The National Film and Video Foundation invites qualifying South African students to apply for the NFVF Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026 at 17:00
Study Location: Recognised and accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa
NFVF Bursary Programme 2027
The National Film and Video Foundation, commonly known as the NFVF, has opened applications for its bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing National Diploma or degree qualifications in Film and Television-related fields.
The programme aims to develop skills and support students who want to build careers in South Africa’s film and television industry.
Courses in performing arts, acting, music, dancing and qualifications that do not fall within the Film and Television category will not be funded.
Bursary Programme Overview
Bursary provider: National Film and Video Foundation
Abbreviation: NFVF
Programme: NFVF Bursary Programme 2027
Study levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Qualification types: National Diploma and degree
Eligible field: Film and Television-related studies
Minimum academic average: 60% for current students
Household income limit: Less than R600 000 per year
Closing date: 31 August 2026 at 17:00
Application method: Online
Fields of Study Covered
The NFVF bursary supports undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications related to:
- Film production
- Television production
- Directing
- Screenwriting
- Cinematography
- Film editing
- Sound production for film and television
- Animation
- Visual effects
- Film and television producing
- Documentary production
- Post-production
- Film business and distribution
- Other recognised Film and Television-related disciplines
Applicants should ensure that their qualification falls directly within the Film and Television sector.
Courses Not Covered
The bursary does not fund qualifications in:
- Acting
- Performing arts
- Music
- Dancing
- Theatre performance
- Courses outside the Film and Television category
Applicants whose qualifications include some film-related modules but are primarily classified under performing arts should confirm eligibility before applying.
What the NFVF Bursary Covers
The bursary will cover:
- Full tuition fees
First-year students may also receive additional funding capped at:
R50 000
This additional funding may contribute towards:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Textbooks
- Computers
- Software
- Other approved academic resources
Expenses Not Covered
The NFVF bursary will not cover:
- Travel expenses
- Outstanding student debt
- Expenses that are not supported by valid documentation
- Costs that fall outside the approved bursary conditions
Applicants should therefore plan separately for transport and any debt owed from previous academic years.
Proof of Expenses
Before payments are made, successful applicants will be required to submit proof of expenses.
Accepted supporting documents may include:
- Proforma invoices
- Official university fee statements
- Accommodation quotations
- Supplier quotations
- Documents printed on the institution or supplier’s official letterhead
Payments will only be considered for approved and properly documented expenses.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Have completed Matric.
- Be studying or planning to study full-time.
- Be pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate diploma or degree.
- Be studying in a Film or Television-related field.
- Be registered or provisionally registered at a recognised South African tertiary institution.
- Have a strong academic record.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Submit all required documents before the closing date.
Academic Requirements
Current tertiary students must have achieved an overall academic average of at least:
60%
Applicants should submit their most recent certified academic transcript.
A strong academic record will form part of the selection process.
Financial Need Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
The combined household income must be:
Less than R600 000 per year
Applicants must submit appropriate financial documents for parents, guardians, spouses, partners or themselves, depending on their age and circumstances.
Preference for Public Institutions
Preference will be given to students registered at public tertiary institutions in South Africa.
Applicants studying at private institutions may still apply where the institution is recognised and accredited, but public-institution students will receive preference.
Selection Criteria
Selection will be based on several factors, including:
- Financial need
- Academic performance
- Motivation
- Demographic considerations
- Alignment with the NFVF developmental mandate
- Approved and qualifying expenses
- Relevance of the qualification to the Film and Television industry
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding.
Motivation Letter Requirements
Applicants must submit a one-page motivation letter explaining:
- Why they want to study Film or Television.
- Their career goals in the industry.
- Why they need financial support.
- How the qualification will contribute to their development.
- What impact they hope to make in the South African film industry.
- Why they should be considered for the bursary.
The letter should be clear, focused and specific to the NFVF bursary.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- A certified copy of their South African identity document.
- A certified copy of their Matric certificate.
- Certified copies of recent academic results or transcripts, where applicable.
- Proof of tertiary acceptance or acknowledgement of application.
- A breakdown of annual academic fees on the institution’s letterhead.
- A one-page motivation letter.
- Proof of household income.
- A commitment letter where the applicant receives other bursary funding.
- Any additional documents required through the online application portal.
All certified documents must have been certified within the previous six months.
Financial Documents for Applicants Under 21
Applicants younger than 21 must submit proof of income for:
- Parents
- Guardians
- Spouse or partner, where applicable
Accepted documents may include:
- Latest payslips
- Latest bank statements
- Proof of social grants
- Other official proof of income
Financial Documents for Applicants Over 21
Applicants aged over 21 must submit proof of financial support, such as:
- Latest payslips, where employed
- Latest bank statements
- Proof of social grants
- An affidavit confirming unemployment
- Other official documents showing financial circumstances
Applicants with Other Bursary Funding
Applicants who already receive private or public bursary funding must submit a commitment letter.
The letter should confirm:
- The name of the bursary provider
- The funding amount
- The expenses covered
- The funding period
- Any costs that remain unpaid
This allows the NFVF to determine whether additional support is required.
How to Apply for the NFVF Bursary 2027
Applications must be submitted through the official NFVF online application portal.
Click here to apply for the NFVF Bursary 2027
Applicants must:
- Open the NFVF bursary portal.
- Register an online account.
- Log in to the application system.
- Complete all compulsory sections.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Check that all certified documents are valid.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit it before 17:00 on 31 August 2026.
Applications submitted by email or fax will not be accepted.
Bursary Application Closing Date
Applications close on 31 August 2026 at 17:00.
Applications received after the closing date or time will not be considered.
Students should submit early to avoid technical difficulties or incomplete uploads on the final day.
NFVF Bursary Enquiries
Applicants may contact the following application officers:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
Telephone: 011 483 0880
Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
Manti Sekwakwa Mmalebati
Telephone: 011 483 0880
Email: mantis@nfvf.co.za
Applicants should clearly state that their enquiry relates to the NFVF Bursary Programme 2027.
Important Application Advice
Before submitting the application, confirm that:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You have completed Matric.
- Your qualification is Film or Television-related.
- You will study full-time.
- Your institution is recognised and accredited.
- Your academic average is at least 60% if you are already studying.
- Your household income is below R600 000 per year.
- Your motivation letter is one page.
- Your financial documents are attached.
- Your certified documents are not older than six months.
- Your application is submitted before 17:00 on 31 August 2026.
About the National Film and Video Foundation
The National Film and Video Foundation supports the growth and development of South Africa’s film and video industry.
Its work includes funding filmmaker development and training, as well as supporting the production, development, distribution and marketing of South African film content.