Are you passionate about the film and television industry and looking for financial support to pursue your academic dreams? The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) offers a bursary programme aimed at helping students like you achieve their goals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to apply for the NFVF Bursary for the 2025 academic year.
About the Bursary Provider – NFVF
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) was formed to ensure substantial growth of the film and video industry in South Africa. It provides funding for the development and training of filmmakers, and supports producing, developing, distributing, and marketing films.
The NFVF is a statutory body and an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC). Its main objectives include increasing accessibility to South African films, boosting the number of films and producers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, enhancing training within the film industry, and promoting the South African film industry both locally and internationally.
About the NFVF Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The NFVF invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2025 academic year. Bursaries will be awarded for Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies towards Film or Television-related qualifications (excluding any performing arts, acting, music, dancing, and any other course not within the Film and TV category). The aim of the NFVF bursary programme is to stimulate and develop the skills of candidates who wish to follow a career within the film and TV industry.
Expenses Covered
The bursary will cover full tuition fees. Additionally, first-year students will receive coverage for meals, accommodation, and other resources (such as textbooks, computers, and software), capped at R50 000. The bursary does not cover travel expenses or any outstanding debt. Students will need to provide proof of expenses through proforma invoices and supporting documents on institution or supplier letterhead before payments are made.
Eligibility Requirements for the NFVF Bursary
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards an undergraduate or postgraduate diploma or degree in the film or television industry
- You must be registered or provisionally registered to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must have a strong academic record
- You must have achieved an overall average of 60% if currently studying
- You must have proven financial need, with a combined household income of less than R600 000 per annum
- Preference will be given to students enrolled at public tertiary institutions in South Africa
How to Apply for the NFVF Bursary
Applications must be submitted online at: NFVF Bursary Application 2025
Applicants will be required to Register an Account before they can Login and apply.
Note that applications submitted via fax or email will not be accepted.
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
- Matric certificate (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
- Most recent academic results/transcripts, if currently studying (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
- Proof of tertiary acceptance or acknowledgment of your application (on institution’s letterhead)
- Breakdown of annual academic fees (on institution’s letterhead)
- Motivational letter stating why you wish to study and work in the film industry (1 page)
- If under 21 years old: parents, guardian or partner’s spouse proof of income (latest payslips/latest bank statement/social grant if applicable)
- If over 21 years old: proof of financial support (latest payslips if employed/latest bank statement/social grant if applicable/affidavit if unemployed)
- If in receipt of other private or public bursary funding: a commitment letter stating this and the coverage amount
Note: all documents must have been certified within the last 6 months.
Closing Date for the NFVF Bursary
31 July 2024 (at 17:00). Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact the Bursary Provider
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the NFVF directly:
Applications Officers:
- Thandekile Hlatshwayo – Tel: 011 483 0880 / Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
- Manti Sekwakwa Mmalebati – Tel: 011 483 0880 / Email: mantis@nfvf.co.za
Take advantage of this opportunity to advance your career in the film and television industry with the support of the NFVF Bursary. Good luck with your application!
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