Bursaries on offer for arts studies

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture has called on students eager to pursue a career in arts and culture fields to apply for a bursary.

‘With protests raging against university fees countrywide, it is of even greater importance that the youth are afforded as many opportunities as possible to advance their education,’ said the MEC for Arts and Culture, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi.

She said the department hopes that through the awarding of these bursaries, it is able to assist those eager to realise their potential as artists and make a difference in the country.

The provincial department is offering bursaries in jewellery design, fine art, graphic design, languages, performing and non-performing arts, anthropology, restoration and conservation, and archival studies.

Youth with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

Scope of bursary
The bursaries will cover full-time studies only at public higher education institutions, and covers tuition fees, meals or stipends, accommodation and prescribed textbooks where necessary.

Students are responsible for their own admission to a tertiary institution and accommodation within a university’s residence.

Preference will be given those who pursue studies at institutions within KwaZulu-Natal and bursaries will be awarded to those who choose to study at public higher education institutions, unless their chosen course is only offered at private institutions.

Successful recipients will enter into a contract with the department for a number of years equivalent to the duration of the period of study and may be required to serve the department for the same number of years specified in the bursary contract, unless stated otherwise.

What you need
To qualify for a bursary, students must possess a matric certificate, be between the ages of 18 and 35 and reside in KwaZulu-Natal.

Students also need to have a provisional acceptance letter from a public institution of higher learning.

Students who are currently studying in the indicated arts fields are also eligible to apply.

To apply for the bursaries, students must fill in a bursary application form available from Operation Sukuma Sakhe war rooms, Department of Education District Offices, municipal offices and the student funding offices at higher education institutions.

The advertisement and forms are also available for download from the KZN Arts and Culture website www.kzndac.gov.za.

The closing date for applications is 30 October.

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