Are you an aspiring artist in South Africa eager to advance your creative journey? The National Arts Council (NAC) Individual Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026 offers an incredible opportunity to fund your Master’s or Doctoral studies in a wide range of arts disciplines. Whether your passion lies in theatre, dance, visual arts, literature, music, crafts, cultural policy, or arts management, this bursary could be your pathway to academic and professional success. NAC postgraduate bursary South Africa
Many talented South African artists face financial barriers that limit their ability to pursue advanced studies. The NAC bursary aims to remove those obstacles and nurture the next generation of artistic leaders, cultural innovators, and scholars who will shape South Africa’s rich artistic landscape.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the NAC Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026 — from eligibility requirements to application tips, and much more.
What Is the NAC postgraduate bursary South Africa?
The NAC Individual Postgraduate Bursary (Local Studies) is a financial aid programme designed to support South African students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in the arts at accredited South African institutions. The bursary is awarded based on merit and potential impact, with a focus on students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Key Details at a Glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | NAC Individual Postgraduate Bursary (Local) |
| Application Opens | November 11, 2025 |
| Application Closes | December 19, 2025 (No late entries accepted) |
| Outcome Announcement | January 30, 2026 |
| Eligible Disciplines | Theatre, Dance, Crafts, Literature, Music, Visual Arts, Multidisciplinary Arts, Arts Management, Cultural Policy, and related fields |
| Qualification Levels | Honours, Master’s, Doctorate (PhD) |
| Minimum Academic Average | 65% (63% considered for exceptional cases) |
| Priority Group | Students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds |
| Coverage | Primarily tuition; potential support for accommodation, books, travel, study materials, research |
| Location | South Africa only |
| Application Method | Online via NAC Grant Management System |
About the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC)
The National Arts Council (NAC) is South Africa’s foremost organization dedicated to developing, supporting, promoting, and nurturing the arts sector. The NAC plays a vital role by empowering artists, cultural practitioners, and organizations through funding, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives.
The NAC’s mandate covers a broad spectrum of art forms including:
- Visual and performing arts
- Literature and crafts
- Cultural management and policy
- Interdisciplinary and innovative arts expressions
By providing bursaries and grants, the NAC enables South Africans to access advanced training and professional development opportunities. The Postgraduate Bursary Programme forms an essential part of the NAC’s mission to foster a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable arts industry led by skilled professionals.
What Does the Bursary Offer?
The NAC Postgraduate Bursary offers financial assistance that covers:
- Tuition fees: The bursary primarily supports your tuition costs at South African universities or institutions.
- Living expenses: If tuition fees are already covered by another source, the NAC may provide support for accommodation, study materials, travel for research, and a subsistence allowance.
- Research and residencies: The bursary can fund local arts residencies or supervised research projects related to your field of study.
This bursary supports individuals enrolled in postgraduate studies such as:
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral (PhD) degrees
- Honours or postgraduate diploma studies (where applicable)
- Local arts-related residencies or research programs
Who Should Apply for the NAC Postgraduate Bursary?
This bursary is ideal if you:
- Are a South African citizen
- Have been accepted or are registered at an accredited South African institution for postgraduate studies in arts-related fields
- Maintain a minimum academic average of 65% (63% considered in exceptional cases)
- Come from a historically disadvantaged background (priority given)
- Are passionate about arts and cultural development
- Need financial assistance to cover tuition fees and/or living expenses
- Are committed to contributing back to your community through arts education, mentoring, workshops, or outreach programs
Eligibility Requirements: What You Need to Qualify
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a South African citizen with a certified ID.
- Be accepted or currently registered for a full-time or part-time postgraduate arts qualification (Honours, Master’s, PhD) at a South African institution.
- Have a minimum academic average of 65%; a lower average of 63% may be considered for exceptional cases.
- Be from a historically disadvantaged background (priority).
- Agree to sign a funding agreement, including academic progress monitoring.
