Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship Application 2026/2027. The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is proud to invite passionate and creative young South Africans to apply for its prestigious Scholarship Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. Since its inception, the ACT Scholarship has played a vital role in supporting talented students who aspire to pursue studies and careers in the arts, culture, and creative industries.
The ACT Scholarship provides much-needed financial assistance to deserving learners, covering tuition fees, study materials, and other related costs, while also offering mentorship and exposure opportunities within South Africa’s thriving creative sector. This scholarship is aimed at students who demonstrate exceptional potential in fields such as performing arts, visual arts, literature, design, music, and other cultural disciplines.
If you are a Grade 12 learner, school leaver, or first-year university student with outstanding artistic talent, creativity, and determination to make an impact in the arts and cultural space, the ACT Scholarship Application 2026/2027 could be your stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling career.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Continue reading for full details on the eligibility requirements, application process, selection criteria, and closing dates for the Arts & Culture Trust Scholarship 2026/2027.
About Arts & Culture Trust (ACT)
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) was founded in 1994, originally known as the Arts and Culture Trust of the President. Almost three decades later, ACT continues to support the arts and culture sector across all nine provinces of South Africa. It is a registered non-profit organisation and operates independently of government.
In partnership with Nedbank Arts Affinity, ACT launched the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) to give young South African performers and visual artists the opportunity to pursue higher education in the arts.
About The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
ACT, together with Nedbank Arts Affinity, and supported by Nedbank and MTN Foundation South Africa, invites applications for the 2026 academic year.
Scholarships are available for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
- Performing Arts (Singing, Dance, Acting)
- Digital/ Visual Arts
More About The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
The scholarship offers funding of up to R300 000, covering studies at a South African tertiary institution or ACT-accredited arts school.
Key programme dates and activities include:
- Bi-weekly workshops: 7 June – 16 August 2025
- Finals week (Johannesburg): 28 September – 5 October 2025 (ACT covers meals, travel, and accommodation)
- Exhibition and Gala Night: 2 October (exhibition) and 4 October 2025 (winners announced)
Selected applicants will be contacted by the end of May 2025. Unsuccessful candidates will also be notified.
Eligibility Requirements for ACT Scholarship Application 2026/2027
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 17–25 years old
- Be in Matric in 2025 OR have completed Matric with university exemption
- Intend to pursue your first year of undergraduate study in 2026 in Performing or Visual Arts
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be a talented, committed singer, dancer, actor, or digital/visual artist
- Be willing to commit to the 6-month programme
- Plan to study (but not yet registered) at an ACT-approved institution in South Africa
- Not be a professional artist (no full-time employment or specialised training in your art form)
- Not already hold a tertiary qualification in the arts/creative fields
- Not be a participant/finalist of the 2024 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
How To Apply for ACT Scholarship 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online at: ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Application 2026
Applicants should read the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Guidelines (.pdf) before applying.
You must also submit the following documents with your application (missing items may lead to disqualification):
- Certified copy of your ID (front and back)
- Latest academic results (Matric/tertiary)
- Clear head-and-shoulders photograph
- Tertiary acceptance letter
- Signed Consent Form (.pdf) (if under 18, signed by parent/guardian)
Performing Arts applicants must upload a 2-minute audition video:
- Singing: Any genre, showcasing vocal range and technique (backtrack/instruments allowed)
- Dance: A piece that highlights your range and talent
- Acting: A monologue (from Addendum 2) showing acting ability (no original material allowed)
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- Film in landscape mode, with good lighting and plain background
- Avoid echo/noisy spaces (no bathrooms or busy areas)
- Minimal props only (chair/table; instruments for singers)
- Parents/teachers may not participate in the video
Visual/Digital Arts applicants must upload:
- 4 original portfolio pieces: 1 portrait, 1 landscape, and 2 artworks of your choice
- A short bio (70–100 words)
- An artist statement (70–100 words) explaining your creative process and inspiration
Closing Date for ACT Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 13 April 2025.
No late applications will be considered.
Contact Details of Arts & Culture Trust (ACT)
For more information, contact ACT directly:
- Tel: 010 023 0899
- Email: info@act.org.za
