The National Arts Council (NAC) invites South African institutions to apply for Block Institutional Bursaries for undergraduate students in the arts for the 2026 academic year. These bursaries cover tuition, and potentially accommodation, books, travel, or subsistence, to support students in theatre, dance, crafts, literature, music, visual arts, and other arts-related fields. Applications close 19 December 2025, with results announced by 30 January 2026.

National Arts Council Block Institutional Bursaries 2026

Overview

The NAC Block Institutional Bursaries programme supports registered South African education and training institutions to fund undergraduate arts students. The bursaries aim to:

• Promote excellence in the arts

• Develop a sustainable pool of skilled artists and arts leaders

• Support educational initiatives and training in diverse arts disciplines

Bursaries are awarded to institutions, which in turn fund students enrolled in Higher Education or Further Education and Training institutions in South Africa.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible institutions include:

• Registered South African institutions offering arts-related courses such as theatre, dance, crafts, literature, music, visual arts, cultural policy, arts management, and multidiscipline programmes

• Institutions must demonstrate capacity to manage bursary awards and commit to supporting students through the completion of each academic year

Eligible students:

• Must be South African citizens

• Must be undergraduates studying in South Africa in 2026

• Cannot apply directly; institutions submit applications on their behalf

Exclusions:

• Students pursuing studies outside South Africa

• Applications not submitted by a registered and accredited institution

Funding Details

• Coverage: Primarily tuition fees; can include accommodation, books, travel, or subsistence if tuition is already covered

• Duration: For the academic year, contingent upon successful annual progression

• Requirements: Institutions must sign a service-level agreement with the NAC and ensure monitoring and reporting compliance

How to Apply / How it Works

1. Institutions complete the NAC Institutional Block Bursary Application Form online via the Grant Management System (GMS).

2. Attach required supporting documents:

   • Course details and fee structures

   • Proof of institutional registration and accreditation

   • Bank account details

   • Certified ID documents of nominated students

   • Academic results of nominated students

   • Valid tax clearance certificates

   • Annual audited financial statements

   • Details of bursary committee members and selection criteria

3. Submit by 19 December 2025. Incomplete or late applications will be disqualified.

4. NAC will notify outcomes by 30 January 2026.

5. Upon approval, institutions provide:

   • Signed grant agreement

   • Full list of bursary recipients with personal and academic details

   • Half-yearly progress reports and students’ fee statements

Programme Requirements

• NAC must approve any changes in grant allocation in writing

• Institutions must notify NAC if a student discontinues studies

• NAC support must be acknowledged in institutional reports, financial accounts, and publicity materials

• NAC may use the institution’s name in its publicity efforts

Common Tips

• Ensure all supporting documentation is complete and accurate

• Verify institutional registration and accreditation

• Confirm the selection criteria and bursary committee details are included

• Maintain timely reporting and student progress records to ensure continued funding

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the bursary?
Registered South African education and training institutions offering arts-related undergraduate courses.

2. Can students apply directly?
No; bursaries are applied for by institutions on behalf of their students.

3. What costs does the bursary cover?
Primarily tuition, but can cover accommodation, books, travel, or subsistence if tuition is already funded from other sources.

4. What is the application deadline?
19 December 2025.

5. When will funding decisions be announced?
By 30 January 2026.

6. Are institutions allowed to receive funding more than once per financial year?
No; institutions can only receive funding once per financial year.

7. How can decisions be appealed?
Any grievance may be appealed in writing to the Minister of Arts and Culture within 30 days of the NAC decision. The appeal must include the appellant’s details, nature of the grievance, and reasons.

Conclusion

The NAC Block Institutional Bursaries ensure South African undergraduate arts students have access to quality education and training. By supporting institutions, the programme strengthens the country’s arts sector and nurtures the next generation of artists, technicians, administrators, and leaders across diverse disciplines.