The DSAC Heritage Bursaries 2026 offer up to R110,000 funding for South African students studying heritage-related fields. Learn about eligibility, funded disciplines, coverage, and how to apply.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has officially opened applications for its Heritage-Related Bursaries for the 2026 academic year, providing comprehensive financial support to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in heritage-focused fields. This bursary programme is aimed at building scarce and critical skills needed to preserve South Africa’s cultural, historical, and heritage resources.
This opportunity is highly competitive and intended for students who are academically strong, financially deserving, and committed to careers within the heritage sector.
About the DSAC Heritage Bursary Programme
The DSAC Heritage Bursary Programme supports students registered at public tertiary institutions accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The programme plays a key role in safeguarding South Africa’s heritage by investing in future professionals across museums, archives, archaeology, conservation, history, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
Funding is awarded on an annual basis and is not automatically renewed, meaning beneficiaries must submit a fresh application for each academic year.
Who Should Apply for the DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026?
This bursary is intended for South African students who are pursuing full-time studies in heritage-related disciplines and who are not receiving any other form of bursary funding.
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
South African citizenship
40 years old or younger
Registered or provisionally accepted for full-time study in 2026
Enrolled at a DHET-accredited public institution
Minimum academic average of 65%
Studying in an approved heritage-related field
Not funded by another bursary or donor
Not employed full time
If employed, annual gross income must not exceed R130,000
Certified proof of income must be submitted
Students who were funded by DSAC in the previous academic year are required to submit a new application.
Approved Fields of Study
Only qualifications that fall within the official heritage focus areas will be considered. Applications outside these fields are automatically disqualified.
Approved disciplines include:
Physical and Biological Anthropology
Archaeology, including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
Geography and Geomatic Sciences, with 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
History
Digitisation of Heritage Resources
Digital Archaeology
Heritage Conservation and Preservation
International Studies related to heritage
Applicants are strongly advised to confirm that their qualification aligns exactly with these areas before applying.
What the DSAC Heritage Bursary Covers
The DSAC Heritage Bursary provides funding of up to R110,000 per student, paid directly to the institution. The bursary may cover the following costs:
Full tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks
A laptop or electronic device, capped at R10,000
Accommodation, up to R50,000 where applicable
Meals, up to R18,500 where applicable
Transport allowance, up to R10,000 where applicable
Funding allocations depend on individual need and institutional costs.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must upload clear, certified copies of the following documents. Certification must not be older than three months.
South African ID
Proof of registration or provisional acceptance for 2026 on official institutional letterhead
Matric certificate
Latest academic transcript or progress report
Certified proof of household income for parents or guardians
Latest payslip, if applicable
Affidavit confirming the authenticity of income information
Proof of disability, where applicable
Screenshots, unofficial documents, or incomplete submissions are not accepted and will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026
All applications must be submitted online through the official DSAC bursary platform. Applications submitted by email, hand delivery, or after the deadline are not accepted under any circumstances.
Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and that the selected qualification matches the approved heritage fields before submitting.
Selection Process and What to Expect
The selection process is highly competitive, with only 45 to 50 bursaries awarded nationally each year. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.
Applicants who do not receive feedback by the end of the official notification period should consider their application unsuccessful.
Contact Details for Enquiries
For official bursary enquiries, applicants may contact:
Ms Reinette Stander
Email: reinettes@dsac.gov.za
Mr Maano Muhadi
Telephone: 012 441 3622
Email: maanom@dsac.gov.za
Applicants are encouraged to use only official DSAC contact details and remain cautious of bursary scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I already receive another bursary?
No. The DSAC Heritage Bursary cannot be combined with any other bursary or donor funding.
Does DSAC fund private colleges or institutions?
No. Only public institutions accredited by DHET qualify.
Are international heritage studies supported?
Yes, provided the qualification is clearly heritage-related and aligns with DSAC priorities.
Can employed students apply?
Yes, but only if annual gross income does not exceed R130,000 and proof of income is submitted.
Conclusion
The DSAC Heritage Bursaries 2026 offer a rare and valuable opportunity for South African students who are passionate about preserving the country’s cultural and historical legacy. With comprehensive financial support and a clear focus on scarce heritage skills, this bursary can make a lasting difference in both academic and professional journeys.
Because the programme is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents carefully, ensure full compliance with the requirements, and submit a complete application well before the deadline. For students committed to heritage, conservation, and history, this bursary represents a meaningful investment in both education and national development.
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