The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is mandated to ensure the equitable growth of the South African film and video industry. The NFVF fulfils this mandate by providing funding for the development, production, marketing, and distribution of films, as well as the training and development of filmmakers.
In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide valuable insights into the South African film industry for both the public and stakeholders.
In line with this mandate, the NFVF invites eligible applicants to apply for International Bursaries in Film and Television Postgraduate Studies.
The NFVF’s international bursary programme aims to build capacity by upskilling South African film and television professionals for global competitiveness. The programme supports qualifying applicants to pursue overseas postgraduate studies that are not offered at South African tertiary institutions.
Bursaries will be awarded for the 2026 academic year and will be capped at R280 000, inclusive of tuition and living expenses.
Qualifying Criteria
Applicants must:
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- Apply at least six (6) months before the course commencement date
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Have a good academic record
- Demonstrate a financial need
- Be accepted or enrolled at an accredited overseas tertiary institution for full-time postgraduate film or television studies
- Have a course commencement date in September/October 2026
- Apply for a course not available in South Africa
- Note that live performance and acting courses do not qualify for this funding
Applications must be accompanied by a detailed motivation explaining why the applicant should be awarded a bursary, together with all supporting documentation as indicated in the online application form.
Please Note
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- Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified
- Late applications will not be considered
- Applicants are responsible for notifying the NFVF of any changes to their contact details
- Applicants are advised to consult the NFVF Funding Policy, available at:
http://bit.ly/3a57dr4
How to Apply
Applicants must register and complete the online application form via the NFVF Grant Management System:
Call opens: 09 February 2026
Call closes: 09 March 2026 at 17h00 (CAT)
Failure to submit all mandatory requirements will result in automatic disqualification.
No late applications will be accepted.
Enquiries
For application-related queries, please contact:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
Applications Officer
Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
Tel: 011 483 0880
or
Manti Sekwakwa
Applications Officer
Email: mantim@nfvf.co.za
Tel: 011 483 0880