DSAC Bursaries for Heritage-Related Studies 2026

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) invites applications for 2026 bursaries supporting heritage-related studies, including international studies. Apply by 31 January 2026.

DSAC Bursaries 2026: Supporting Heritage and Cultural Studies in South Africa

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Heritage-Related Studies Bursary Programme, offering financial support to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in heritage-focused disciplines. This bursary initiative reflects the department’s commitment to preserving South Africa’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage while building a skilled pipeline of professionals in this critical sector.

Applications close on 31 January 2026, and students enrolled at accredited and registered tertiary institutions under the Department of Higher Education and Training are encouraged to apply.

Purpose of the DSAC Heritage Bursary

The DSAC bursary programme aims to strengthen national capacity in heritage-related fields by supporting students whose academic pursuits contribute to the preservation, conservation, documentation, and promotion of heritage resources. These include tangible and intangible heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, archives, museums, and digital heritage.

By investing in heritage education, the department seeks to ensure that South Africa’s history, culture, and knowledge systems are safeguarded for future generations, while also supporting transformation and skills development within the sector.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DSAC Heritage Bursary for the 2026 academic year, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen
Be 40 years old or younger
Demonstrate outstanding or satisfactory academic performance, with a minimum academic threshold of 65%
Be enrolled as a full-time student
Be studying in a heritage-related field listed by the department
Not be a beneficiary of another bursary or donor-funded programme
Not be employed full-time by government, state agencies, or the private sector
- If employed, annual gross salary must not exceed R130,000 per annum, with certified proof of income provided

Students who received the DSAC heritage bursary in 2025 must reapply to be considered for funding in 2026.

Value of the Bursary

The DSAC bursary provides comprehensive financial support of up to R110,000 per student, paid directly to the institution of learning. Covered costs include:

Study fees: Full coverage
Prescribed textbooks: Full coverage
Electronic device: Up to R10,000
Accommodation: Up to R50,000 (where applicable)
Meals: Up to R18,500 (where applicable)
Transportation: Up to R10,000 (where applicable)

This funding structure ensures that students can focus on their academic responsibilities without the burden of excessive financial stress.

Approved Fields of Study

Only students registered in heritage-related disciplines will be considered. Approved fields include, but are 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 (postgraduate specialisation in Conservation preferred)
Heritage and Museum Studies (Management, Curatorship, Preservation)
Palaeontology
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and related courses
History
Digitisation of Heritage Resources
International Studies
Digital Archaeology
Heritage Conservation and Preservation

Applications will be automatically rejected if the chosen field of study does not fall within the specified list.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit all required documentation to be considered. Certified copies must not be older than three months. Required documents include:

Certified copy of a valid South African ID
Letter of Provisional Acceptance or Proof of Registration (on institutional letterhead and signed)
Certified copy of Matric certificate and latest academic results or postgraduate progress report
Certified proof of parent or guardian household income
Certified latest payslip (if applicable)
Proof of disability (if applicable)
Affidavit confirming the authenticity of income documents

Incomplete applications or those submitted outside the online system will not be considered.

Application Process and Deadline

All applications must be submitted online via the official platform.
📅 Closing Date: 31 January 2026
🚫 Late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants who do not receive feedback by 31 March 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Enquiries and Contact Information

For questions related to the bursary application process, applicants may contact:

Ms Reinette Stander: [email protected]
Mr Maano Muhadi: (012) 441-3622 | [email protected]

Final Notes

The DSAC Heritage Bursary Programme is highly competitive, with funding available for only 45 to 50 students nationwide. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Applicants are strongly encouraged to confirm their eligibility, ensure their field of study is approved, and submit complete documentation before the closing date.

For students passionate about heritage, culture, and preservation, this bursary offers a valuable opportunity to pursue academic excellence while contributing to South Africa’s cultural legacy.