Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The National Film & Video Foundation bursary programme supports South African students pursuing full-time film and television studies at accredited tertiary institutions. It provides financial assistance for tuition and limited living costs to students entering the Film and TV industry. Applicants must be South African citizens with strong academic performance and proven financial need.
Programme Overview: Film and Television Skills Development Funding
The bursary programme by the National Film and Video Foundation aims to develop skilled professionals for South Africa’s film and television industry.
It supports students enrolled in:
- Film studies
- Television production
- Media and screen production disciplines
- Formal qualifications in film and TV
Key Objectives of the Bursary Programme
- Develop skilled professionals for the Film and TV industry
- Support access to higher education in media studies
- Promote youth employment in creative industries
- Strengthen South Africa’s audiovisual sector
- Encourage academic and professional film training
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Have completed matric (Grade 12)
- Have a good academic record
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be registered or provisionally accepted for full-time study
Eligible Study Levels
- Undergraduate degrees
- Postgraduate diplomas
- Postgraduate degrees
Eligible Fields of Study
- Film studies
- Television studies
- Film production
- Media and screen production
- Other film/TV-related disciplines
Who is NOT Eligible
The programme does NOT support:
- Performing arts (acting, dancing, music)
- Non-film or non-TV disciplines
- Part-time students
- Students not enrolled in accredited institutions
Funding Coverage and Financial Support
What the Bursary Covers
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (limited support)
- Meals support
- Educational resources (limited)
Funding Limits
- Maximum combined support: R50,000 per year
- Applies only to first-year students
What is NOT Covered
- Travel expenses
- Excess accommodation or living costs
- Non-film-related study costs
Important Restrictions and Conditions
- Preference is given to public tertiary institutions
- Students cannot transfer from public to private institutions after approval
- Changing institutions may lead to bursary cancellation
- Funding is conditional on continued academic performance
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants apply through the official bursary process.
Step 2: Eligibility Screening
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Citizenship
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- Study programme relevance
Step 3: Selection Process
Candidates are shortlisted based on:
- Merit
- Industry relevance
- Institutional enrolment
Step 4: Funding Approval
Successful applicants receive financial support for approved study costs.
Step 5: Academic Monitoring
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Step 6: Continued Funding Conditions
Ongoing support depends on:
- Academic performance
- Compliance with programme rules
Importance of the Programme (Why It Matters)
This bursary programme strengthens South Africa’s creative economy by:
- Increasing access to film and TV education
- Developing skilled media professionals
- Reducing financial barriers to higher education
- Supporting youth employment in creative industries
- Expanding national film production capacity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without South African citizenship
- Enrolling in non-film/TV courses
- Choosing unaccredited institutions
- Providing incomplete financial documentation
- Attempting to switch to private institutions after approval
- Ignoring funding limits and exclusions
Tips for a Strong Application
- Ensure academic results meet minimum standards
- Clearly demonstrate financial need
- Choose a film or TV-specific qualification
- Apply at a public accredited institution
- Prepare all required documentation early
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this bursary?
South African citizens who have completed matric and are studying film or television-related courses.
2. What fields are supported?
Film studies, television studies, and related media production disciplines.
3. What is the funding limit?
Up to R50,000 per year for first-year students (combined support).
4. Does it cover travel costs?
No, travel expenses are not covered.
5. Can I study at a private institution?
Preference is for public institutions, and switching after approval is not allowed.
6. Are performing arts courses included?
No, acting, music, and dance are excluded.
7. What are the eligibility requirements?
South African citizenship, matric completion, good academic record, and financial need.
Conclusion
The National Film and Video Foundation bursary programme provides critical financial support for students pursuing film and television studies. By reducing financial barriers and supporting structured academic pathways, it helps develop the next generation of skilled professionals in South Africa’s growing film and TV industry.
For more information, visit National Film and Video Foundation.