The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has opened applications for its Heritage Bursary Programme for 2026, offering full financial support to South African students studying heritage-related qualifications.
This bursary is aimed at students passionate about history, archaeology, museums, conservation, and cultural heritage, and covers most study-related and living expenses for approved full-time programmes.
Application Closing Date: 31 January 2026
Study Mode: Full-time only
What Is the DSAC Heritage Bursary?
The DSAC Heritage Bursary is a government-funded financial aid programme designed to support students studying in heritage and cultural disciplines. The bursary pays funds directly to the institution, ensuring tuition, accommodation, and other approved costs are covered without upfront payment from the student.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 40 years old or younger in 2026
- Have a minimum 65% academic average
- Be registered or provisionally accepted for full-time study in 2026
- Be enrolled in a DSAC-approved heritage qualification
- Not be a full-time employee
- Part-time or contract workers may earn no more than R130,000 per year
- Not be receiving another bursary, scholarship, or donor funding
- Submit documents certified within the last three months
Students funded by DSAC in 2025 must reapply for 2026 funding.
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What the Bursary Covers
The total bursary value can be up to R110,000 per student, depending on individual needs and institutional costs.
Covered expenses include:
- Tuition fees: 100% of course costs
- Prescribed books: Full cost
- Laptop or tablet: Up to R10,000
- Accommodation: Up to R50,000 (if residing in a residence or dormitory)
- Meals: Up to R18,500
- Transport: Up to R10,000
All payments are made directly to the university or institution.
Approved Fields of Study
Only students registered in the following DSAC-approved programmes will be considered.
Local (South Africa)
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology (including Maritime and Underwater Heritage)
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences (GIS, Cartography)
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Science
- Conservation of the Built Environment
- Heritage and Museum Studies (Management, Curatorship, Preservation)
- Paleontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- History
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
International Focus Areas
- Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Heritage
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
Applications for qualifications not listed above will not be considered.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit certified copies (not older than three months) of the following:
- South African ID
- Proof of registration or provisional acceptance for 2026 (official letter, no screenshots)
- Certified Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript or postgraduate progress report
- Proof of household income (parents or guardians)
- Latest payslip if employed part-time
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Affidavit confirming the accuracy of income information
Incomplete or outdated documentation may lead to disqualification.
How to Apply
- Confirm that your qualification is on the approved DSAC list
- Prepare and certify all required documents
- Apply online only through the official DSAC bursary portal
- Submit your application before 31 January 2026
Only online applications will be accepted. Paper or emailed applications will not be processed.
Application Timeline
- Applications close: 31 January 2026
- Results communicated by: 31 March 2026
- If you do not receive feedback by this date, your application should be considered unsuccessful
Contact Details for Enquiries
For assistance or bursary-related queries, contact:
- Ms Reinette Stander
Email: reinettes@dsac.gov.za - Mr Maano Muhadi
Phone: 012 441 3622
Email: maanom@dsac.gov.za
Why This Bursary Matters
The DSAC Heritage Bursary plays a vital role in developing professionals who preserve South Africa’s history, culture, and heritage resources. By covering tuition, study materials, and living costs, it removes financial barriers for students pursuing meaningful careers in heritage-related fields.
Nestlé South Africa Future Talent Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Bursary
If you are passionate about protecting cultural heritage, researching history, or working in museums and archives, this bursary could be your pathway forward. Apply before the closing date to be considered.
