NFVF Bursary 2026: Preference Offered to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals

About the NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation)
The National Film and Video Foundation, or simply referred to as the NVFV, is a creative agency that’s formed under the Department of Arts and Culture. Striving to create a significant growth towards the film and video industry in South Africa. The agency strives to produce a high amount of funding to increase accessibility towards South African films and get more young folks to be involved in the industry. Whether people want to learn how to produce movies, and wish to market them, the NFVF is a vessel for anybody looking to create value for films within the public and their stakeholders.

The NFVF provides funding for a variety of industry needs, including script development, production, marketing, and training initiatives. It also facilitates film festivals, international collaborations, and audience development programs to ensure a sustainable and inclusive industry. By promoting diversity and transformation, the NFVF continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth in South Africa’s audiovisual landscape.

About the NFVF Bursary 2026
NFVF is giving out financial assistance to South African students who show academic potential and talent and want to pursue the film/TV industry career. The NFVF Bursary is a wonderful opportunity that allows young individuals to pursue their education but need the monetary support to push through their studies. The bursary programme is currently available for students who are attaining their qualification at a National Institution or International Tertiary Institution that offers film courses.

Eligible Expenses (with necessary documentation) – depending on fund availability:

• Complete tuition costs (must be stated on the official letterhead of the tertiary institution)
• Lodging and meals – supported by proforma invoices or relevant documents issued on the letterhead of the institution or service provider
• Additional learning materials – such as textbooks, computers, or software – must be backed by proforma invoices or any valid documentation from the institution or supplier.

Important Notice: Funding for accommodation, meals, and supplementary resources is limited to a maximum of R50 000 per year in total. These expenses will only be covered for first-year students.

Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in the NFVF Bursary must meet certain qualifying requirements before submitting their applications. Each of the criteria listed below will decide whether you are eligible for this bursary. Candidates should fulfill all of the following criteria to ensure a successful application. Failure to do so will have a negative impact on the overall outcome of your applications. Make a note of these things for future reference.

The following are the NFVF Bursary Eligibility Criteria:
1. Basic Requirements

• Officially recognised as a citizen of South Africa
• Has finished and successfully passed their Grade 12/Matric qualification
• Displays an impressive academic track record
• Shows an immediate need for financial aid
• Has been enrolled or registered for a full-time Undergraduate/Postgraduate/Diploma/Degree
• Pursuing an education in the field of film/TV disciplines
• Show Letter of Acceptance from the institution/a letter of acknowledgment of their application
• Send in a one-page motivational letter explaining why they deserve the bursary programme
• Preference will be offered to candidates recognised as Previously Disadvantaged Individuals.

2. Selection Assessment

• You must complete the online application form
• Shows a financial need with a gross household income (combined) less than R600 000 for parents or guardians (applicable for minor candidates)
• Has a stunning academic qualification
• Obtained an average aggregate score of 60% or higher in their previous academic year
• Matric candidates that don’t have their final results year will be vetted based on their Grade 11
• Final results slip/Matric mid-year results slips.

Application Instructions
Apply online NFVF Bursary 2026 via www.nfvf.co.za or nfvf.praxisgms.co.za.

Documents you need to collect:

• A certified copy of Senior Certificate (dated within six months of the application)
• Commitment letter for a bursary or loan from another sponsors/bank where applicable
• Certified copy of Matric Certificate or latest Academic Results (dated within six months of the application)
• Certified ID Copy (dated within six months of the application)
• A total of breakdown of the total annual academic, fees required from the institution
• If the applicant is a minor and unemployed, he/she must provide the following:
  • An affidavit stating the known/unknown whereabouts of the absent parent/s
  • Proof of social grant, if applicable
  • Parents/guardian/partner’s proof of income (i.e., latest payslip, bank statement with a bank stamp or IRP   form)
  • A certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased parent/s (dated within six If the months of application)
• If the applicant is not a minor (i.e., older than 21 years old), the applicant must provide proof of financial need (i.e., latest payslip, bank statement with a bank stamp or IRP form).

Candidates must register for an account on the link above. This account will be used to process your bursary application. Make sure you keep your account secure at all times so you don’t run into the possibility of your account getting hacked.

Please be kindly informed that the information you share on your account will be seen by the selection committee. Members of the committee will assess your potential based on the personal details you provide. Therefore, make sure you do not put in any inaccurate or false information about yourself.

Only applications processed through the link above will be processed. Submissions done through fax or email will not be acknowledged by the selection committee.

Closing Date
Applications for the NFVF Bursary 2026 must be submitted before the closing date on 31 July 2025 at 17h00.

Applications will be disqualified if:

• The application form is incomplete or contains incorrect details
• Required supporting documents are either missing or not certified
• The request is intended to cover outstanding fees owed to a tertiary institution
• The application is submitted through fax or email.

The selection committee has a strict no-tolerance policy for late applicants. Submissions received after the deadline will not be recognized during the registration period.

Candidates should submit their applications as soon as feasible. This will give you enough time to fully assess the contents of your applications. Please prepare your applications as soon as possible.

During the recruiting process, NFVF maintains the right to make or not make an appointment. The selecting committee’s choices are final.

For any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Applications Officer: 
Thandekile Hlatshwayo (+27 11 483 0880) [email protected]

OR

Manti Sekwakwa Mmalebati (+27 11 483 0880) [email protected].