Your Complete Guide to Funding Creative Studies
and Pursuing Artistic Excellence in South Africa
The creative sector is a vital part of South Africa’s cultural identity and economy, and dedicated funding exists for talented students ready to develop their craft. If you’re searching for
bursaries open for 2027 applications in the arts, this page connects you with opportunities across visual arts, performing arts, design, film, and multimedia studies.
We’ve gathered verified
Bursaries South Africa 2027 from key creative-sector funders. You’ll find Department of Sport, Arts and Culture awards, National Arts Council funding, university-specific merit scholarships at institutions like UCT’s Michaelis School and Wits School of Arts, and corporate sponsorships from companies invested in the creative economy. Each listing details what’s covered, portfolio requirements, eligibility criteria, and closing dates.
Arts bursary applications differ from other fields—your portfolio and artist statement carry as much weight as academic results. We guide you through preparing 10-15 strong portfolio pieces with professional documentation, articulating your creative vision and influences, and tailoring submissions to each funder’s specific cultural focus.
Whether you’re a painter, performer, designer, or filmmaker, the funding to pursue your passion exists. Explore every arts opportunity and submit your strongest portfolio through our complete directory at
Bursaries South Africa 2027.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Honours Bursary 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a Black South African citizen between 18 and 35 years old, who has completed Matric with a minimum of 60% for NSC Mathematics, achieved a minimum average of 60% in your undergraduate degree, and are entering your first full-time 1-year … Read more
The Newcastle Municipality Mayoral Bursary 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen permanently residing within the Newcastle Municipality area, between the ages of 14 and 35, a first-year student who has passed Grade 12, and has been formally accepted at an accredited institution of higher education, this opportunity could … Read more
The Joe Morolong Assmang Bursary 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen residing within the Joe Morolong Local Municipality in the Northern Cape, between the ages of 17 and 35, currently in Grade 12 or registered at an accredited South African Public Tertiary Institution in your 1st, 2nd, or … Read more
The Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen permanently residing within the North West province, currently in Matric or having completed Matric, with a strong academic record and financial need, studying or intending to study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification, this opportunity could help … Read more
The Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Bursary 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen residing within Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga province, from a historically disadvantaged community, currently in Matric or having completed Matric, with proven financial need, and a minimum overall average of 60% in your most recent … Read more
The South Deep Education Trust Bursary 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen from a low-income household with a total annual household income of R350,000 or less, residing in the South Deep Mine’s host and labour-sending areas, this opportunity could help you fund your education. In this article, we … Read more
The Bojanala Municipality Mayoral Bursary Scheme 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen from a disadvantaged and financially needy background, residing within the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, have completed Grade 12, are a high-performing student studying at a recognised institution of higher learning, this opportunity could help you fund … Read more
The SANZAF Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen, with proven financial need, from a previously disadvantaged background, having applied for NSFAS before applying for this bursary, this opportunity could help you fund your education. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know … Read more
The Rustenburg Local Municipality Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen residing within the Rustenburg Local Municipal area in the North West province, currently in Matric or having completed Matric, previously disadvantaged or living with a disability, this opportunity could help you fund your education. In … Read more
The African Global Skills Academy (AGSA) and Solarpop Bursary South Africa 2026 is now open for applications. If you are an African, Coloured, or Indian South African citizen between the ages of 18 and 35, who has completed Matric, is studying at a recognised and accredited higher education institution in South Africa, this opportunity could … Read more
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