DSAC Bursaries for Heritage Related Studies including International Studies: Academic Year 2026
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture invites applications for bursaries from tertiary students from Undergraduates and Postgraduates from institutions accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training who wish to pursue studies in heritage related programmes.
Closing date for applications: 31 January 2026
Eligibility
VALUE OF THE BURSARY
- The maximum value of the bursary is R110 000 per student.
- Study fees: The total amount of study fees will be covered.
- Books: The total amount of prescribed books will be covered.
- Electronic devices not costing more than R10 000.
- Accommodation: R 50 000 maximum amount (NB where applicable)
- Meals: R 18 500 maximum amount (NB where applicable)
- Transportation: R10 000 maximum amount (NB where applicable)
- NB: Funds are payable directly to the higher institution of learning
Fields of study
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology (Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Archaeology)
- Geography and Geomatic sciences and preferably Postgraduates specialising in Cartography and GIS
- Archives and Records management
- Library and Information sciences
- Conservation of the built environment including preventive conservation (Postgrads specialising in Conservation)
- Heritage and Museum studies: Management, Curatorship and Preservation
- Palaeontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) or Courses that contribute to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- History
- Digitisation of heritage resources
International Studies
- Maritime Archaeology and Underwater cultural heritage
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
Documents to attach
In order to be considered, you must attach all the following required documents:
*Any certified copy must not be older than three (3) months
- Certified copy of a valid South African identity document.
- Letter of Provisional Acceptance or Proof of Registration written on the institution’s letterhead and signed. No screenshots will be accepted.
- Certified copy of senior national certificate (Matric) and a certified copy of latest academic results or progress report for those who are already doing post graduate studies.
- Certified proof of parent’s or guardian’s household income.
- Certified latest payslip (not older than three months)
- Proof of disability (if applicable to the applicant)
- Certified proof of the household’s income.
- Provide affidavit confirming that the salary advice/ payment slips of parents/ guardians are authentic.
Before you apply for the Heritage Bursary, please confirm the following questions:
- Have you provisionally/been admitted to study in the 2026 academic year?
- Does your qualification fall within the fields of study highlighted above?
- NB: Applications will be rejected if the study field does not fall within the specified list highlighted above.
Students awarded the heritage bursary in academic year of 2025 must apply again to receive the bursary for the academic year of 2026.
NB: The department is only able to award 45 to 50 applicants. Therefore, submitting an application does not automatically mean that the applicant will be awarded the bursary.
Apply Online
Enquiries regarding the bursary applications should be directed to:
Ms Reinette Stander : reinettes@dsac.gov.za; or
Mr Maano Muhadi: (012) 441-3622 / maanom@dsac.gov.za
Closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.
No late applications will be accepted. Applications not submitted via the online platform will not be considered.
Applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful if they have not received a reply by 31 March 2026.
