applicants who wish to study towards a performing, visual or digital arts degree starting in the 2024 academic year must be between the ages of 17 to 25 years with a matric (university exemption), and not be currently registered at a tertiary or accredited institution.The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) was founded in 1994, initially known as the Arts and Culture Trust of the President. Over the past 28 years, ACT has been serving the arts and culture sector in all nine provinces of South Africa. It operates as a registered non-profit organization and is entirely independent of government support.
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) is a collaboration between ACT and Nedbank Arts Affinity, sponsored by Nedbank, Sun International, and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA). The primary objective of this program is to provide funding for the higher education of young South African performers and visual artists.
About the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme – Fields Covered:
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) is now open for applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. Scholarships are available for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
- Performing Arts (singing, dance, theatre/acting)
- Visual Arts (painting, drawing – photography is excluded)
- Digital Arts (digital installations, 2D/3D computer graphics, digital paintings)
The full scholarship covers expenses of up to R350,000 for studies at a recognized South African arts institution.
Eligibility Requirements for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship:
To be eligible for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Age between 17 and 25 years old
- Currently in Matric OR must have university exemption
- Intention to pursue an undergraduate qualification in performing or visual arts in 2024-2025
- Commencing the 1st year of study in 2024-2025
- Demonstrated financial need
- Anticipated completion of the qualification by no later than 2026
- Intention to study at a tertiary institution in South Africa (see the list of eligible institutions)
- Not considered a professional artist (should not have specialized training or be employed full-time in the artistic discipline)
- Agreement to the terms of the Application Guidelines Document (.pdf)
How to Apply for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship:
Applications must be submitted online through the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Application for 2024-2025. During the application process, specify that you heard about the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship from “Uni24.co.za.”
Additionally, you must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents along with your online application:
- ID Document (certified copy of the front and back)
- Previous semester/last academic results
- Clear photograph of yourself (head and shoulders only)
- Proof of application to a tertiary institution, if applicable (proof of registration will be required upon acceptance into the program)
- Portfolio submission (for visual arts applicants) or video submission (for performing arts applicants)
Video & Portfolio Submission Guidelines for the Scholarship:
Performing Arts Applicants:
- Video must be filmed on a cellphone or smartphone device.
- Video should be in MP4 format (convert to .MP4 if using an iPhone).
- Maximum file size should not exceed 30 MB (compress larger videos online if necessary).
- Video should be filmed in a well-lit room with a plain background.
- Video should be in landscape/horizontal mode.
- No background noise or echo (avoid filming in places with echo, e.g., bathrooms).
- Parents/legal guardians or teachers should not participate in the audition video.
Visual Arts Applicants:
- Artworks in the portfolio must not be older than 12 months.
- Images should be clear and visible.
- Each image should be a file no larger than 32MB.
Selection Process for the Scholarship:
The selection process consists of two phases:
Phase 1:
- Applicants submit their applications with video or portfolio submissions, which are adjudicated by relevant arts professionals.
Phase 2:
- Candidates with high scores for their video or portfolio submissions are invited for an online interview conducted via Zoom during April and May 2024-2025.
- Interviews include a Q&A session lasting a maximum of 30 minutes.
- Eligible candidates will be contacted to schedule suitable interview dates and times with the relevant arts professional.
- Successful candidates participate in bi-weekly workshops from June 10 to August 19.
- Scholarship finals week is scheduled for October 2 to 7, in Johannesburg, including covered meals, travel, and accommodation expenses.
- The final program adjudication, gala performance/showcase, and winner/s announcement will be held on October 7.
- Unsuccessful applicants will be notified.