eMedia (eTV) Bursary Programme 2026

What eMedia Is Actually Offering

eTV - one of South Africa's most recognised free-to-air broadcasters — is offering bursaries to first-year students who want to build a career in the television and radio industry. This is a direct pipeline from the classroom to one of the country's leading media houses.

Here is what the bursary covers:

• Tuition fees — paid directly for your media-related degree or diploma

Here is what it does not cover — and this is important to know upfront:

• No accommodation support

• No book or stationery allowance

• No living expenses or pocket money

eMedia (eTV) Bursary is tuition-only. If you are in a situation where you need full financial support to survive at university, you need to have a separate plan for accommodation and living costs before applying. eMedia is plugging the tuition gap — the rest is on you.

The bursary runs for 1 to 2 years, which aligns with diploma and degree programme lengths in the media field. The "market related" salary note and "contract" job type on the listing suggest this bursary may come with a structured work placement or vacation work component at eMedia — a significant career benefit beyond just the financial support.

Is eMedia (eTV) Bursary Right for You?

Apply if you are:

A first-year South African university student studying media

• You are currently registered at a South African university for the 2026 academic year

• Your degree or diploma is in Television, Radio, Broadcasting, or any other Media-related field

• You achieved a minimum 65% average in your National Senior Certificate (NSC / Matric)

• You have no other bursary, scholarship, or NSFAS funding — this bursary is strictly for students with zero existing financial assistance

Someone from a genuinely financially constrained household

• eMedia requires household income verification — payslips, bank statements, or an affidavit confirming unemployment for parents/guardians

• This is not a merit-only bursary. Financial need is a core part of the selection criteria

Do not waste your time applying if:

• You are in your 2nd, 3rd, or final year — this is strictly for 1st-year students

• You are already on NSFAS — the bursary explicitly excludes anyone with existing financial assistance of any kind, including NSFAS

• You are studying any field outside of media and broadcasting — Communications, Marketing, or Journalism degrees that are not specifically media-broadcast focused may not qualify

• Your NSC average is below 65%

• You are not a South African citizen or permanent resident (implied by the SA Identity Document requirement)

• Your documents are incomplete — the listing explicitly states that missing documents will result in automatic rejection, no second chances

One thing to note: the bursary listing was posted on 29 April 2026 and no specific closing date is mentioned. This means the window could close any day. If you qualify, treat this as urgent and apply today.

Why This Bursary Is More Than Just Tuition Money

South Africa's media industry is going through a significant transition. Traditional broadcasting is competing with streaming platforms, and local content is under more pressure than ever to be commercially viable while remaining culturally relevant. eMedia — which operates eTV, eExtra, eMovies, and several other channels — sits right in the middle of that tension.

What that means for a bursary holder is this: you are not just getting tuition paid. You are getting your name into eMedia's talent pipeline at the start of your degree. The 1–2 year duration and the "contract" structure visible in the listing strongly suggest that bursary holders are expected to engage with eMedia beyond just receiving payments — whether through vacation work, internships, or a structured work-back agreement.

For a first-year student in Gauteng studying television or radio, this is the kind of early industry connection that most of your peers will spend years trying to build through cold applications and unpaid internships. You would be starting with it on day one.

The South African broadcast media industry also has a genuine skills shortage in technical production, content creation, and digital media management. An eMedia-backed qualification positions you well ahead of the curve for entry-level roles at broadcasters, production houses, and digital media companies across the country.

Required Document Checklist

Gather everything below before you start your application. Missing even one item = automatic rejection.

Identity

• Certified copy of your South African ID — certification must not be older than 3 months

Academic Records

• Statement of Results or National Senior Certificate (NSC) — not older than 3 months

Proof of Enrolment

• Official proof of registration/acceptance from your South African university for 2026, clearly showing your media-related field of study

Financial Statement

• Your most recent fee statement from your student portal or university finance office

Household Income Verification (for each parent or guardian)

• Most recent payslip OR a commissioned affidavit confirming unemployment

• Bank statements for the last 3 months

How to Apply

1. Gather all documents listed above — every single one, certified where required

2. Click on the Apply Button below

3. Reference number for this bursary: etv241

4. Submit your complete application with all supporting documents

5. Do not wait — no closing date is published, meaning it could close at any time

No closing date is listed — apply as soon as possible.