The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen who has completed Matric and you are pursuing or intend to pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies in film or television-related fields, this opportunity could help you fund your education. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) was formed to ensure substantial growth of the film and video industry in South Africa by providing funding for the development and training of filmmakers, as well as for producing, developing, distributing, and marketing films. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) was formed in order to ensure substantial growth of the film and video industry in South Africa, by providing funding for the development and training of filmmakers, as well as for producing, developing, distribution and marketing of films.
The NFVF is a statutory body and an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC). The main objectives of the NFVF are to: increase the accessibility of South African films; to increase the number of films in South Africa and the number of producers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds; to increase the amount of training within the film industry and in scarce skills areas; to locally and internationally promote the film industry of South Africa.
The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) • Type: Statutory body, DSAC agency • Focus: Film and TV industry development • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded for Undergraduate and Postgraduate (National Diploma/Degree) studies within film or television-related fields. The aim of the NFVF bursary programme is to stimulate and develop skills of candidates who wish to follow a career within the film and TV industry.
Please note: The bursary excludes any performing arts, acting, music, dancing, and any other course not within the Film and TV category. Only film and television-related qualifications are eligible.
What Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?
The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 will provide cover for full tuition fees. First-year students will also receive cover for the following expenses (capped at R50,000):
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Other study resources (such as textbooks, computer, software, etc.)
Important note: The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 will NOT provide cover for travel expenses or any outstanding debt. Students will be required to provide proof of expenses by way of proforma invoices and/or supporting documents on institution or supplier letterhead before payments are made.
Eligibility Requirements for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate or postgraduate diploma or degree in the film or television industry
- You must be registered or provisionally registered to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must have a strong academic record
- You must have achieved an overall average of 60% if currently studying
- You must have proven financial need, with a combined household income of less than R600,000 per annum
Preference will be given to: Students enrolled at public tertiary institutions in South Africa.
Selection Criteria
Selection for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 will be based on the following main criteria:
- Financial need
- Academic performance
- Motivation
- Demographics
- Developmental mandate adherence
- Qualifying expenses
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027. All documents must have been certified within the last 6 months.
- ID document
- Matric certificate
- Most recent academic results/transcripts (if currently studying)
- Proof of tertiary acceptance or acknowledgment of your application (on institution’s letterhead)
- Breakdown of annual academic fees (on institution’s letterhead)
- Motivational letter stating why you wish to study and work in the film industry (1 page)
- If under 21 years old: parents, guardian, or partner’s spouse proof of income (latest payslips / latest bank statement / social grant if applicable)
- If over 21 years old: proof of financial support (latest payslips if employed / latest bank statement / social grant if applicable / affidavit if unemployed)
- If in receipt of other private or public bursary funding: a commitment letter stating this and the coverage amount
How to Apply for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted online. Please note that applications submitted via fax or email will NOT be accepted.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen, having completed Matric, studying full-time in a film or TV field, having a 60% average if currently studying, and having a household income below R600,000.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified within the last 6 months. This includes your ID, Matric certificate, academic record, proof of acceptance, fee breakdown, motivational letter, and proof of income.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official NFVF application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027: 31 August 2026 at 17:00. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact the NFVF Applications Officers directly:
- Thandekile Hlatshwayo – Tel: 011 483 0880 / Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
- Manti Sekwakwa Mmalebati – Tel: 011 483 0880 / Email: mantis@nfvf.co.za
NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
- Bursary Name: NFVF Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens who have completed Matric
- Fields of study: Film or television-related fields (excluding performing arts, acting, music, dancing)
- Study level: Undergraduate or Postgraduate (National Diploma/Degree)
- Study type: Full-time only
- Minimum academic requirement: 60% overall average if currently studying
- Household income limit: Less than R600,000 per annum
- Preference: Students at public tertiary institutions
- What is covered: Full tuition fees; first-year students also receive meals, accommodation, and study resources (capped at R50,000)
- Not covered: Travel expenses or any outstanding debt
- Selection criteria: Financial need, academic performance, motivation, demographics, developmental mandate, qualifying expenses
- Required documents: ID, Matric certificate, academic record, proof of acceptance, fee breakdown, motivational letter, proof of income
- Application method: Online via NFVF portal (no fax or email submissions)
- Closing date: 31 August 2026 at 17:00
Frequently Asked Questions About the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply for acting or performing arts courses?
No. The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 specifically excludes performing arts, acting, music, dancing, and any other course not within the Film and TV category. Only film and television-related qualifications are eligible.
2. What is the household income limit?
The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 requires proven financial need with a combined household income of less than R600,000 per annum.
3. Does the bursary cover travel expenses?
No. The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 will NOT provide cover for travel expenses or any outstanding debt.
4. What additional expenses are covered for first-year students?
First-year students receiving the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 will receive cover for meals, accommodation, and other study resources (such as textbooks, computer, software, etc.) capped at R50,000.
5. Can I apply if I am studying at a private institution?
The NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 gives preference to students enrolled at public tertiary institutions in South Africa. Private institution students may still apply but preference is given to public institutions.
6. What is the minimum academic requirement for current students?
If you are currently studying, the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 requires an overall average of 60%.
7. How long do I have to certify my documents?
All documents for the NFVF Bursary South Africa 2027 must have been certified within the last 6 months of application submission.
8. Where can I find more film and media bursaries in South Africa?
Visit EduFunds media bursaries page or government bursaries section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
Bursary Programme 2027
Growing the film industry • Developing skills • Telling South African stories