Apply Now: NFVF International Bursary Programme 2026 – Secure Your Global Film Internship
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is looking for suitable young people to apply for their International Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026. The closing date for applications is 9 March 2026 at 17h00.
If you’re a 15‑to‑25‑year‑old in Joburg, Gauteng or anywhere in SA who dreams of shooting a feature or creating a hit TV drama, this could be your ticket to study abroad and bring back world‑class skills.
What the Bursary Covers
- Tuition fees – Up to R280 000 for a recognised overseas programme.
- Accommodation – Support for a decent flat or homestay while you study.
- Living expenses – A monthly stipend to cover food, transport, and other day‑to‑day costs.
- Academic costs – Books, software licences, and any other study‑related outlays.
The money is awarded on merit and need, so the more compelling your case, the higher your chances.
Why it matters
- Gives you hands‑on training in places that don’t have the same courses locally.
- Helps close the skills gap in the SA film and TV industry.
- Builds a portfolio that screams international quality.
- Gives you a head start on jobs in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or even Hollywood.
Day‑to‑Day in a Postgraduate Film Programme
- Lectures & Workshops – Theory, practical sessions, and industry panels.
- Hands‑on Projects – Shoot, edit, and direct short films or series episodes.
- Internship/Field Work – Often mandatory for real‑world experience.
- Networking Events – Meet producers, directors, and tech specialists.
- Peer Collaboration – Work with international students on cross‑cultural projects.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Students who have already secured a place at an accredited overseas institution.
- Full‑time postgraduate film or TV studies starting September or October 2026.
- Courses that are not offered in South Africa – this includes film production, directing, screenwriting, editing, cinematography, and similar specialisations.
- Live performance and acting programmes are not eligible.
- Must be able to show a strong academic record and clear financial need.
Required Documents
- Online application form – completed in the NFVF Grant Management System.
- Academic transcripts – from your last degree or high‑school.
- Proof of acceptance – letter or email from the overseas university.
- Motivation letter – explain why you deserve the bursary, how it will benefit SA, and your career plans.
- Any other supporting docs – ID copy, CV, portfolio, etc.
Incomplete files mean automatic rejection, so double‑check before you hit “Submit”.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Register on the NFVF portal.
- Fill out the bursary application form – give it your best shot.
- Upload all documents – keep PDFs tidy and labelled.
- Review your submission one last time.
- Send before 9 March 2026, 17h00 (Central African Time). Late entries won’t be accepted.
Tips to Stand Out
- Show real experience – include any work, internships, or film projects you’ve done.
- Clear career roadmap – tell us how you’ll use the skill set to boost the local industry.
- Highlight need – be honest about financial gaps; this strengthens your case.
- Avoid generic statements – make your motivation letter personal and specific.
- Keep deadlines in mind – set reminders for all internal milestones.
What After You Get the Bursary?
| Level | Typical Roles | Possible Entrepreneurship |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Production Assistant, Junior Editor, Screenwriting Assistant, Film Researcher | — |
| Mid | Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Script Developer | — |
| Advanced | International Co‑Production Specialist, Showrunner, Creative Executive, Studio Consultant | — |
| Entrepreneur | Own a production company, Start a digital content studio, Create streaming shows, Curate a film festival | — |
Your international exposure will make you a hot commodity back home or anywhere else in the world.
FAQs
- Who can apply? – Only SA citizens or permanent residents.
- Undergraduate studies? – No, only postgraduate programmes.
- Acting courses? – Excluded; focus on film & TV production skills.
- Maximum funding? – R280 000.
- Course start time? – September or October 2026.
- Part‑time studies? – Not eligible – must be full‑time.
- Late application? – Automatically disqualified.
Contact Us
If you hit a snag, reach out to:
- Thandekile Hlatshwayo – thandekileh@nfvf.co.za | Tel: 011 483 0880
- Manti Sekwakwa – mantim@nfvf.co.za | Tel: 011 483 0880
Need Help? How Edupstairs Can Boost Your Application
At Edupstairs, we’re not just posting opportunities – we help you win them.
- Start early: research schools, secure a place, build a killer portfolio.
- Sharpen that motivation letter – show how you’ll lift SA’s film game.
- Avoid common pitfalls: incomplete docs, missing deadlines, generic statements.
Final Word
This bursary is a real chance to step onto a global stage and bring back fresh ideas to South Africa’s creative scene. Gather your paperwork, craft a personal story, and get ready to apply before 9 March. Good luck, future filmmaker!
Want more opportunities and tips? Check out Edupstairs for a full list of internships, learnerships, and bursaries that could land you a job in 2026.
