Apply for a Nyoloha Scholarship, give your exceptional talent the boost it deserves!
The Arts & Culture Trust has extended the application deadline for its 2026 Nyoloha Scholarship Programme to Monday 27 April, giving aspiring young artists across the country more time to submit their applications.
The programme, now in its fifth year and sponsored by Nedbank, Sun International and the MTN Foundation, offers two scholarships worth R300 000 each to support exceptional talent in pursuing accredited tertiary studies in the arts from 2027.
Comprehensive support beyond funding
The scholarship goes beyond financial assistance, providing recipients with a structured four-month online mentorship and skills-development programme facilitated by industry experts in visual and performing arts.
Applications are open to South African emerging artists aged 17 to 25 who qualify for tertiary education, covering disciplines including acting, singing, dance, visual arts and digital arts.
To make the programme more accessible, the Arts & Culture Trust is inviting schools, community centres and organisations to host in-person information sessions. Those interested can contact info@act.org.za and marketing@act.org.za to arrange visits.
Success stories from programme alumni
The scholarship programme has produced numerous success stories in South Africa’s creative industries. Notable alumni include Tankiso Mamabolo, a 2011 recipient, who completed her studies at the University of Cape Town and has since released two albums and recently starred as Mama Morton in the musical Chicago.
Television audiences will recognise other alumni including Wonder Ndlovu, known for roles in Justice Served, GO and Scandal!, and Dillon Windvogel, who plays Wade Daniels in Blood & Water and has appeared in Spinners and Arendsvlei.
Candice Modiselle, a 2012 scholarship recipient, has established herself as a leading media personality and actress on Generations: The Legacy. She was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in 2023 and continues to build her profile as an entrepreneur.
More recently, visual artist Rick Baloyi, a 2019 recipient, gained recognition through his commission for a curated arts experience at Africa’s first Montreux Jazz Arts Festival in Franschhoek. His work was featured in multiple gallery exhibitions and on Latitudes Online.
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Application details
The Arts & Culture Trust encourages all eligible applicants to take advantage of the extended deadline and available support channels to ensure successful completion of their applications.
These success stories demonstrate the programme’s long-term impact in enabling young artists to access education, develop their skills and contribute to South Africa’s growing creative economy.
The scholarship covers tuition and study materials for accredited tertiary education beginning in 2027.
The application platform is available at act.org.za/nyoloha
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