- Commit to “giving back” to your community post-graduation through workshops, mentorship, or capacity-building.
Documents You Will Need to Submit
When applying, ensure you upload the following documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Your study course structure or outline
- Official fee structure from your institution
- Proof of acceptance or registration
- Your latest academic transcript or recognition of prior learning documentation
- Certified copies of all previous qualifications
- Proof of any other bursary funding you may have received
- Two recent reference letters (not older than three months)
- A well-written motivation letter outlining your goals and aspirations
- Proof of your household income
- A recent bank statement or proof of your bank account
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the NAC Grant Management System
- Create an account or log in using your details.
- Complete the Individual Postgraduate Local Bursary Application Form, ensuring all information is accurate.
- Upload all required supporting documents as outlined above.
- Review your application carefully before submitting.
- Submit your application by December 19, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Wait for the outcome announcement on January 30, 2026.
- If successful, sign a funding agreement and begin your postgraduate studies with financial support.
- Maintain academic progress as your supervisor will submit regular reports; poor academic performance may lead to funding termination.
Career Opportunities After Completing Your Postgraduate Arts Qualification
A postgraduate qualification in the arts opens many doors, such as:
- Arts Practitioner / Professional Artist: Pursue a career as a practicing artist in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, or crafts.
- Academic Lecturer or Researcher: Teach or conduct research at universities and institutions.
- Arts Administrator or Cultural Manager: Lead arts organizations, manage festivals, or oversee cultural projects.
- Writer, Critic, or Cultural Analyst: Engage in arts criticism, journalism, or cultural policy analysis.
- Community Arts Developer: Work to empower communities through art-based initiatives.
- PhD Candidates: Use the bursary to fund advanced research and doctoral studies.
Expert Tips to Strengthen Your NAC Bursary Application
Applying for the NAC bursary is competitive. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Write a compelling motivation letter: Clearly communicate your passion, vision, and how you plan to use your studies to impact your community.
- Showcase your achievements: Include evidence of past artistic works, awards, exhibitions, performances, or community contributions.
- Choose strong referees: Get references from people who know your skills and dedication well, such as lecturers, mentors, or employers.
- Submit early: Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent technical difficulties.
- Align with NAC values: Highlight how your goals support transformation, community development, capacity-building, and cultural empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the NAC Postgraduate Bursary?
You must be a South African citizen, registered or accepted for postgraduate studies in arts at a South African institution, and have a minimum academic average of 65%. Priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
2. What disciplines are covered by the bursary?
The bursary covers a broad range of arts disciplines including theatre, dance, crafts, literature, music, visual arts, multidisciplinary arts, arts management, and cultural policy.
3. Can I apply if I am studying part-time?
Yes, part-time postgraduate students are eligible as long as the studies are at a South African institution and related to the arts disciplines listed.
4. Does the bursary cover living expenses?
The bursary primarily covers tuition fees. However, if tuition is already funded by another source, the NAC may provide support for accommodation, travel, study materials, and research-related costs.
5. How do I apply for the bursary?
Applications must be submitted online through the NAC Grant Management System by December 19, 2025. All required documents must be uploaded to complete the application.
6. When will successful applicants be notified?
The outcomes will be announced on January 30, 2026.
7. What happens after I receive the bursary?
You will be required to sign a funding agreement, maintain academic progress (with supervisor reports), and commit to giving back to your community through workshops or mentorship.
8. Can international students apply?
No, the bursary is limited to South African citizens studying at South African institutions.
Final Thoughts
The NAC Individual Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for passionate South African artists to pursue advanced studies and contribute meaningfully to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you aim to deepen your practice, conduct vital research, or lead arts initiatives, this bursary can provide the financial support you need.
Don’t miss the application window—mark your calendar for December 19, 2025, and start preparing your documents today!
Unlock your full artistic potential and help shape the future of South African arts with the NAC bursary.
