ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for Young South Africans 2025

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is calling on passionate, talented, and dedicated young South African artists with a specific interest in studying arts at a tertiary or accredited arts institution in South Africa* to apply for a coveted spot on the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) for 2025. If you are between the ages of 17 and 25, are eager to pursue a career in the arts, and are ready to take your talents to the next level, this could be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

The ACT NSP is a partnership between the ACT and the Nedbank Arts Affinity, supported by Nedbank, and MTN Foundation South Africa. The programme was relaunched in 2022 after a 2-year break during the Covid-19 pandemic. This joint initiative creates an opportunity for young performing or visual/digital artists to receive professional arts training and potential scholarship funding ftowards higher education, which is limited to covering registration fees, tuition fees, and books or related study materials.

• Table of Content
• About Arts & Culture Trust (ACT)
• ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
• Aim and Benefits of ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
• Requirements for ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Arts & Culture Trust (ACT)

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier independent arts funding and development non-profit organisation. The primary aim of ACT is to increase the amount of funding available for arts and culture initiatives, and to apply these funds to innovative, sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to society. Through structured funding programmes, ACT provides support for all expressions of arts and culture, including literature, music, visual art, theatre and dance, and the support extends to festivals, community arts initiatives, arts management, arts educa... continue reading

ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme

Aim and Benefits of ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme

• One successful applicant in each category, that is performing arts and visual or digital arts, will receive a scholarship to start their studies in the 2026 academic year.
• ACT will cover all expenses for finalists’ travel, accommodation and meals for the below-mentioned week in preparation for the gala performance and exhibition.

Requirements for ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Qualification

Individuals who are:

1. Between the ages of 17 – 25 years old.
2. Currently in Grade 12 OR have university exemption.
3. Need financial assistance to pursue a qualification in performing or visual arts as a South African tertiary/accredited institution, for studies commencing in 2026.
4. Not currently registered at a tertiary institution/accredited institution for the 2025 academic year.
5. Do not have an existing tertiary qualification in an arts/creative discipline from a South African tertiary/accredited institution.
6. Not considered a professional artist – (have specialized training/and or employed full time in their artistic discipline).
7. Not a 2024 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme participant or finalist.
8. Willing and able to commit to the 6-month duration of the programme.
9. A South African citizen. 

Documents Required for Application

Applicants will be asked to attach the following to their application form:

1. ID Copy (front & back)
2. Previous semester/last academic results
3. Signed consent form, which can be downloaded here.
4. Headshot
5. 1 x Video (Performing Arts) OR 4 x Portfolio pictures (Visual Arts)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Category 1: Visual and digital arts – Candidates must submit portfolios in line with the application guidelines document.
• Category 2: Performing arts – Candidates must submit a 2-minute video in which they perform in their selected discipline (singing, acting or dance).
• ACT will be accepting a total intake of 80 participants for this year’s scholarship programme.
• The submitted portfolio (visual/digital arts) OR video (performing arts) will be used to shortlist applicants for participation In the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2025.
• Parental or guardian consent is required for applicants below 17 years old when applying for a spot on the 2025 scholarship programme.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the end of May 2025.
• The programme comprises bi-weekly online training and mentorship with industry heavyweights.
• Participants must engage and participate in tasks that will be evaluated monthly using a rating system.
• The top 15 candidates across all disciplines will be the finalists and will compete in a gala performance showcase and/or visual and digital arts exhibition on 2 October 2025 and 4 October respectively.
• The finalists will be brought to Johannesburg, from 28 September 2025 until 5 October 2025and hosted for a full week of enrichment activities and preparation for the gala performance showcase and/or visual and digital arts exhibition.
• The winners in each of the 2 categories will be revealed at the gala performance on 4 October 2025.

For more details, visit ACT Nyoloha Scholarship webpage.