Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary South Africa 2026
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary Programme is one of the leading South Africa Bursaries for 2026, supporting students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in heritage-related fields. This funding opportunity aims to help preserve and promote South Africa’s cultural and historical heritage.
DSAC Bursary 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bursary Provider | Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) |
| Academic Year | 2026 |
| Study Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| Contract | Successful applicants must sign a contract with the Department. |
| Outcome Notification | Applicants will be contacted by no later than 31 March 2026. |
| Closing Date | 31 January 2026 |
1. Fields of Study Covered (Heritage-Related Programmes)
The DSAC Bursary covers the following heritage-related study fields:
- Archaeology (including Maritime & Underwater Cultural Heritage Archaeology)
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment (including preventive conservation)
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences (preferably postgraduates specialising in Cartography & GIS)
- Heritage and Museum Studies (Management, Curatorship and Preservation)
- History
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
- Palaeontology
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
International Studies Funded
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
- Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage
2. Bursary Coverage (Maximum Value: R110,000)
The DSAC bursary offers a maximum of R110,000 per student, paid directly to the institution. It covers:
- Tuition fees: Full cover
- Prescribed books: Full cover
- Electronic devices: Up to R10,000 (3 receipts required)
- Accommodation: Up to R50,000
- Meals: Up to R18,500
- Transport: Up to R10,000
3. Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
- Age: 40 years or younger.
- Matric: Must be in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Studies:
- Must be studying or intending to study in a heritage-related field listed above.
- Must be accepted or provisionally accepted at a DHET-accredited institution.
- Academic Record: Strong academic performance required.
- Employment: Must NOT be full-time employed with income above R130,000 per annum.
- Other Funding: Must NOT be receiving any other bursary.
4. Application Process
Step 1: Apply Online
Applications must be completed online at: DSAC Bursary Application 2026
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit certified copies of the following:
- South African ID
- Matric results or certificate
- Most recent academic record (if studying)
- Proof of provisional acceptance/admission
- Postgraduates: Supervisor progress report
5. Contact Information
For queries, contact the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture:
This DSAC bursary is one of the most valuable and competitive South Africa Bursaries for 2026, especially for students passionate about heritage, culture, and preservation.
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary South Africa 2026
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary Programme is offered to support students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in fields related to heritage preservation and promotion in South Africa.
| Detail | Information |
| Bursary Provider | Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) |
| Academic Year | 2026 |
| Study Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| Contract | Successful applicants must sign a contract with the Department. |
| Outcome Notification | Successful candidates will be contacted by no later than 31 March 2026. |
| Closing Date | 31 January 2026 |
1. Fields of Study Covered (Heritage-Related Programmes)
Bursaries are awarded for studies in the following heritage-related fields:
Archaeology (including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Archaeology)
Archives and Records management
Library and Information Sciences
Conservation of the built environment (including preventive conservation)
Digitisation of heritage resources
Geography and Geomatic sciences (preferably Postgraduates specialising in Cartography and GIS)
Heritage and Museum studies (Management, Curatorship and Preservation)
History
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) or courses that contribute to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Palaeontology
Physical and Biological Anthropology
The bursary also funds International Studies in the following fields:
Digital Archaeology
Heritage Conservation and Preservation
Maritime Archaeology and Underwater cultural heritage
2. Bursary Coverage (Maximum Value: R110,000)
The maximum value of the bursary is R110,000 per student, paid directly to the higher institution of learning. It covers the following expenses:
Tuition fees (Full cover)
Prescribed books (Full cover)
Electronic devices (Maximum value of R10,000, students must provide 3 receipts/invoices)
Accommodation (Maximum value of R50,000, where applicable)
Meals (Maximum value of R18,500, where applicable)
Transport (Maximum value of R10,000, where applicable)
3. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all the following minimum criteria:
Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
Age: Must be 40 years old or younger.
Matric: Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
Study Status:
Must be studying or intend on studying towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate qualification in one of the heritage-related programmes listed above.
Must be studying or have been accepted/provisionally accepted to study at an institution that is accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Academic Record: Must have a strong academic record.
Employment Status: Must NOT be currently full-time employed within the private sector, government, or state agencies with a salary of more than R130,000 per annum.
Other Funding: Must NOT be receiving any other bursary funding.
4. Application Process
Step 1: Apply Online
Applications must be submitted online at: [DSAC Bursary Application 2026]
Step 2: Compile Supporting Documents
Submit clear, certified copies of the following compulsory documentation along with your completed application:
ID document (certified copy)
Matric latest results/certificate (certified copy)
Most recent academic record (if currently studying) – certified copy.
Proof of provisional acceptance/admission at university.
Postgraduate students: Progress report from supervisor, if writing a dissertation or thesis (on university letterhead).
5. Contact Information
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture directly:
Contact Page: [
https://www.dsac.gov.za/contactus 
