DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026 – Your Path to a Career in South Africa’s Culture and History
If you love South Africa’s history, think museums and ancient artefacts are cool, or you’re curious about how old records are kept and protected, this bursary can turn that passion into a real job. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is looking for full‑time students who want to study things like archaeology, museum work, archives, and indigenous knowledge. When you win, DSAC pays all of your costs so you can focus on learning, not on money.
What the Bursary Gives You
- Full tuition – DSAC pays the fees straight to the university or TVET college.
- Books – Every textbook needed for your course is covered.
- Tech – A laptop or tablet for up to R10 000.
- Living expenses – Up to R50 000 for rent, R18 500 for meals, and R10 000 for transport.
- Total value – Up to R110 000 per student.
This is a big help if you can’t get money from NSFAS or other sponsors.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens under 40 years old.
- Full‑time students with a provisional acceptance or registration for 2026.
- Students in a DSAC‑approved field (see list below).
- Minimum average of 65 % in previous studies.
- Not receiving another bursary.
- Not earning more than R130 000 a year from full‑time work.
- Studying at a DHET‑accredited public institution.
You can apply if you’re a graduate student too – especially in conservation, GIS, or underwater archaeology.
DSAC‑Approved Study Areas
- Heritage & Cultural Sciences – Museum studies, curatorship, preservation, preventive conservation.
- Anthropology & Archaeology – Physical and biological anthropology, archaeology, digital and maritime archaeology.
- Geography & Earth Sciences – Geography, geomatics, cartography, GIS, palaeontology.
- Information & Archives – Library science, records management, digitising heritage.
- Indigenous Knowledge & Social Sciences – Indigenous knowledge systems, history, international studies.
If your field isn’t on this list, you can’t use the bursary.
How to Know If You Should Apply
- Have you been tentatively accepted into a heritage‑related program for 2026?
- Is your study field on DSAC’s approved list?
- Do you have at least a 65 % average?
- Are you not already funded by another scholarship?
If the answer to all four is “yes,” you’re a good candidate.
What You Need to Submit
All documents must be certified and no older than 3 months.
| Document | What it shows |
|---|---|
| South African ID | Identity |
| Proof of provisional acceptance or registration | You’re a student |
| Matric certificate | Your high‑school results |
| Academic transcript or progress report | Your grades |
| Parents’ or guardian’s income statement | Family finances |
| Latest payslip (if you or your parent works) | Income evidence |
| Proof of disability (if applicable) | Special needs |
| Affidavit for salary slips | Confirmation of pay |
Missing or unverified papers will automatically knock you out.
How to Apply
All applications must be finished online. There is no paper or email route.
Apply for the DSAC Bursary Program 2026 here – click the link before the deadline.
You will hear back by 31 March 2026. If not, it means you were not selected.
Why This Bursary Matters
Working in heritage is special. After you finish, you could become:
- Museum curator or collection manager – Curate exhibits and protect artefacts.
- Archivist or records manager – Handle national documents and digital records.
- Archaeologist or heritage researcher – Explore and safeguard old sites.
- GIS or cartography specialist – Map cultural landscapes and manage spatial data.
- Indigenous knowledge specialist – Keep African knowledge alive and respected.
- International heritage professional – Join global bodies like UNESCO.
Digital skills are a big plus: digitisation, GIS, and digital archaeology open more job doors.
Quick Facts
- Apply by: 31 January 2026
- Maximum bursaries: 45–50 students nationwide
- Funding amount: Up to R110 000
- Contact emails: reinettes@dsac.gov.za / maanom@dsac.gov.za
If you’re still unsure, check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub – it has tips to strengthen your application.
Final Thought
A career in heritage can be a real adventure. You’ll learn how our past shapes the future and get a chance to protect stories, artefacts, and landscapes. The DSAC bursary is a golden ticket, but it’s competitive. Finish your paperwork early, keep your grades high, and show your enthusiasm in your motivation letter. Good luck – the next generation of heritage protectors could be you!
