Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarships 2025

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is pleased to invite South African students to apply for its Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for the 2025 academic year.

Application Closing: 30 March 2025.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), in partnership with Nedbank Arts Affinity, is excited to announce the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) for the 2026 academic year. This initiative is designed to provide talented young South Africans with the opportunity to pursue higher education in the arts, whether it’s in Performing Arts (Singing, Dance, and Acting) or Digital/Visual Arts.

If you are an artist eager to take your talent to the next level, the Nyoloha Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity to kickstart your academic and professional journey in the creative arts field.

What is the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme?

The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is a prestigious scholarship that offers full funding (up to R300,000) to students who are pursuing undergraduate studies in the arts at an accredited South African institution. The programme is supported by Nedbank Arts Affinity and MTN Foundation South Africa, and it is aimed at talented individuals who wish to pursue studies in Performing Arts or Digital/Visual Arts.

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in bi-weekly workshops from 7 June to 16 August 2025, followed by the scholarship finals week in Johannesburg from 28 September to 5 October 2025. During this week, finalists will showcase their skills and compete for the scholarship. Additionally, ACT will cover meals, travel, and accommodation costs during the finals week.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• South African citizen.
• Aged between 17 and 25 years old.
• Currently in Matric or have completed Matric with a university exemption.
• Planning to pursue an undergraduate qualification in Performing Arts (Singing, Dance, Acting) or Digital/Visual Arts in 2026.
• In need of financial assistance to fund studies.
• Passionate, talented, and dedicated to your chosen art form.
• Able to commit to the 6-month programme.
• Must not have professional training or be employed full-time in an artistic discipline.
• Must not have any existing tertiary qualifications in arts/creative disciplines.
• Cannot be a 2024 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme participant or finalist.

How to Apply for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme

Applications must be submitted online at: ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Application 2026

Before applying, make sure to read the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Guidelines (.pdf)for a detailed understanding of the application process. You will also need to submit clear copies of the following documents:

• Certified copy of your ID (front and back).
• Academic results from the last semester or your Matric results.
• A clear photograph of yourself (head and shoulders only).
• Tertiary Acceptance Letter from the institution where you plan to study.
• Signed and completed Consent Form (if you are under 18, signed by a parent or guardian).
• For Performing Arts students (Singing, Dance, Acting): A 2-minute video that showcases your talent, based on the guidelines outlined.
  • Singing: Prepare a song that highlights your vocal range and technique.
  • Dance: Prepare a dance piece that showcases your range and skill.
  • Acting: Perform a monologue from the provided list of pieces.
• For Digital/Visual Arts students: Submit 4 original portfolio pieces with a short bio (70-100 words) and an artist statement (70-100 words) explaining the creation of the artworks.

Key Dates

• Closing Date for Applications: 30 March 2025 (late applications will not be accepted).
• Applicants will be notified of the results by end of May 2025.
• Finals Week will take place from 28 September to 5 October 2025, followed by the Gala Night on 2 and 4 October 2025.