The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has opened applications for the DSAC Heritage Bursaries for the 2026 academic year. This bursary supports youth and postgraduate students who want to study heritage related fields at recognised South African institutions.
The programme focuses on protecting, researching, and promoting South Africa’s heritage. It supports students whose studies contribute to history, archaeology, museums, archives, indigenous knowledge, and related disciplines. If your academic path connects to heritage preservation or heritage research, this bursary is designed for you.
Who the DSAC Heritage Bursary Is For
This bursary targets committed students who want to build careers in heritage, culture, research, and preservation. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students may apply.
You should consider applying if:
- You are studying full time at an accredited institution
- Your qualification is heritage related
- You meet the academic and income requirements
- You are not funded by another bursary or donor
Students who received the DSAC heritage bursary in 2025 must apply again for 2026 funding.
Fields of Study Covered
Only qualifications listed by the department are considered. Applications outside these fields are rejected automatically.
Eligible fields include:
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology, including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences, with preference for Cartography and GIS at postgraduate level
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment, including Preventive Conservation
- Heritage and Museum Studies, including Management, Curatorship, and Preservation
- Palaeontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems and related preservation programmes
- History
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
- International Studies
- Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
Before applying, confirm your qualification matches one of these fields.
Bursary Value and What Is Covered
The maximum bursary value is R110 000 per student. Funds are paid directly to the institution.
The bursary covers:
- Full study fees
- Prescribed books
- Electronic device up to R10 000
- Accommodation up to R50 000, where applicable
- Meals up to R18 500, where applicable
- Transport up to R10 000, where applicable
Coverage depends on your study needs and institutional costs.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all requirements to be considered.
Basic eligibility includes:
- South African citizenship
- Age not exceeding 40 years
- Minimum academic average of 65 percent
- Full time student status
- Heritage related field of study
- Not employed full time, or earning no more than R130 000 per year
- No other bursary or donor funding
If employed, you must submit certified proof of income.
Required Supporting Documents
All documents must be clear and certified. Certified copies must not be older than three months.
Your application must include:
- Certified South African ID
- Provisional acceptance letter or proof of registration on official letterhead
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified latest academic results or progress report
- Certified proof of parent or guardian household income
- Certified latest payslip or income proof
- Affidavit confirming income documents are authentic
- Proof of disability, if applicable
Screenshots of registration letters are not accepted.
Important Application Notes
- The department awards bursaries to a limited number of students. Only 45 to 50 applicants are funded.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
- Applications submitted outside the online platform are rejected.
If your field of study does not match the approved list, your application is declined automatically.
How to apply
Use the button below to see the official application details.
Closing Date and Feedback
Closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.
If you do not receive feedback by 31 March 2026, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Details for Enquiries
For bursary enquiries, contact:
Ms Reinette Stander
Email: reinettes@dsac.gov.za
Mr Maano Muhadi
Phone: 012 441 3622
Email: maanom@dsac.gov.za
Only contact the department if your enquiry relates to an active application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply for the DSAC Heritage Bursary?
You should apply if you are a full time undergraduate or postgraduate student studying a heritage related qualification at an accredited South African institution and you meet the academic and income requirements.
Which fields of study are accepted?
Only heritage related qualifications listed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture are accepted. Applications for qualifications outside the approved list are rejected automatically.
Can employed students apply?
Yes, but only if you are not employed full time and your annual income does not exceed R130 000. Certified proof of income is required.
How much funding does the bursary provide?
The maximum value of the bursary is R110 000 per student. The actual amount depends on study fees and approved expenses.
What expenses are covered?
The bursary covers study fees, prescribed books, an electronic device within the approved limit, accommodation, meals, and transport where applicable. Payments are made directly to the institution.
How many students are funded each year?
The department funds a limited number of applicants. Only 45 to 50 students are awarded bursaries each year.
