Film and Motion Picture Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026

Find on this page a List of Film and Motion Picture Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a creative South African student with a passion for storytelling, cinematography, and visual arts? If you dream of pursuing a career in Film and Motion Picture but face financial challenges, applying for a bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be the key to unlocking opportunities in the fast-growing film and media industry. With production houses, broadcasters, streaming platforms, and creative agencies relying on trained filmmakers, directors, editors, and screenwriters, the demand for skilled professionals in film continues to expand. Fortunately, many organizations, film commissions, and foundations are offering Film and Motion Picture bursaries in South Africa for 2026, providing essential financial support to deserving students who wish to further their studies in this exciting and dynamic field.

What Is Film and Motion Picture?

Film and Motion Picture studies focus on the art and science of creating visual stories through moving images. It combines creativity, technology, and performance to produce films, documentaries, television series, advertisements, and digital content. This field is not only about entertainment—it also plays a powerful role in cultural representation, education, and social influence, making it one of the most impactful creative industries worldwide.

Major Fields of Film and Motion Picture Studies

In South Africa, Film and Motion Picture studies offer diverse specializations, including:

Directing: Leading the creative vision of films and productions.
Cinematography: Mastering camera work, lighting, and visual storytelling.
Screenwriting: Writing scripts for film, television, and digital platforms.
Film Editing & Post-Production: Crafting the final product through cutting, sound design, and visual effects.
Producing: Overseeing budgets, logistics, and project management in film production.
Animation & Visual Effects (VFX): Creating computer-generated imagery and special effects.
Sound Design & Music for Film: Building immersive soundscapes and scores.
Documentary Filmmaking: Telling real-life stories with impact and authenticity.

Career Opportunities in Film and Motion Picture in South Africa

Graduates with a Film and Motion Picture qualification have a wide range of career opportunities both locally and internationally, such as:

Film Director
Cinematographer / Director of Photography (DOP)
Screenwriter
Film Editor or Post-Production Specialist
Producer or Production Manager
Sound Designer or Film Composer
Animator or VFX Artist
Documentary Filmmaker
Broadcast and Digital Media Professional

With South Africa emerging as a leading destination for film production and international co-productions, graduates in this field have opportunities to work on both local projects and global productions.

Why Apply for Film and Motion Picture Bursaries in 2026?

Pursuing formal education in Film and Motion Picture can be costly, with expenses such as tuition fees, production equipment, software, accommodation, and study materials. Fortunately, many film commissions, government institutions, universities, and private sponsors are offering Film and Motion Picture bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027. These bursaries often cover tuition fees, production costs, and living expenses, while also providing mentorship, industry exposure, and internship opportunities with established film companies.

Applying for a Film and Motion Picture bursary not only eases the financial burden but also connects students with professional networks, increasing their chances of building a successful career in the film and creative industries.

List of Film and Motion Picture Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026

Below, you will find the list of Film and Motion Picture bursaries in South Africa for 2026, offered by top film schools, cultural organizations, and industry funders. Each listing includes details on eligibility criteria, fields of study covered, application guidelines, and closing dates to help you plan your future in film.

Absa Fellowship/ Scholarship Programme

Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary

Bridgestone Bursary

Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary

Canon Collins Tom Queba Scholarship

eMedia Bursary

Film School Africa (FSA) Bursary

Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) Bursary

KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission Bursary

KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursaries

KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bursary

Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary