The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has officially opened the highly anticipated applications for the 2026 Nyoloha Scholarship Programme. Now in its fifth iteration, the programme aims to identify, support, and develop exceptional artistic talent by providing access to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship, and career development opportunities. Each scholarship is fully paid covering tuition and study materials only , supporting studies in performing, visual, and digital arts starting in 2027.
The 2026 theme, #NyolohaTranscends, draws on the Sesotho word ‘Nyoloha’, meaning ‘to rise’, and reflects ACT’s commitment to reaching talented young artists in communities where opportunity is limited but creative potential is abundant. It speaks to the organisation’s belief that artistic excellence exists everywhere and that, with the right support, artists can transcend barriers to access, training, mentorship and build sustainable creative careers.
Applications open: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Applications close: Sunday, 5 April 2026
Online applications: act.org.za/nyoloha
Eligible applicants include South African emerging artists aged 17 to 25 in the disciplines of acting, singing, dance as well as visual and digital arts who are either in matric or not yet studying art at a tertiary institution. This opportunity supports young artists who do not have the financial means to study towards a degree in arts.
‘Through the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, the ACT continues to enable young artists to transcend financial and structural barriers, strengthening access to professional development and career pathways,’ said Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT. ‘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.’ The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is delivered by ACT with the proud support of its strategic partners, including Nedbank and MTN South Africa.
‘In 2025, 60 performing, visual and digital artists from all 9 provinces were selected to participate in the 3-month training and mentorship that form part of the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme from which the scholarship winners were ultimately selected. The training and mentorship assist artists to take giant leaps forward in realising their worth and honing their talent for fulfilling careers in the creative industry,’ said Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of the Social Impact Unit at Nedbank.
‘As legacy organisations with a future focus, the MTN Foundation and ACT partnership continues to deliver on their strategic objective to participate in the socioeconomic development of our disenfranchised youth. The acceleration of digital transformation for art skills development, job creation, and the pursuit of employing digital solutions for the cultural and creative industries, remains a priority for this partnership. As the MTN Foundation, we are proud and excited to continue our contribution towards the ACT’s NSP,’ said Niel Nortjé, Manager of the MTN Art Collection.
