eMedia Bursary 2026

About the Provider

eMedia Holdings Limited is a prominent investment company operating in South Africa's media industry. The group owns and operates some of the country's most recognised broadcasting brands, including e.tv — a widely available free-to-air commercial television station that reaches millions of South African households daily.

The company's portfolio extends across multiple platforms. Through its subsidiary eSat.tv, eMedia runs eNCA, a dedicated 24-hour news channel that has become one of South Africa's primary sources of broadcast news. Platco Digital, another subsidiary, manages Openview — a free-to-air satellite television service that provides South Africans with access to multiple channels without subscription fees. The group also offers eVOD, an on-demand video platform enabling users to stream movies and shows on any device.

This multi-platform presence makes eMedia Holdings one of the most significant players in South African broadcasting, with reach spanning traditional free-to-air television, satellite broadcasting, dedicated news coverage, and digital streaming. The company's diverse operations create numerous career opportunities across content creation, journalism, production, technology, and media management.

eMedia's investment in education through its bursary programme reflects the company's understanding that the future of South African media depends on developing talented young professionals who bring fresh perspectives and digital-native skills to the industry. By funding first-year students in media-related programmes, eMedia contributes to building the next generation of broadcasters, journalists, producers, and media professionals.

The company's commitment to transformation in the media sector is demonstrated through this bursary programme, which specifically targets students who are passionate about television and radio but lack the financial resources to pursue their studies independently.

About the Program

The eMedia Bursary Programme provides tuition funding for first-year students who are passionate about pursuing careers in television, radio, and broadcasting. The programme specifically targets students enrolled in media-related degree or diploma programmes at accredited South African universities.

Unlike many comprehensive bursaries, the eMedia bursary focuses exclusively on tuition fees. It does not cover accommodation, textbooks, or living expenses. This targeted approach allows the company to support more students while ensuring that those selected are genuinely committed to the media industry rather than simply seeking general financial assistance.

The programme is designed for students who are in their first year of study, making it an entry-level funding opportunity for school leavers who have just begun their tertiary education journey. Applicants must demonstrate both academic capability (minimum 65% Matric average) and genuine passion for the television or radio sector.

An important eligibility requirement is that applicants must not be receiving any other financial assistance, bursary, or funding, including NSFAS. This ensures that the eMedia bursary reaches students who would otherwise have no funding source for their studies.

Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an interview, and all applicants are notified of the outcome upon completion of the recruitment process. This transparent approach means that even unsuccessful applicants receive closure on their applications.

Bursary Benefits

• Full tuition fees covered for your media-related degree or diploma programme
• Association with a major media group that owns e.tv, eNCA, Openview, and eVOD
• Potential career pathways within the eMedia Holdings group of companies
• Industry exposure to one of South Africa's largest free-to-air broadcasting networks
• Interview experience as part of the selection process, building professional skills

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric with a minimum overall average of 65%
• You must be studying full-time towards a Degree or Diploma in Television, Radio, Broadcasting, or any other media-related field
• You must be a 1st year student
• You must be studying at an accredited university in South Africa
• You must be passionate about pursuing a career in the television or radio space
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be in need of financial assistance to complete your studies
• You must NOT be receiving any other financial assistance, bursary, or funding (including NSFAS)

Required Documents

• ID document (certified copy, not older than 3 months)
• Matric certificate or statement of results (not older than 3 months)
• Proof of acceptance from a South African university, clearly indicating your media-related field of study
• Most recent updated university fee statement (from your student portal or university finance office)
• Breakdown of academic fees per annum
• Parents or guardians proof of household income (recent payslips or letters of employment if employed, plus latest 3 months bank statements not older than 3 months for each parent/guardian)
• Parents or guardians 3 months recent bank statements

How to Apply

1. Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements: South African citizen, Matric average of at least 65%, first-year student, enrolled in a media-related qualification, and not receiving any other financial assistance.
2. Prepare all required supporting documents: certified ID (not older than 3 months), Matric certificate or statement of results, proof of acceptance at a university, fee statement, fee breakdown, and parents' proof of income with bank statements.
3. Visit the official eMedia Bursary Application portal online.
4. Complete the online application form thoroughly.
5. Upload clear, legible copies of all supporting documents.
6. Ensure your proof of acceptance clearly indicates your media-related field of study.
7. Submit your application as soon as possible — the closing date has not been confirmed.
8. If shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. All applicants will be notified of the outcome.

