DSAC Heritage Bursaries 2026 Open: Apply Before 31 January
DSAC Opens Heritage Bursary Applications for 2026 Academic Year
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has officially opened applications for its Heritage-Related Bursaries for the 2026 academic year, offering comprehensive financial support to qualifying undergraduate and postgraduate students in South Africa.
This bursary programme is aimed at developing scarce skills within the heritage, archaeology, museum, archives, history, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, conservation, and international heritage studies sectors.
Application deadline: 31 January 2026
About the DSAC Heritage Bursary Programme
The DSAC Heritage Bursary supports students enrolled at public tertiary institutions accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The programme focuses on preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage by investing in skilled professionals across key heritage disciplines.
Funding is awarded annually and is not automatically renewed, meaning current beneficiaries must reapply each year.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered:
- South African citizen
- Aged 40 years or younger
- Registered or provisionally accepted for full-time study in 2026
- Studying at a DHET-registered institution
- Minimum academic average of 65%
- Field of study must be heritage-related
- Not funded by any other bursary or donor
- Not employed full-time
- If employed, annual gross income must not exceed R130,000
- Certified proof of income required
Note: Students funded by DSAC in 2025 must submit a new application for 2026.
Approved Fields of Study
Only applications in the following heritage-related disciplines will be considered:
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology, including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences
- Preference for postgraduate studies in GIS and Cartography
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- Palaeontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
- History
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
- International Studies related to heritage
Applications outside these fields will be automatically disqualified.
What the DSAC Bursary Covers
The DSAC Heritage Bursary provides funding of up to R110,000 per student, paid directly to the institution, covering:
- 100% of tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Laptop or electronic device (up to R10,000)
- Accommodation (up to R50,000, where applicable)
- Meals (up to R18,500, where applicable)
- Transport allowance (up to R10,000, where applicable)
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must upload certified copies (not older than three months) of the following:
- South African ID
- Proof of registration or provisional acceptance letter
- Must be on official institutional letterhead
- Screenshots are not accepted
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript or progress report
- Certified proof of household income (parents or guardians)
- Latest payslip (if applicable)
- Affidavit confirming authenticity of income documents
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be processed.
How to Apply for the DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026
All applications must be submitted online via the official DSAC platform.
- No emailed, hand-delivered, or late applications will be accepted
- Applicants must confirm that their qualification matches the approved fields before applying
Selection Process and Important Information
- Only 45 to 50 bursaries will be awarded nationwide
- Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection
- Applicants who do not receive feedback by 31 March 2026 should regard their application as unsuccessful
Contact Details for Enquiries
For further information, contact:
- Ms Reinette Stander
Email: [email protected] - Mr Maano Muhadi
Tel: (012) 441-3622
Email: [email protected]
Important Dates
- Applications open: Now
- Closing date: 31 January 2026
- Outcome notifications: By 31 March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I already have another bursary?
No. The DSAC bursary cannot be combined with other funding.
Does DSAC fund private institutions?
No. Only DHET-accredited institutions qualify.
Are international heritage studies covered?
Yes, provided the qualification is heritage-related.
Is employment allowed?
Yes, only if annual income does not exceed R130,000.
Final Notes
The DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026 is highly competitive and designed to support students committed to preserving South Africa’s heritage. Applicants are advised to submit complete, accurate, and relevant documentation well before the closing date.
