South African creatives who dream of studying film and television abroad now have a major opportunity to take their careers to a global level. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has officially opened applications for its 2026 International Postgraduate Bursary Programme — a funding initiative designed to equip local talent with world-class skills, exposure, and industry expertise.
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This bursary is aimed at developing South African filmmakers and television professionals by supporting postgraduate studies overseas in areas not currently offered at local institutions. For aspiring directors, producers, editors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and other creative specialists, this funding could become a life-changing pathway into the international film industry.
With bursaries capped at R280 000, the programme helps cover tuition and living expenses for qualifying candidates pursuing postgraduate film and television studies abroad.
Quick Overview
Programme: NFVF International Film & TV Postgraduate Bursary 2026
Funding Amount: Up to R280 000
Study Level: Postgraduate (Overseas)
Field: Film and Television Studies
Application Opens: 09 February 2026
Closing Date: 09 March 2026 at 17h00
Study Start: September/October 2026
Eligibility: South African citizens/permanent residents
Application Platform: NFVF Grant Management System
Purpose of the International Bursary Programme
The NFVF international bursary focuses on capacity building within the film and television sector.
Its objectives include:
- Upskilling South African creatives at global institutions
- Closing local training gaps
- Developing specialised expertise not available locally
- Building a globally competitive talent pipeline
- Strengthening the country’s creative economy
This programme specifically supports postgraduate studies abroad that are not offered in South Africa, ensuring funding targets unique and scarce skills.
Funding Coverage
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to R280 000, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation support
- Living expenses
- Academic-related costs
Funding is awarded based on merit, financial need, and programme relevance.
Qualifying Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Apply at least six months before course commencement
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Have a strong academic record
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be accepted or enrolled at an accredited overseas institution
- Study full-time postgraduate film or television
- Start studies in September/October 2026
- Apply for a course not available in South Africa
Important note:
- Live performance and acting programmes are not eligible for funding.
Applicants must also submit a detailed motivation explaining:
- Why they should receive the bursary
- How the qualification will benefit South Africa
- Their career plans after completing studies
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of acceptance at an overseas institution
- Motivation letter
- Supporting documents as required by the portal
Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit applications via the NFVF Grant Management System.
Application process:
- Register an account online
- Complete the bursary application form
- Upload all supporting documents
- Submit before the closing deadline
Application timeline:
- Call opens: 09 February 2026
- Closing date: 09 March 2026 at 17h00 (CAT)
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Applicants are responsible for keeping their contact details updated throughout the process.
APPLY FOR THE NFVF INTERNATIONAL BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Enquiries
For application support:
Applications Officer
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
Tel: 011 483 0880
Applications Officer
Manti Sekwakwa
Email: mantim@nfvf.co.za
Tel: 011 483 0880
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
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- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
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- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- 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
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice
If you are serious about this bursary, preparation is critical.
Start early:
- Research international film schools
- Secure acceptance before applying
- Build a strong portfolio
- Prepare a compelling motivation letter
Strengthen your application by:
- Demonstrating industry experience
- Showing clear career goals
- Explaining how your studies will benefit South Africa
- Highlighting financial need
Avoid these mistakes:
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Missing deadlines
- Applying for courses available locally
- Providing generic motivation statements
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Completing an international postgraduate film or TV qualification can unlock multiple pathways:
Entry-level roles:
- Production assistant
- Junior editor
- Screenwriting assistant
- Film researcher
Mid-career roles:
- Film producer
- Director
- Cinematographer
- Script developer
Advanced roles:
- International co-production specialist
- Showrunner
- Creative executive
- Studio consultant
Entrepreneurial opportunities:
- Production company owner
- Digital content studio founder
- Streaming content creator
- Film festival curator
Global exposure significantly increases employability in both local and international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the NFVF international bursary?
South African citizens or permanent residents pursuing postgraduate film or television studies abroad.
- Does the bursary fund undergraduate studies?
No. Funding is strictly for postgraduate programmes.
- Can acting or performance courses qualify?
No. Live performance and acting programmes are excluded.
- What is the maximum funding amount?
Up to R280 000.
- When must the course start?
September or October 2026.
- Can part-time studies qualify?
No. Only full-time postgraduate programmes are eligible.
- What happens if I submit late?
Late applications are automatically disqualified.
CLOSING DATE: 09 MARCH 2026
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Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
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Disclaimers
- Funding is competitive and not guaranteed.
- Meeting minimum requirements does not ensure selection.
- Applicants must verify course accreditation independently.
- NFVF policies and funding terms may change.
- Applicants remain responsible for additional costs not covered by the bursary.
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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY