KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority Bursaries 2026

If you are a student residing in KwaZulu-Natal with passion for film, animation, tourism, or related creative industries, the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTA / formerly KZN Tourism + KZN Film Commission) bursary for 2026 is an opportunity to help you achieve your academic goals. This bursary scheme is open to eligible students to support their studies in film, digital media, tourism, hospitality, and more — by providing tuition coverage, allowances, and accommodation support.

Applications are open until 31 October 2025 — don’t miss this chance!

💲Bursary Summary

• Location: KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

• Bursary Authority: KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority (merging Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission)

• Level: Undergraduate (and select postgraduate support in animation)

• Target Group: Students who are citizens of South Africa and residents of KwaZulu-Natal, especially previously disadvantaged persons and persons with disabilities

• Focus Areas:

  • Film & Television Production

  • Animation, VFX, VR, AR, Digital Media / Digital Skills

  • Heritage & Cultural Tourism Studies

  • Eco-tourism

  • Hospitality Management

  • Tourism Management

• Value & Coverage:

  • Full tuition coverage for public universities; private institutions’ fees capped to government rates

  • Monthly allowance of R 1,500 

  • Accommodation support for students living ≥ 50 km from the institution

• Duration: Aligned with the normal duration of the degree / qualification

• Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

  
  

✍🏻 Structure & Selection

• The Authority issues a public call annually, inviting eligible students to apply.

• Applicants submit their application online (via the KZN funding portal) along with supporting documents.

• Shortlisting is done by the bursary committee; candidates may be contacted for further verification.

🎁 Benefits

• Tuition Coverage: Full for public universities; private institutions subsidized to government rate caps

• Monthly Stipend: R 1,500 to help with living expenses

• Accommodation Support: Students living 50 km or more from their campus may receive housing support

• Additional Supports: Depending on the case, there may be support for other study-related costs (documented proofs required)

📚 Example of Study Tracks

Here are illustrative study areas that align well with the bursary’s mandate. Candidates may propose or select:

• Film direction, cinematography, editing, production

• Animation, VFX, AR/VR content development

• Digital media, gaming, interactive multimedia

• Cultural & heritage tourism, community tourism, sustainable tourism

• Hospitality and tourism management

• Eco-tourism development and environmental tourism

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you should fulfill all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen and resident of KwaZulu-Natal (province)

2. Have completed Matric (Grade 12) or be currently in Matric, with acceptable results

3. Be accepted (or in process) into a tertiary institution in KwaZulu-Natal, in one of the qualifying fields listed above

4. Preference is given to previously disadvantaged persons and those living with disabilities

5. For postgraduate funding, only animation fields may be considered

📝 Application Procedure

1. Visit the official funding portal .

2. Prepare all required supporting documentation (see next subsection)

3. Complete the bursary application form 

4. Submit online, Ensure you submit before 31 October 2025 

🗂️ Documents Required

• Certified copy of your ID document

• Certified matric certificate / latest results

• Full academic transcripts / records (if already studying)

• Proof of acceptance or registration at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu-Natal

• Institution’s fee schedule (for 2026)

• Proof of household income (parents / guardians) — payslips, SASSA documents, affidavit etc.

• Proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal

• Motivation / cover letter explaining study choice, achievements, why you deserve the bursary

• If applicable: proof of disability (medical letter)

Missing any document may disqualify your application.

ℹ️ Additional Notes & Tips

• The KZN Tourism and Film Authority was officially restructured in mid-2024, merging tourism and film commissions to strengthen linkages between film & tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.

• Only animation as a postgraduate field is considered — if you plan a Master or Honours in film direction or production, check with the authority whether exceptions are possible.

• Prepare early: collecting documents (proof of income, transcripts, motivation letter) can take time.

• Emphasize alignment between your career goals and the economic / cultural priorities of KZN’s tourism / film sectors.

• If your institution is private, check how much of the tuition cost will be capped under government rates.

• Retain confirmation / tracking for your submission to avoid technical rejection.

• Keep an eye on official notifications from KZN’s film / tourism site or bursary portal for updates or changes.

🔗 Official Link

🔗 Apply Now

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