Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 bursary programme offered by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), specifically targeting students pursuing heritage-related studies. The DSAC is calling on undergraduate and postgraduate learners enrolled at institutions accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training to apply for financial assistance in fields linked to heritage.
Closing Date for Applications
The final date to submit applications is 31 January 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply promptly to avoid missing this deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Applicants cannot be older than 40 years of age at the time of application.
- A minimum academic achievement of 65% is required, reflecting satisfactory or above-average performance.
- The intended field of study must be related to heritage as specified by the DSAC.
- Applicants should not be employed full-time by government entities, state agencies, or private sector organizations earning a gross annual salary exceeding R130,000.
- If employed, applicants are required to submit certified proof of their income.
- Only full-time students qualify for this bursary.
- Students who currently receive bursaries from other donors or organizations are ineligible.
Bursary Benefits and Coverage
The bursary has a maximum value of R110,000 per student. The funding provided can cover the following expenses:
- Tuition fees: Full coverage of all registered study fees.
- Books: Complete funding for all prescribed textbooks and academic materials.
- Electronic Devices: Support for purchasing devices costing up to R10,000.
- Accommodation: Up to R50,000, applicable if accommodation is required.
- Meals: A maximum allocation of R18,500 where necessary.
- Transportation: Up to R10,000, if transportation costs apply.
Note: All bursary funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution on the student’s behalf.
Eligible Fields of Study
The bursary supports a variety of heritage-focused academic disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology, including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Archaeology
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences, with preference for postgraduate specialisation in Cartography and GIS
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment, including postgraduate studies in Preventive Conservation
- Heritage and Museum Studies focusing on Management, Curatorship, and Preservation
- Palaeontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) or courses that promote the preservation and promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- History
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
- International Studies related to heritage
- Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit all the following documents for their application to be considered complete. Please note that any certified copies must be dated within the last three months:
- Certified copy of a valid South African identity document.
- Letter of provisional acceptance or proof of registration on the official letterhead of the institution, signed by an authorized official. Screenshots are not acceptable.
- Certified copy of the National Senior Certificate (Matric) and certified copies of the latest academic results or progress reports, particularly for postgraduate students.
- Certified proof of household income for parents or guardians.
- Certified recent payslip (not older than three months) if the applicant or guardian is employed.
- Proof of disability, if applicable.
- Affidavit confirming the authenticity of the salary advice or payment slips provided by parents or guardians.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Before submitting your application, please verify the following:
- You have been provisionally admitted or accepted to study in the 2026 academic year.
- Your chosen qualification is among the heritage-related fields listed above.
Note: Applications will automatically be disqualified if the course of study does not align with the approved fields specified by the DSAC.
For Additional Information and to Apply
For further details and to access the bursary application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursaries.
