Students Pursuing Careers Behind the Camera Can Apply for Fully Funded Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies Until 31 August 2026
South Africa’s film and television industry continues to expand, creating opportunities for skilled professionals in directing, cinematography, editing, animation and digital content production. To help develop the next generation of creative talent, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme.
The bursary is designed for South African students who are passionate about building careers in the film and television sector. By funding eligible undergraduate and postgraduate studies, the programme aims to remove financial barriers while strengthening the country’s creative economy.
Applications are open from 2 June 2026 and will close at 17:00 on 31 August 2026 through the NFVF Online Application Portal.
Bursary Overview
| Programme Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Programme | National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Bursary 2027 |
| Sponsor | National Film and Video Foundation |
| Study Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Eligible Fields | Film and Television Studies |
| Institution Type | Accredited South African Higher Education Institutions |
| Opening Date | 2 June 2026 |
| Closing Date | 31 August 2026 (17:00) |
| Application Method | Online |
Building South Africa’s Creative Workforce
The film and television industry contributes significantly to South Africa’s economy by creating employment opportunities across production, broadcasting, post-production and digital media. As demand grows for locally produced content on television, streaming platforms and cinemas, the industry requires qualified professionals with both technical expertise and creative vision.
The NFVF Bursary Programme forms part of the organisation’s long-term commitment to developing emerging talent and ensuring that young South Africans can access quality education in specialised film and television disciplines.
Study Fields Supported
The bursary is available for students pursuing recognised qualifications related to the film and television industry.
Eligible areas include:
- Film Production
- Television Production
- Film Directing
- Screenwriting
- Cinematography
- Film and Video Editing
- Animation
- Producing
- Sound Design
- Visual Effects
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Digital Media Production
The programme does not fund qualifications in:
- Acting
- Music
- Dance
- Performing Arts
- Any course unrelated to film or television production.
Financial Support Available
The bursary provides funding to assist students with essential study costs.
Approved funding includes:
- Full tuition fees.
- Prescribed textbooks and learning materials.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.
- Computer equipment.
- Approved software and other academic resources.
For first-year students, funding for accommodation, meals and study resources is available up to a maximum value of R50,000, subject to approved costs.
The bursary does not cover:
- Travel expenses.
- Historical or outstanding student debt.
Applicants may be required to submit quotations or supporting documentation before payments are processed.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following minimum criteria:
- South African citizenship.
- Completed Matric.
- Registered or provisionally accepted at an accredited South African tertiary institution.
- Studying or intending to study full-time in a film or television-related qualification.
- Strong academic performance.
- Minimum overall academic average of 60% for current students.
- Combined household income below R600,000 per year.
Preference will be given to students enrolled at public higher education institutions.
Applicants should note that transferring from a public institution to a private institution after receiving the bursary may result in the cancellation of funding.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated using several factors, including:
- Financial need.
- Academic performance.
- Motivation for pursuing a career in film or television.
- Alignment with the NFVF’s transformation and development objectives.
- Eligible study-related expenses.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online portal before the closing deadline.
Before applying, applicants should prepare:
- Certified South African Identity Document.
- Academic transcripts or latest results.
- Proof of admission or provisional acceptance.
- Proof of household income.
- Motivation letter.
- Supporting documents requested during the online application process.
The closing date for submissions is 31 August 2026 at 17:00.
Why This Opportunity Matters
South Africa’s creative sector continues to evolve as audiences increasingly consume locally produced films, television series and digital content across multiple platforms. This growth has increased demand for skilled professionals capable of producing high-quality content that reflects diverse South African stories.
The NFVF Bursary Programme provides aspiring filmmakers with an opportunity to access recognised higher education while reducing financial barriers that often prevent talented students from pursuing creative careers.
For students who aspire to work behind the scenes in production, directing, editing or visual storytelling, the bursary offers a pathway into one of the country’s most dynamic and innovative industries.
Sources and References
- National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Bursary Programme 2027.
- National Film and Video Foundation funding guidelines.
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Editorial Transparency
Published: 29 June 2026
Editorial Standards: This article has been independently produced using official information released by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and publicly available information relating to higher education funding and South Africa’s audiovisual industry. The content is intended to inform prospective applicants and provide additional context about career opportunities within the film and television sector. Applicants should consult the official NFVF Online Application Portal for the latest application requirements, funding conditions and deadlines before applying.
