NFVF Call for Training Provider Grant – 2026 (South Africa)

Deadline: 09-Mar-2026

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is accepting applications for training provider grants to build skills and career pathways in South Africa’s film and video industry. Funding supports accredited training programmes, short courses, and workshops—particularly in identified scarce skills areas. Eligible applicants must be South African citizens delivering SETA- or Department of Higher Education-accredited curricula, with companies required to be at least 51% black-owned and managed.

Overview

The NFVF Training Provider Grant aims to:

• Strengthen professional skills in the South African film industry

• Support career entry and career progression

• Address scarce and critical skills gaps

• Expand access to accredited film training

The programme responds to findings in:

• State of Skills in the South African Film Industry Research (2016)

• NFVF Skills Audit Report

It focuses on developing sustainable talent pipelines in the audiovisual sector.

Key Funding Objectives

The grant supports three major focus areas:

1. New Entrant Development

• On-the-job training

• Off-the-job structured learning

• Career launch support

• Industry placement preparation

2. Professional Skills Development

• Advanced skills programmes for working professionals

• Career progression pathways

• Technical and specialist upskilling

3. Short Courses and Scarce Skills Training

• Workshops in high-demand areas

• Targeted programmes addressing identified skills shortages

• Specialist training aligned with industry needs

What Types of Training Are Supported?

Eligible programmes must:

• Be accredited by a SETA or the Department of Higher Education

• Have clearly defined learning outcomes

• Target specific learner groups

• Include practical training components

• Address real industry demand

Priority consideration is given to training providers in under-serviced provinces.

Funding Amount and Financial Rules

• Maximum funding cap: R350,000

• Applications exceeding R350,000 must include:

  • Detailed financial plan

  • Confirmed and potential funding sources

  • Letters of support (where applicable)

Budget Conditions

• Overhead costs must not exceed 10% of the total budget

• Full financial transparency is required

Who Is Eligible?

Individual Applicants Must:

• Be South African citizens

• Deliver accredited curriculum

• Demonstrate industry relevance

Company Applicants Must:

• Be at least 51% black-owned and managed

• Provide company registration documents

• Submit BBBEE Certificate or sworn affidavit (not older than one year)

All Applicants Must:

• Provide valid Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Compliance Status PIN (valid for one year)

• Hold full or provisional accreditation from MICT SETA or the Department of Higher Education

• Demonstrate proven training track record

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed online application form

• Detailed budget

• Financial plan (if over R350,000)

• Letters of confirmed funding (if applicable)

• Tax Clearance Certificate or PIN

• BBBEE Certificate or affidavit

• SETA or Department accreditation proof

• Proof of previous training success rates

• CVs of applicant and tutors (with proof of appointment)

• Course curriculum and training outcomes

• Learner selection criteria

• List of anticipated learner competencies

• Practical training details

• Post-programme support plan

• Assessment and evaluation framework

• Certified copy of applicant ID (within six months)

• Company registration documents (if applicable)

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Why This Grant Matters

The South African film industry faces:

• Skills shortages in technical and specialist roles

• Uneven access to training across provinces

• Barriers to entry for new talent

This grant:

• Expands accredited training access

• Promotes transformation and black ownership

• Strengthens industry competitiveness

• Supports sustainable employment pathways

By targeting scarce skills and professional development, the NFVF strengthens the national audiovisual ecosystem.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Accreditation

Ensure your curriculum is accredited by:

• MICT SETA

• Department of Higher Education

Step 2: Design a Market-Relevant Programme

Clearly define:

• Target learners

• Learning objectives

• Practical components

• Industry alignment

• Scarce skills focus

Step 3: Prepare Financial Documentation

• Develop a compliant budget

• Ensure overhead ≤10%

• Secure co-funding letters if applicable

Step 4: Compile Supporting Documents

Double-check all required documentation is:

• Valid

• Certified where required

• Within date limits

Step 5: Submit Online Application

Complete the official NFVF online form and upload all required documents before the deadline.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Accreditation compliance

• Industry relevance

• Scarce skills alignment

• Transformation credentials

• Track record of delivery

• Budget feasibility

• Provincial impact

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting expired tax or BBBEE documents

• Over-allocating budget to overhead costs

• Failing to demonstrate accreditation

• Not clearly identifying target learners

• Weak evidence of industry alignment

• Missing proof of prior success

Best Practice Tips

• Align curriculum with identified scarce skills

• Include strong practical training components

• Demonstrate measurable outcomes

• Provide evidence of learner employment pathways

• Show transformation impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the NFVF Training Provider Grant?

South African citizens or companies delivering accredited film training programmes.

2. What is the maximum funding amount?

R350,000 per application.

3. Must training be accredited?

Yes. Accreditation by a SETA or the Department of Higher Education is mandatory.

4. Are companies required to meet ownership criteria?

Yes. Companies must be at least 51% black-owned and managed.

5. Are overhead costs capped?

Yes. Overhead costs may not exceed 10% of the total budget.

6. Is preference given to certain regions?

Yes. Training providers in under-serviced provinces receive priority consideration.

7. Is prior training experience required?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record and success rates from previous programmes.

Conclusion

The NFVF Training Provider Grant is a strategic funding opportunity designed to strengthen South Africa’s film industry workforce through accredited training, scarce skills development, and transformation-driven delivery.

Training providers with accredited programmes, strong governance, and industry-aligned curricula are well positioned to secure funding and contribute to building a competitive and inclusive South African audiovisual sector.

For more information, visit NFVF.