The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Heritage Bursary vacancies. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.
Why This Bursary Might Be the Perfect Fit for You
If you love learning about South Africa’s past, enjoy museums, and want to help protect historic places, this scholarship could turn your passion into a real career. The DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026 is a full‑cost award that pays for almost everything you need while you study—tuition, books, a computer, room, food, and even travel to campus.
Only 45–50 students get this award, so act fast and send in a complete application before the deadline.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | South African citizens, full‑time students under 40 years old |
| Supported fields | Heritage, archaeology, museum studies, archives, GIS, indigenous knowledge, and more |
| Maximum funding | R110 000 per student |
| What it covers | • Tuition and books • Laptop/Tablet (up to R10 000) • Living costs (up to R50 000) • Meals (up to R18 500) • Transport (up to R10 000) |
| Deadline | 31 January 2026 |
| Schools | Any institution accredited by DHET |
| Who can’t apply? | Students with another bursary, full‑time workers earning over R130 000 a year |
| Contact | reinettes@dsac.gov.za / maanom@dsac.gov.za |
About the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
DSAC’s job is to keep South Africa’s culture alive. It helps run museums, protects historic sites, supports indigenous traditions, and trains the next generation of archivists and heritage experts. This bursary is one of the best ways to join that important work.
What the Bursary Covers
The DSAC Heritage Bursary is a full‑cost grant:
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Your total fees are paid straight to your university or TVET |
| Textbooks | All required books are covered |
| Computer | Up to R10 000 for a laptop or tablet |
| Living costs | Up to R50 000 depending on your needs |
| Meals | Up to R18 500 to help pay for food |
| Transport | Up to R10 000 if you need it |
Because most students have trouble finding enough money, this bursary can be a game changer.
Eligible Study Areas
You must be studying in one of these heritage‑related subjects:
- Heritage & Cultural Sciences – Museum studies, curatorship, preservation, preventive conservation (postgraduate)
- Anthropology & Archaeology – Physical anthropology, archaeology (including marine and underwater), digital archaeology
- Geography & Earth Sciences – Geography, geomatics, cartography, GIS, palaeontology
- Information, Records & Archival Sciences – Library science, archives, digitisation
- Indigenous Knowledge & Social Sciences – Indigenous knowledge systems, history, international studies
If your program isn’t on this list, your application will be rejected.
Eligibility Checklist
To qualify, you must meet every requirement:
- South African citizen
- Under 40 years old
- Full‑time student
- Minimum 65 % average
- Studying a DSAC‑approved program
- Not receiving another bursary
- Not a full‑time employee earning > R130 000 per year
- Studying at a DHET‑accredited institution
- Provide a copy of your ID, university acceptance, matric certificate, transcripts, and proof of income (for you or your parents)
If you work part‑time, show a certified payslip. All documents must be certified and dated within the last three months.
How to Know if You Should Apply
Answer “yes” to these questions:
- Have you been provisionally accepted into a DSAC‑approved program for 2026?
- Is your field of study on the approved list?
- Do you have at least a 65 % average?
- Are you not funded by another bursary?
If you answered “yes” to all, you’re a strong candidate.
How to Apply
- Go to the DSAC bursary portal (link below) – you must apply online only.
- Fill out the form and upload the required certified documents.
- Double‑check everything before submitting; incomplete or uncertified paperwork will automatically disqualify you.
Apply here: https://dsacevents.dsac.gov.za/dsacHer_Burs_Herit/front_page.php
You will hear back by 31 March 2026. If you don’t, your application was not successful.
Check the Youth Tools Hub
Before you finish your application, explore the Youth Tools Hub for extra help and resources. It can give you useful tips on writing your motivation letter and preparing your documents.
Career Paths After Graduation
With a DSAC‑funded degree, you can work in many exciting and needed roles:
- Museum Curator or Collections Manager – Take care of artifacts and design exhibitions.
- Archivist or Records Manager – Protect national documents and digital records.
- Archaeologist or Heritage Researcher – Explore ancient sites and safeguard them.
- GIS or Cartography Specialist – Map landscapes and analyse geographic data.
- Indigenous Knowledge Specialist – Promote and preserve African knowledge traditions.
- International Heritage Specialist – Work with global bodies like UNESCO.
Digital skills in GIS, digitisation, and digital archaeology are especially valuable right now.
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Apply early – before mid‑January.
- Use only certified documents from the last three months.
- Write a clear, passionate motivation letter.
- Keep your average at least 65 %.
- Choose a program that matches DSAC’s priorities.
Only 45–50 students will win, so a solid application gives you a real edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bursary the same as NSFAS?
No. DSAC is separate and focuses on heritage studies.Can postgraduate students apply?
Yes, especially those in conservation, GIS, cartography, or underwater archaeology.What if I am 40 years old?
The cut‑off is not older than 40, so you cannot apply.Will DSAC pay the money directly to me?
No. Fees and allowances go straight to your institution.Can I study part‑time?
No, only full‑time students are eligible.What if I already have another bursary?
You will be disqualified.Can I apply without university acceptance?
No, you must submit a provisional acceptance or registration proof.How much is the laptop allowance?
Up to R10 000.What if I don’t receive feedback?
If you hear nothing by 31 March 2026, your application was not successful.Does DSAC fund overseas studies?
No, only South African public institutions accredited by DHET.
Closing date for applications: 31 January 2026.
Always verify the latest details on the official DSAC bursary portal before applying.
