Fields Covered
DSAC invites applications for the 2026 bursary programme, open to students pursuing Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies in heritage-related disciplines.
Funding is offered for studies in the following areas:
- Archaeology (including Maritime & Underwater Cultural Heritage)
- Archives & Records Management
- Library and Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment (including Preventive Conservation Postgraduates)
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
- Geography & Geomatics (Postgraduates specialising in GIS or Cartography are encouraged)
- Heritage & Museum Studies (Management, Curatorship, Preservation)
- History
- Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS)
- Programmes that support the preservation or promotion of Indigenous Knowledge
- Palaeontology
- Physical & Biological Antropology
International study may be funded for:
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation & Preservation
- Maritime & Underwater Cultural Heritage
What the bursary covers
Each successful students may receive up to R110 000, paid directly to the tertiary institution. Funding may include:
- 100% of tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Electronic devices (up to R10 000 with proof of purchase)
- Accomodation (up to R50 000, if needed)
- Meals (up to R18 500, if needed)
- Transport (up to R10 000, if needed)
Successful applicants must sign a bursary contract with DSAC.
Candidates will be informed of the outcome by 31 March 2026. If you not hear anything by this date, your applicatio was not successful.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be a 40 years old or younger
- Be in Matric OR have already completed Matric
- Be studying or planning to study in one of the approved heritage fields
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted at a DHET-accredited institution
- Have a strong academic background
- Not earn more than R130 000 per year if employed
- Not receive any other bursary or financial aid
How to Apply
Apply online through the DSAC bursary application portal: DSAC Bursary Application 2026
Documents Required
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric certificates or later results
- Academic record (if currently enrolled)
- Proof of admission or provisional acceptance
- Postgraduates writing a thesis\dissertation: supervisor's progress report
All documents must be submitted, incomplete applications will not be considered.
Closing Date
31 January
Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Details
For any questions related to this bursary, please contact the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture directly: https:\\www.sdac.gov.za\contactus
Please share this bursary with anyone who might benefit from it, your share could change someone's future.