DSAC Heritage Bursary for 2026
DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026: Apply for R110,000 Funding for Heritage & Arts Studies
Are you a South African student passionate about preserving the nation’s history, culture, and heritage? The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has officially opened applications for its prestigious 2026 Bursary Programme.
DSAC HERITAGE BURSARY ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility and Requirements
To be considered for the DSAC Heritage Bursary, applicants must meet strict criteria. The bursary is targeting unemployed or low-income students with a strong academic track record.
Core Requirements:
- Â You must be a South African citizen.
- You must not be older than 40 years.
- You must demonstrate outstanding or satisfactory results with a minimum Academic Threshold of 65%.
- You must be a full-time student at an institution accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
- You must not be employed full-time by the government, state agencies, or the private sector.
- Exception: If employed, your annual gross salary must not exceed R130,000. Certified proof of income is required.
- Students who are already beneficiaries of other bursaries or donors do not qualify.
Note: Students who were awarded this bursary in 2025 must re-apply to be considered for 2026 funding.
Field of Study
This bursary specifically funds Heritage-related programmes. Your application will be immediately rejected if your qualification does not fall within the specific fields listed below:
General Heritage Fields:
- Physical and Biological Anthropology.
- Archaeology (Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage).
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences (Preferably Postgraduates specialising in Cartography and GIS).
- Archives and Records Management.
- Library and Information Sciences.
- Conservation of the Built Environment (including preventive conservation).
- Heritage and Museum Studies (Management, Curatorship, and Preservation).
- Palaeontology.
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
- History.
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources.
International Studies Focus:
- Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage.
- Digital Archaeology.
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation.
Stipend Amount and Value
The DSAC Bursary offers a substantial financial package with a maximum value of R110,000 per student. The funds are paid directly to the higher institution of learning, not to the student’s personal account.
Breakdown of Benefits:
- Study Fees:Â 100% covered (Subject to the cap).
- Prescribed Books:Â 100% covered.
- Accommodation: Maximum of R50,000 (Where applicable).
- Meals: Maximum of R18,500 (Where applicable).
- Transportation: Maximum of R10,000 (Where applicable).
- Electronic Devices: Allowance not exceeding R10,000.
DSAC HERITAGE BURSARY APPLICATION PROCEDURE
How to Apply (Application Procedure)
Applications for the 2026 academic year must be submitted via the Online Platform. No late applications or manual submissions will be considered.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready (Certified copies must not be older than 3 months):
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID.
- Letter of Provisional Acceptance or Proof of Registration (Must be on the institution’s letterhead and signed—No screenshots allowed).
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate.
- Certified copy of the latest academic results (or progress report for postgraduates).
- Certified proof of household income (Parents/Guardians).
- Certified latest payslip (not older than 3 months).
- Affidavit confirming that the salary advice/slips provided are authentic.
- Proof of disability (if applicable).
Step 2: Submit Online
Visit the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture official website or their dedicated bursary portal to upload your application.
Application Deadline
Time is of the essence. Ensure your application is submitted before the portal closes.
- Closing Date:Â 31 January 2026
Important Note: If you have not received a reply by 31 March 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.
