Arts & Culture Trust extends application date for the 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme

In consideration of the school holiday period, the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has extended the application deadline for the 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) to Monday, 27 April 2026, to give young performing and visual and digital artists across South Africa more time to meet the deadline.

Now in its fifth iteration, the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, sponsored by Nedbank, Sun International and the MTN Foundation, supports exceptional talent through funding for accredited tertiary study in the arts from 2027, with two scholarships valued at R300 000 each. Beyond financial assistance, the ACT NSP plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of South African creative professionals through a structured 4-month online mentorship and skills development programme. This programme is facilitated by industry experts in the visual and performing arts.

In addition to the online application process, ACT invites schools, community centres, and organisations that would like to host an in-person open call session to get in touch. These sessions provide prospective applicants with detailed information on eligibility criteria, application requirements, and guidance on how to submit a strong application.

The ACT NSP has contributed to the growth of numerous emerging artists who have gone on to build sustained careers in the creative industries. Its alumni include award-winning performer Tankiso Mamabolo, a 2011 scholarship recipient who developed her practice as an independent songwriter, composer, and singer after completing her studies at the University of Cape Town. She has since released 2 albums and recently starred as Mama Morton in the musical Chicago.

Other notable alumni include Wonder Ndlovu, known for roles in Justice Served, GO, and Scandal!; and Dillon Windvogel, recognised for his role as Wade Daniels in Blood & Water as well as appearances in Spinners and Arendsvlei.

Candice Modiselle, a 2012 scholarship alumna, has established herself as a leading media personality, television presenter, and actress on Generations: The Legacy. She was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans (2023), has hosted platforms such as Forbes 30 Under 30, and continues to build her profile as an entrepreneur and public figure.

More recently, visual artist Rick Baloyi, a 2019 scholarship recipient, has gained recognition through his commission for a curated arts experience at Africa’s first Montreux Jazz Arts Festival in Franschhoek. His work has been exhibited in multiple gallery shows and is featured on Latitudes Online.

These journeys reflect the long-term impact of the programme in enabling young artists to access education, refine their craft, and contribute to South Africa’s growing creative economy.

Key details:

  • Applications now close on Monday, 27 April 2026.
  • Applications are open to South African emerging artists aged 17–25 and who qualify for tertiary education.
  • Disciplines include acting, singing, dance, visual arts, and digital arts.
  • The application platform can be accessed here.
  • The scholarship covers tuition and study materials for accredited tertiary study commencing in 2027.

ACT encourages all eligible applicants to apply within the extended time frame and to make use of the available support channels to ensure their applications are completed successfully.

ACT is in partnership with the Nedbank Arts Affinity and sponsors Sun International, Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), and MTN South Africa.

To keep in touch with the Arts and Culture Trust, please visit the website, and follow ACT on Twitter or like them on Facebook.