NFVF National Bursary for Film and Television Studies
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS)
The NFVF National Bursary funds South African students pursuing accredited film and television studies at South African tertiary institutions. Awarded as a non-repayable grant based on merit and financial need, it covers 100% of tuition fees, with accommodation, meals and resources such as textbooks, computer and software covered subject to available funds. It is distinct from the NFVF's separately-applied-for International Bursary Programme for overseas postgraduate film and TV studies.
- Amount
- Non-repayable grant covering 100% of tuition fees; accommodation, meals and resources such as textbooks, computer and software covered subject to availability of funds (capped at approximately R50,000 annually, generally first-year students). Travel expenses excluded.
- Deadline
- 31 August 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Completed matric / matric pass
- ✓ Registered or provisionally registered for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate diploma/degree study at an accredited South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Good academic standing (60%+ aggregate for current students)
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need; combined parental/guardian income under R600,000 per year (priority given to applicants below this threshold)
- ✓ Preference given to students at South African public institutions
What's Included
- ✓ 100% of tuition fees covered
- ✓ Accommodation and meals (capped ~R50,000 annually, first-year students), subject to availability of funds
- ✓ Other resources e.g. textbooks, computer, software (within the R50,000 cap)
- ✓ Awarded as a non-repayable grant based on merit and/or financial need
How to Apply
Steps to complete your National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS) bursary application
- 1
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria, including South African citizenship, a matric pass and registration (or provisional registration) for full-time film/TV study at an accredited SA tertiary institution
- 2
Register and create an account on the NFVF online bursary portal at nfvf.praxisgms.co.za
- 3
Complete the online application form during the open call window (for the 2026 academic year, 2 June to 31 August 2026 at 17:00)
- 4
Upload all required supporting documents in the portal (applications by email or fax are not accepted)
- 5
Submit your application before the 17:00 closing deadline and wait for the NFVF's evaluation and shortlisting
- 6
Direct any queries to Thandekile Hlatshwayo (thandekileh@nfvf.co.za) or Manti Sekwakwa (mantis@nfvf.co.za)
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Matric certificate or latest results
- 📄 Latest academic transcript / results (for current tertiary students)
- 📄 Proof of registration or provisional acceptance at an accredited SA tertiary institution
- 📄 Proof of household income / financial need (parental or guardian income documents)
- 📄 Motivational letter outlining your film/TV career goals
- 📄 Quotation or proof of tuition and related study costs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the NFVF National Bursary?
- South African citizens with a matric pass who are registered or provisionally registered for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate film and television studies at an accredited South African tertiary institution. Applicants must demonstrate financial need (combined parental/guardian income under R600,000 per year) and current students need a 60%+ aggregate. Performing arts, acting, music and dancing are excluded.
- What does the NFVF National Bursary cover?
- It is a non-repayable grant covering 100% of tuition fees. Accommodation, meals and other resources such as textbooks, a computer and software may also be covered subject to availability of funds, capped at approximately R50,000 annually (generally for first-year students). Travel expenses are not covered.
- When does the NFVF National Bursary close?
- It runs on an annual cycle. For the 2026 academic year the national call opened on 2 June 2026 and closes on 31 August 2026 at 17:00. Windows vary year to year, so always verify the current dates on nfvf.co.za. Applications by email or fax are not accepted.
- How do I apply for the NFVF National Bursary?
- Applications are submitted online only, through the NFVF bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS at nfvf.praxisgms.co.za. Register an account, complete the form and upload your supporting documents before the deadline. This domestic National Bursary is separate from the NFVF International Bursary Programme, which has its own application process and earlier window.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 August 2026
Apply on National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS)'s official siteNeed help? Contact National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS):
Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
Phone: 011 483 0880
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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