursaries Available for 2026
Performing Art Bursaries Available for 2026
Music Bursaries Available for 2026
