FAME Week Africa, in partnership with SAE Institute South Africa, is inviting aspiring young South African creatives to enter its Student Pitching Competition & Bursary. Entrants must submit an original idea for a film, television series or micro-drama. Up to five finalists will receive mentorship and pitch live at FAME Week Africa in Cape Town, with one winner receiving an SAE Institute bursary to study at the Cape Town campus in 2027.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: FAME Week Africa in partnership with SAE Institute South Africa
Opportunity type: Student pitching competition with bursary prize
Academic year: 2027
Who it’s for: South African citizens and permanent residents who are currently in Matric, have completed Matric, or hold an equivalent qualification and want to pursue a career in the creative industries
Age guideline: Approximately 25 years old or younger when entries close
Competition opens: 18 August 2026
Closing date: 18 September 2026
Finalists announced: 28 September 2026
Live final: 28–30 October 2026
Location of final: FAME Week Africa, CTICC 2, Cape Town
Prize: One winner receives an SAE Institute South Africa bursary for study at its Cape Town campus in 2027.
High-value notes (read this first)
- This is not a conventional bursary application. Applicants first enter a creative pitching competition, and one eventual winner receives the SAE Institute bursary.
- Entrants do not need previous filmmaking experience or industry connections.
- Applicants need an original concept for a film, television series or micro-drama.
- Up to five finalists may be selected.
- Finalists must participate in mentorship and attend the live pitching final in Cape Town.
- Applicants must be eligible and available to start studies during the 2027 academic year.
- The exact SAE qualification attached to the bursary is determined only after the winner is selected and assessed by SAE Institute.
About the organisers
FAME Week Africa brings together professionals and emerging talent from Africa’s film, television, music, fashion and creative industries. Its 2026 market and conference programme takes place at the CTICC in Cape Town.
For this competition, FAME Week Africa has partnered with SAE Institute South Africa to identify and support aspiring creative talent. The programme combines a creative pitch competition, industry mentorship and an education opportunity for the eventual winner.
What the winner receives
The winning entrant will receive an SAE Institute South Africa bursary for the Cape Town campus.
The exact qualification will be determined after SAE assesses the winner based on:
- Educational background
- SAE admission requirements
- Career aspirations
- The programme most appropriate to the winner’s academic needs
The bursary could be linked to programmes including:
- Higher Certificate – NQF Level 5
- Bachelor of Arts degree – NQF Level 7
- Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Media Production – NQF Level 8
- Another approved SAE Institute programme
The bursary is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash and remains subject to SAE Institute’s admission policies and academic regulations.
Costs that are not covered
The competition terms specifically state that the bursary does not include:
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Meals
- Visa costs
- Personal equipment
- Study materials
- Living expenses
These expenses remain the responsibility of the winner.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be currently in Matric, have completed Matric, or hold an equivalent qualification
- Be eligible and available to begin studies in 2027
- Be approximately 25 years old or younger when entries close
- Have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the creative industries
- Meet SAE Institute’s admission requirements for the programme eventually selected
- Be available for all stages of the competition, including mentorship sessions and the live FAME Week Africa final in Cape Town.
What you need to pitch
Applicants must submit an original idea for one of the following:
- Film
- Television series
- Micro-drama
FAME Week Africa says previous filmmaking experience is not required. The organisers are looking for an original idea, a clear creative vision and evidence that the applicant is passionate about developing the concept.
What the judges are looking for
Entries may be assessed on:
- Creativity and originality
- Storytelling ability
- Passion and commitment
- Clarity of vision
- Communication and presentation skills
- Potential for future success in the creative industries.
What finalists receive
Up to five finalists may progress to the mentorship and live-pitching stage.
Selected finalists will receive:
- Industry mentorship to strengthen their concepts and pitches
- Access to FAME Week Africa
- An opportunity to connect with film, television and content-industry professionals
- A live pitching opportunity before an industry judging panel
- A chance to win the SAE Institute bursary
Finalists must attend the required competition activities. Failure to participate may result in disqualification.
Documents and entry requirements
Applicants must:
- Complete the official online application form
- Submit all supporting documentation requested by the application system
- Submit their pitch in the format specified by the organisers
- Ensure that all information provided is accurate and truthful
Late, incomplete or fraudulent entries will not be considered.
Important intellectual property note
Applicants retain ownership of their original ideas and submissions.
However, by entering, applicants grant FAME Week Africa and SAE Institute a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use submitted material for judging and competition promotion, including publishing relevant excerpts, images, names and recordings.
The terms state that entrants’ work will not be commercially exploited without a separate written agreement.
Closing date
18 September 2026.
Key competition dates are:
- Applications open: 18 August 2026
- Entries close: 18 September 2026
- Finalists announced: 28 September 2026
- Mentorship programme: October 2026
- Live final at FAME Week Africa: 28–30 October 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating this as an ordinary bursary application and failing to submit the required creative pitch
- Submitting an idea that is not your own
- Missing required supporting documents
- Providing inaccurate information
- Applying without being available to start studying in 2027
- Entering without being available for the mentorship programme and live Cape Town final
- Assuming the bursary covers accommodation, meals, transport, equipment or living expenses
- Assuming a particular SAE qualification is guaranteed before the winner is assessed
- Waiting until the 18 September deadline to complete the application
How this opportunity was verified
This opportunity was verified from the official FAME Week Africa Student Pitching page and the official Student Pitching Competition & Bursary Terms and Conditions.
The official sources confirm the opening and closing dates, eligibility criteria, creative-pitch requirement, selection of up to five finalists, mentorship stage, live final, SAE Institute bursary prize and expenses that are excluded from the bursary.
How to apply
- Open the official FAME Week Africa Student Pitching page.
- Read the competition terms and conditions carefully.
- Develop an original concept for a film, television series or micro-drama.
- Select Submit Your Pitch on the official page.
- Complete the official Microsoft Forms application.
- Upload or provide all requested supporting information.
- Submit your pitch in the format required by the organisers.
- Submit everything before 18 September 2026.
- Keep proof of submission.
- If selected as a finalist, be available for the mentorship programme and the live final in Cape Town from 28–30 October 2026.
The official Student Pitching page, Terms & Conditions and Submit Your Pitch form are all accessible from the FAME Week Africa source