Are you an emerging art professional from Africa with a passion for contemporary art? The Zeitz MOCAA UWC Museum Fellowship Programme 2027 offers a fully funded chance to build your career. This 12-month program in Cape Town, South Africa, combines hands-on museum work with academic study, leading to a BA Honours degree from the University of the Western Cape.
About the Fellowship Programme
The Zeitz MOCAA UWC Museum Fellowship Programme 2027 runs from February 2027 to January 2028. It takes place at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in partnership with the University of the Western Cape. Fellows get real-world experience in key museum areas.
These areas include curatorial practice, exhibition design, registrar and collection management, art education, and institutional advancement. Participants work with experts on exhibitions, research, public programs, and publishing. The program builds skills for a career in African art and museums.
What the Fellowship Offers
This fellowship supports both learning and growth. Selected fellows receive full tuition coverage for the BA Honours degree. They also get accommodation, a monthly stipend, and basic health insurance.
Hands-on work happens in a top contemporary art museum. Fellows receive academic mentorship and supervision from professionals. Note that travel and visa costs are not included.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in art, heritage, museum studies, or a related humanities field. Equivalent experience may count. You must show knowledge of contemporary African art and heritage.
Candidates should have 2-3 years of relevant work experience. Strong writing and public speaking skills are required. A clear interest in an art-related career helps, along with English proficiency. You must be a citizen of an African country.
Application Requirements
Submit a one-page motivation letter. Include a full CV and a 250-word biography. Provide a minimum 1000-word original writing sample.
You also need a letter of recommendation, a high-resolution portrait photo, and academic certificates and transcripts. All documents must be in English and follow the required naming format.
Important Application Guidelines
Only the first 100 applications will be reviewed. Submit everything online. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. Follow all instructions and word limits carefully.
Deadline
The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Successful applicants will hear back by early August 2026.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship opens doors in Africa’s art world. It provides key experience, networks, and skills for roles in curatorial practice, research, and museum management. Whether you want to work in galleries, museums, cultural groups, or academia, it builds a solid career base.
How to Apply
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents before the deadline. Apply early, as only the first 100 will be considered. For more details, visit the application page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zeitz MOCAA UWC Museum Fellowship Programme?
It is a 12-month fully funded program in Cape Town that combines hands-on museum work with a BA Honours degree from the University of the Western Cape, focusing on contemporary African art.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
African citizens with a Bachelor’s degree in art or related fields, 2-3 years of experience, and skills in writing and speaking English are eligible.
What does the fellowship provide?
It covers full tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and health insurance, but not travel or visa costs.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due by June 30, 2026, with only the first 100 reviewed; submit online early.