Arts & Culture Trust Announces Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for 2026 The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has been actively serving the arts and culture sector in all 9 provinces of South Africa for 31 years in the form of development and grant making.
The value of this legacy lies not only in the longevity and sustainability of the organisation, but the fact that the organisation prides itself in keeping up with trends across the arts sector and therefore includes emerging disciplines that are critical to the future survival and growth of the industry.
Although the ACT was known as the Arts and Culture Trust of the President when it opened its doors in 1994, it now functions completely independent of government as a registered non-profit organisation. Not only does the majority of its support come from the private sector and ACT’s investment portfolio, but the organisation is an influencer in the sector, with a reputation that lends credibility to the initiatives and organisations it becomes involved with.
About ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
Nyoloha is Sesotho for Rise! The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is an undergraduate scholarship initiative designed to provide life-changing opportunities for school leavers to pursue tertiary studies in the performing, visual, and digital arts. Through a blend of mentorship, training, and live showcases, participants gain professional exposure, build networks, and prepare for sustainable careers in the creative economy.
The programme is proudly supported by Nedbank, Sun International and MTN South Africa.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2026 |
| Focus Areas | Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Digital Arts |
| Scholarship Value | Up to R300,000 per recipient |
| Number of Awards | Two full scholarships annually |
| Study Start | 2027 academic year |
| Eligibility Age | 17–25 years |
| Target Group | Grade 12 learners or applicants with university exemption |
| Support Includes | Mentorship, workshops, industry exposure, live showcases |
| Programme Duration | Approximately 6 months (selection and development phases) |
| Sponsors | Nedbank, Sun International, MTN South Africa |
Fields Covered
The scholarship supports studies in:
Performing Arts
- Acting
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre production
- Stage performance
Visual Arts
- Fine arts
- Illustration
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Mixed media
Digital Arts
- Animation
- Graphic design
- Multimedia design
- Digital storytelling
- Creative technology
Programme Highlights
- Identifies talent nationwide through auditions and portfolio reviews.
- Provides three months of mentorship and workshops with industry leaders.
- Culminates in a visual arts exhibition and performing arts showcase of finalists’ work.
- Awards two full scholarships annually (up to R300,000 each) in Performing Arts and Visual/Digital Arts.
- Builds an alumni network connecting graduates to opportunities in the creative economy.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Aged between 17 and 25
- Currently in Grade 12 or possess university exemption
- Require financial assistance for tertiary studies in arts disciplines
- Planning to study in 2027 at a South African accredited institution
- Not registered at a tertiary institution during 2026
- No existing tertiary qualification in an arts discipline
- Not a professional artist (no full-time employment or formal advanced training in their field)
- Not a 2025 ACT Nyoloha participant or finalist
- Willing to commit to the full programme duration
These requirements ensure the scholarship supports emerging, not already-established, creatives.
READ: Isanti Glass Announces 2026 Engineering Bursary Programme for South African Students
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
Application Closing Date
31 March 2026
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Application Process and Timeline
The Nyoloha process is designed to identify both talent and potential.
Typical stages include:
- Application submission
- Auditions or portfolio review
- Shortlisting
- Mentorship and development workshops
- Final showcase or exhibition
- Scholarship awards announcement
Participants benefit from development even if they do not ultimately receive the scholarship.
How to Apply Arts & Culture Trust Announces Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for 2026
Fill the Application form : https://act.org.za/2026-act-nyoloha-scholarship-programme/
