Are you a passionate creative who dreams of taking your arts career to the next level? Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s or PhD in theatre, dance, visual arts, literature, music, crafts, cultural policy, or arts management — the National Arts Council (NAC) Bursary Programme 2026 could be your breakthrough.
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For many talented South Africans, postgraduate studies are simply out of reach due to financial constraints. This bursary exists to change that — and help build the next generation of arts leaders, scholars, practitioners, and cultural innovators.
Below is your full Edupstairs-style breakdown of everything you need to know to submit a confident and successful application.
Quick Overview
| Programme Name | NAC Individual Postgraduate Bursary (Local Studies) |
| Opening Date | 11 November 2025 |
| Closing Date | 19 December 2025 (Late applications NOT accepted) |
| Outcome Date | 30 January 2026 |
| Fields of Study | Theatre, Dance, Crafts, Literature, Music, Visual Arts, Multidiscipline, Arts Management, Cultural Policy & more arts-related fields |
| Study Level | Local Postgraduate (Honours, Masters, PhD) |
| Required Minimum Average | 65% (63% considered only in exceptional cases) |
| Priority | Previously disadvantaged students |
| Funding Covers | Mainly tuition, but can also include accommodation, books, study materials, travel & research (if tuition is covered elsewhere) |
| Location | South Africa only |
| Application Method | Online via NAC Grant Management System |
About the National Arts Council (NAC)
The National Arts Council of South Africa is one of the country’s leading institutions responsible for developing, supporting, promoting, and nurturing the arts sector. Its mandate is to empower artists, practitioners, and organisations through funding, policy development, and capacity-building programmes.
The NAC supports every discipline within the arts ecosystem — from visual and performing arts to literature, crafts, cultural management, and interdisciplinary arts. Over the years, the NAC has funded thousands of South Africans, helping them access world-class training, innovation opportunities, and career growth.
This Postgraduate Bursary Programme forms part of the NAC’s long-term strategy to build a sustainable arts sector led by highly skilled, academically grounded professionals.
What This Bursary Is About
The NAC Individual Postgraduate Bursary offers financial support to South African students who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications in the arts at any accredited South African university or institution.
This bursary is specifically for:
- Master’s students
- PhD students
- Honours/postgraduate diploma candidates (where institutionally recognised)
- Individuals doing local arts-related residencies
The bursary:
- Funds postgraduate studies based on academic excellence.
- Provides financial support to students who demonstrate talent and commitment.
- Helps ease financial pressure through funding for tuition and/or living expenses.
- Enables students to focus on contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s arts ecosystem.
The NAC wants you to succeed academically AND contribute back to your community. After completing your studies, you are expected to “plough back” by sharing skills, running workshops, mentoring youth, or supporting local creatives.
Who Should Apply?
This bursary is ideal for you if:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are passionate about artistic or cultural work.
- You want to deepen your academic knowledge through postgraduate study.
- You have a strong academic record (65%+ average).
- You need financial support for fees or living expenses.
- You want your work to contribute to community development and arts education.
- You already have acceptance/registration at a South African tertiary institution.
What the Bursary Covers
Depending on your circumstances, the bursary may cover:
- Tuition Fees
This is the primary focus of the bursary. The panel allocates funding according to the actual tuition costs at your institution.
- Living Costs (Accommodation, Travel, Subsistence)
If tuition is already covered by another funder, NAC may cover living expenses such as:
- Accommodation
- Study materials & books
- Travel for research or fieldwork
- Subsistence allowance
- Research & Residencies
Funding may also support local arts-related residencies or supervised research.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must meet ALL the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
A certified SA ID is required.
- Be accepted or registered for a postgraduate arts qualification
Full-time or part-time postgraduate studies accepted.
- Be studying at a South African institution
Local studies only.
- Have strong academic performance
- Minimum 65% average required.
- 63% average may be accepted in special cases.
- Be from a previously disadvantaged background (priority consideration)
The NAC aims to promote transformation.
- Commit to signing a funding agreement if approved
This includes academic monitoring and progress reporting.
- Agree to “plough back” into the community after completing studies
This could be through:
- Workshops
- Mentoring
- Outreach programmes
- Capacity-building initiatives
Documents Required for the Application
You must upload the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of SA ID (not older than 12 months)
- Course structure or content outline
- Official fee structure from your institution
- Proof of acceptance/registration
- Academic transcript or recognition of prior learning
- Certified copies of previous qualifications
- Proof of any other bursary funding
- Two recent reference letters (not older than 3 months)
- A strong motivation outlining your goals & future aspirations
- Proof of household income
- Bank statement/proof of bank account (not older than 6 months)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Visit the NAC Grant Management System
Applications must be completed ONLINE here
Step 2: Create or Log Into Your Account
Fill in your personal and academic details.
Step 3: Complete the Individual Postgraduate Local Bursary Form
Double-check every section for accuracy.
Step 4: Upload All Supporting Documents
Incomplete applications are disqualified automatically.
Step 5: Review, Confirm & Submit Before 19 December 2025
Late submissions will not be considered.
Step 6: Wait for Outcome on 30 January 2026
If successful, you will sign a funding agreement.
Step 7: Maintain Satisfactory Progress
Your supervisor must submit progress reports. A poor record can lead to termination of funding for the next semester/year.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Completing a postgraduate qualification in the arts can open doors to many career paths such as:
- Arts Practitioner / Professional Artist
Deepening your expertise helps you produce more advanced and innovative work.
- Lecturer or Researcher in the Arts
Postgraduate studies position you for roles in academia and research institutions.
- Arts Administrator / Cultural Manager
You can lead programmes, organisations, or national arts initiatives.
- Writer, Critic, or Cultural Analyst
Your advanced academic knowledge supports careers in journalism, arts criticism, and policy analysis.
- Community Arts Developer
Ideal for individuals passionate about outreach and grassroots creative work.
- PhD Pathway
If you complete a Master’s, this bursary can fund your PhD for up to 3 years (with annual progress checks).
Edupstairs Advice: How to Strengthen Your Application
Write a powerful motivation letter
Explain your long-term vision, your passion for the arts, and how your work will positively impact communities.
Showcase your track record
Include evidence of past performances, exhibitions, publications, or contributions to the arts.
Get strong reference letters
Choose referees who know your work and can speak clearly about your potential.
Submit early
Technical issues happen. Upload at least 3–5 days before the deadline.
Align your ambitions with NAC’s mandate
Show how your work supports transformation, community development, or capacity-building in the arts.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does this bursary fund international studies?
No. Only South African institutions are eligible.
- Can part-time students apply?
Yes — both full-time and part-time postgraduate students are accepted.
- What is the minimum average required?
65% average. In exceptional cases, 63% may be considered.
- Does NAC fund living expenses?
Yes, if your tuition is covered by other funding sources.
- Can I reapply each year?
MA students receive funding for 2 years; PhD students for 3 years. No need to reapply if you progress successfully.
- Do I need to “give back” after completing my studies?
Yes. You must share your skills with your community and submit proof.
- What if I miss the deadline?
Late applications are not accepted.
- Can I appeal if rejected?
Yes. You may appeal to the Minister within 30 days of the outcome.
- Do I need to provide financial documents?
Yes — including household income proof and bank statements.
- How will I know the outcome?
Results are released on 30 January 2026.
CLOSING DATE: 19 DECEMBER 2025
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not the official provider of this bursary. All information is sourced from the official NAC guideline document. Applicants must always verify details on the NAC website and ensure timely submission.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
