Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
Are you a young, talented artist dreaming of studying performing arts or visual arts at a top institution but worried about the financial burden? Here’s some exciting news that could change your life! The Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is now officially open for applications for the 2026 academic year.
If you have been waiting for an opportunity to showcase your talent, develop your artistic skills, and pursue your passion, this is it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2026, how to apply, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and what you stand to gain!
Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2026
About the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme:
The Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is an undergraduate scholarship programme aimed at providing opportunities for school leavers to pursue a tertiary qualification in the creative and performing arts. The programme brings together talented, ambitious young people from across the country.
The Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is a prestigious initiative developed through a partnership between the Nedbank Arts Affinity and MTN South Africa. The word “Nyoloha” means “rise” in Sesotho, and that’s exactly what this programme is designed to do: help young artists rise and achieve their dreams.
The Nyoloha Scholarship is more than just a financial scholarship. It’s a holistic, year-long development programme that includes intensive training, mentorship, workshops, and opportunities to showcase your work. The goal is to bridge the gap between school-level art and the professional world of fine arts and design.
FIELD OF STUDY
The Nyoloha Scholarship programme for the 2026 academic year is open to students who want to pursue an undergraduate qualification in the following field of study:
- Performing Arts (Dance, Singing & Acting)
- Digital/Visual Arts studies
What the Scholarship Programme Covers
Nyoloha Scholarship programme covers these tertiary expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books or related study materials
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
To qualify for the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must be between the ages of 17 – 25 years old.
- Must be currently in Grade 12 OR have university exemption.
- Must need financial assistance to pursue a qualification in performing or visual arts as a South African tertiary/accredited institution, for studies commencing in 2026.
- Must not currently be registered at a tertiary institution/accredited institution for the 2025 academic year.
- Must not have an existing tertiary qualification in an arts/creative discipline from a South African tertiary/accredited institution.
- Must not be considered a professional artist – (have specialized training/and or employed full time in their artistic discipline).
- Must not be a 2024 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme participant or finalist.
- Must be willing and able to commit to the 6-month duration of the programme.
- Must be a South African citizen.
- View Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Recommended Institutions
NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME SUPPORTING ATTACHMENTS
- ID Copy (front & back)
- Previous semester/last academic results/Latest results
- Signed consent form, which can be downloaded HERE.
- Headshot
- 1 x Video (Performing Arts) OR 4 x Portfolio pictures (Visual Arts)
Nyoloha Scholarshi Programme Supporting Attachments - Performing Arts
If applying for the performing arts discipline, please submit a 2 minute video performing in your selected discipline.
- Preparation for video submission (singing):
Prepare a song of your choice, in any genre, that best showcases your vocal range, technique and overall talent. You may use a backtrack or instruments as back-up.
- Preparation for video submission (dance):
Prepare a dance/movement piece of your choice, which best showcases your range and talent.
- Preparation for video submission (theatre/acting)
Prepare a monologue, from Addendum 2, which best showcases your acting range and talent. .
Please DO NOT use your own material.
Make sure to film in a room with good lighting and a plain background.
Ensure to use landscape/horizontal mode.
Avoid places with any background noise and do not do your audition in the bathroom or any place where the sound will echo.
No parents/legal guardian or teachers are allowed participation in the audition video.
Use minimal props for your audition video. You may use a table and chair, and musical instruments (for singing recordings) as part of your props.
Nyoloha Scholarshi Programme Supporting Attachments - Digital/Visual Arts
If applying for the digital/visual arts discipline, please submit the following:
Four different and original pieces of work:
1x portrait
1x landscape
2x original artworks.
The submission must also include:
A short bio of 70 to 100 words.
A short artist statement of 70<100 words, detailing reason of creation of artworks in the format and style.
Here's how to apply for the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for 2026
2026 applications for the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme must be submitted online. This is how to get started:
- Visit the Arts and Culture Trust website
- Click on the Apply Now tab
- Answer all the questions accurately
- Attach all the required supporting attachments
Please through the application guidelines to ensure your application submitted according to their specifications. The Nyoloha Scholarship Programme application guideline can be downloaded HERE.
NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME CLOSING DATE:
The closing date for the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme for the 2026 academic year is 30 March 2025. This deadline is final, and late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Prospective applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications well before the closing date. Submitting early ensures that you have enough time to gather all the required documents, complete your application accurately, and address any unexpected technical issues or missing information that might arise during the process.
Given the high demand and the limited number of scholarships available, waiting until the last minute could result in missed opportunities. Remember, early applications demonstrate good planning and commitment—qualities highly valued in scholarship candidates.
CONTACT DETAILS:
For any queries contact the Arts and Culture Trust:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 010 023 0899
This life-changing opportunity is tailored for aspiring South African artists who want to take their creative skills to the next level through formal education. Whether you are a performer or a visual artist, this scholarship not only provides financial support but also equips you with the skills, mentorship, and exposure needed to thrive in the creative arts industry. Grab this opportunity with both hands and apply for 2026.
