Four Art Bursaries for students in South Africa

Bursaries provide learners with opportunity and access to tertiary education. If you’re a matriculant with a dream to pursue a career in the arts, then this article is for you.

Getting funding for tertiary education is not always the easiest task under the sun, Therefore, we’ve rounded up four bursaries to help you get started.

SAMRO Bursary South Africa

The South African Music Rights Organisation was founded nearly seven decades ago “with the aim of protecting the intellectual property of musicians.

SAMRO is also involved in outreach programmes and sponsorships, and have helped more than 12 000 South African musicians study further.

This is ideal for a second-year student, studying towards a diploma or degree majoring in Music. For an R10,000 bursary, the following requirements apply.

Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of South Africa, eSwatini, Botswana or Lesotho.
• Registered at a recognised South African University
• Completed matric
• Studying music full-time

This bursary is not available to the following students: 

• First-year University students
• Doctoral students
• Bridging programme/ foundation programme students
• Those studying at private tertiary institutes (Academy for Sound Engineering/ AFDA/ COPA/ City Varsity etc.)
• Those specialising in the study of Music Therapy or Musical Theatre
• The following documents will be required
  • Certified copy of ID document
  • Proof of University registration on letterhead
  • Most recent tertiary exam results
  • Two reference letters from current university lecturers
  • Synopsis of these (Master students.)

Eligible students can complete this form before 30 March 2018. SAMRO can be contacted on 011 712 8417 or 011 712 7444. Alternatively, send a mail to samrofoundation@samro.org.za

The Foschini Group was established in 1925 and have partnered with FEDISA to offer a 3-year bursary programme to cover tuition fees, textbooks, design kits, a sewing machine, MacBook and software, as well as a mobile phone with data, to name a few perks.

This is strictly for students who want to pursue a career in the fashion industry and students will also be given the opportunity to work at selected Foschini branches during the June holidays.

Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Completed matric with Maths and Art & Design, as well as a strong academic record
• Must be able to start tuition in January.
• Must be a business-minded creative with a love for fashion.
• The following documents will be required
  • Certified copy of ID document
  • Certified copy of matric certificate or results
  • Letter of motivation from school principal
  • Breakdown of monthly household expenses
  • Parent’s death certificate (in the case of deceased)
  • Signed declaration (available on the FEDISA link below)
  • FEDISA formal letter of acceptance.

Students can apply online at FEDISA or through TFG. There is no deadline. FEDISA can be contacted on 021 424 0975. Alternatively, send a mail to info@fedisa.co.za.

The AFDA Board of Education offers the Post Graduate Honours Development Bursary specifically for students who want to pursue a career in television, film and performance, and who wish to study towards a Postgraduate BA Honours qualification in Motion Picture.

Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Able to study part-time or full-time
• Current third-year AFDA student/ previous AFDA BA graduates/ outside RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) students
• Strong academic records
• Proven financial need
• BBBEE status
• The following documents will be required
  • Certified copy of ID document
  • Latest academic results
  • 2-page CV
  • 1-page motivational letter about why you deserve to be a recipient
  • Letter to prove the need for financial support

Students can apply online at AFDA before September 2018. The following campuses can be contacted if you have queries.

• Cape Town: Lanna Lamberts, 021 448 7600, Lanna@afda.co.za
• Durban: Vashika Mistry, 031 569 2252, Vashika@afda.co.za
• Johannesburg: Sifiso Khuboni, 011 482 8345, SifisoK@afda.co.za

The non-profit organisation aim to fund studies for job fields that are scarce within South Africa. The technical vocational bursaries will be made available to students who want to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering, Construction, Management Studies, Information and Communication Technology, Education, Farming, Tourism, Hospitality, Practical Programmes and Performing Arts.

Requirements:

• Must be able to prove financial need
• Must be between 18 and 28.
• Completed matric with minimum pass rate of 50%
• Must be able to attend College of Cape Town, South Cape College, West Coast College, Boland College, False Bay College or Northlink College.
• The following documents will be required
  • Certified copy of ID document, Refugee status or Asylum Seeker status
  • Certified copy of full academic history
  • Parents or guardians proof of income
  • Character reference from teacher or community leader
  • Motivational letter about why deserve the bursary. Include your career plans and what you intend to study.

Students can apply by downloading and completing this form before 30 November. Send forms and supporting documents to info@accesstrust.org.za. Alternatively, mail to PO BOX 1853, Wynberg, 7800, or hand deliver at 123 Main Road Wynberg, Upper Floor, Wynberg Centre, 7800.