Tips for Success

• Show genuine passion for media in your application. eMedia wants students who are truly excited about television and radio, not just those seeking any available funding.
• Ensure you are not receiving other funding — this is a strict requirement. If you have NSFAS or another bursary, you are not eligible.
• Get your documents certified recently — both your ID and Matric certificate must be certified copies not older than 3 months.
• Obtain your fee statement from the university — this must be the most recent version from your student portal or finance office.
• Clearly indicate your media field on your proof of acceptance. If it is not obvious from the document, request a letter from your faculty specifying your programme.
• Prepare for the interview — shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Research eMedia's brands (e.tv, eNCA, Openview, eVOD) and be ready to discuss your career aspirations.
• Apply early — the closing date is not confirmed, so applications may close without notice.
• Demonstrate financial need through your parents' income documentation and bank statements.
• Highlight any media experience — school radio, video projects, social media content creation, or journalism activities all demonstrate commitment.
• Keep your academic record strong — a minimum 65% Matric average is required, but stronger results improve your chances.

Career Prospects

Graduates with media qualifications funded by the eMedia bursary enter one of South Africa's most dynamic and evolving industries. The broadcasting and media sector offers diverse career paths across television, radio, digital platforms, and emerging media technologies.

Career opportunities in the media sector include:

• Television production — producing, directing, and managing content for broadcast channels
• News journalism — reporting, presenting, and producing news content for channels like eNCA
• Radio broadcasting — presenting, producing, and managing radio programming
• Digital media — content creation for streaming platforms like eVOD and social media
• Camera operation and cinematography — visual storytelling for television and film
• Sound engineering — audio production for broadcast, film, and digital content
• Media management — overseeing operations, scheduling, and strategy for media companies
• Marketing and communications — promoting media brands and managing audience engagement
• Post-production — editing, graphics, and visual effects for broadcast content
• Satellite and broadcast technology — managing technical infrastructure for platforms like Openview

The eMedia Holdings group itself represents a significant potential employer, with operations spanning free-to-air television (e.tv), 24-hour news (eNCA), satellite television (Openview), and video-on-demand (eVOD). This diversity means graduates may find opportunities across multiple platforms within a single media group.

South Africa's media landscape continues to evolve with digital transformation, creating new roles in streaming, social media content, and multi-platform storytelling that did not exist a decade ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the bursary cover?

The eMedia bursary covers tuition fees only. It does not cover accommodation, textbooks, transport, or living expenses.

Can I apply if I receive NSFAS?

No. Applicants must not be receiving any other financial assistance, bursary, or funding, including NSFAS. This is a strict eligibility requirement.

What year of study must I be in?

You must be a first-year student. The bursary is not available for students in their second year or beyond.

What Matric average do I need?

You need a minimum overall Matric average of 65% to be eligible for the bursary.

What media qualifications are accepted?

Degree or diploma qualifications in Television, Radio, Broadcasting, and any other media-related studies at an accredited South African university.

When does the application close?

The closing date has not been confirmed. Apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

What happens after I apply?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications upon completion of the recruitment process.

What does eMedia Holdings own?

eMedia Holdings operates e.tv (free-to-air television), eNCA (24-hour news channel), Openview (free-to-air satellite TV), and eVOD (video-on-demand streaming platform).

Applications Closing

The closing date has not been confirmed — apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

About the Organization

Contact page: https://emediaholdings.co.za/contact-us/