Apply Now: 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for Young South African Artists
Pictured from left are, The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) CEO Jessica Denyschen, finalist Omphile Ditabo, Samuel Sibanyoni, scholarship winner Lerato Sithole, finalist Mongezi Somqayi, and finalist Teboho Mokebe.
Image: Supplied
Young South African artists aged 17 to 25 are invited to apply for the 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, which offers fully paid undergraduate scholarships in performing, visual, and digital arts.
Now in its fifth year, the programme - run by the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) - covers tuition and study materials for studies beginning in 2027. Applications opened on Tuesday, February 10, and close on Sunday, April 5.
To enter, visit act.org.za/nyoloha
To be eligible, applicants must be South African emerging artists who are either in matric or not yet studying art at a tertiary institution, and who do not have the financial means to study towards an arts degree. Disciplines include acting, singing, dance, visual arts, and digital arts.
The 2026 theme, #NyolohaTranscends, draws on the Sesotho word Nyoloha, meaning "to rise", reflecting ACT's commitment to reaching talented young artists in communities where opportunity is limited but creative potential is abundant.
ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen said the programme continues to enable young artists to transcend financial and structural barriers.
"Each year, we witness extraordinary artistic potential emerging from across the country and we remain committed to ensuring that this talent is recognised, supported, and able to flourish within South Africa's creative industries," she said.
Selected applicants participate in three months of mentorship and workshops with industry leaders, culminating in an exhibition and performing arts showcase. Two full scholarships, each worth
R300 000 is awarded annually.
Last year, 60 performing, visual, and digital artists from all nine provinces took part in the training and mentorship programme. Nedbank's Executive Head of Social Impact, Poovi Pillay, said the training assists artists to take giant leaps forward in realising their worth and honing their talent for fulfilling careers in the creative industry.
ACT is South Africa's premier independent arts development and investment organisation, which has supported more than 830 arts, culture, and heritage development projects over 31 years.