Looking to study in a heritage-related field? The DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies 2026 offers funding up to R110 000. Check eligibility, required documents, and how to apply.
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DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies Including International Studies: Applications for 2026 Now Open
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has officially opened applications for the DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies for the 2026 academic year. This bursary remains one of South Africa’s most impactful government-funded opportunities for students who wish to build careers in heritage, culture, preservation, and internationally aligned heritage disciplines.
If you are passionate about the preservation of South Africa’s rich history, cultural identity, and archaeological heritage—or if you wish to explore related international fields—this bursary provides essential financial support to help you take the next step in your academic journey.
DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies Closing date for applications: 31 January 2026.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
About the DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies
The bursary programme is aimed at supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in heritage-focused qualifications at institutions accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training. It covers a wide range of academic fields, from archaeology and palaeontology to archives management, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, conservation studies, GIS, and more.
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to develop the next generation of professionals who will preserve South Africa’s cultural heritage and contribute to global heritage research.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must not be older than 40 years.
- Must have an academic average of at least 65%.
- Your chosen programme must be heritage related.
- Applicants must be full-time students.
- You must not be employed full time in government, private sector, or state agencies.
- If employed part-time or earning an income, your annual gross salary may not exceed R130 000, and certified proof of income must be attached.
- Students funded by other bursaries or donors will not qualify.
- Students who received this bursary in 2025 must reapply for 2026.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection, as the department can only award 45 to 50 applicants each year.
Fields of Study Supported
The DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies supports a wide range of heritage-focused and internationally relevant programs, including:
Local and International Heritage Studies
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology (including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Archaeology)
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences
- Postgraduate Cartography and GIS
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment
- Preventive Conservation (Postgraduate level)
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- Curatorship and Preservation
- Palaeontology
- History
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
International Studies
- Maritime Archaeology
- Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
If your programme does not fall within these categories, your application will not be considered.
Value of the Bursary
The DSAC bursary provides comprehensive financial support valued at up to R110 000 per student. Funding includes:
- Tuition fees: Full coverage based on institution invoice
- Prescribed books: Full coverage
- Electronic devices: 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)
All funds are paid directly to higher education institutions.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload certified documents not older than three months:
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID
- Letter of provisional acceptance or proof of registration (no screenshots)
- Certified copy of matric certificate
- Certified latest academic transcript or progress report
- Certified proof of household income
- Certified latest payslip (if employed)
- Proof of disability, if applicable
- Affidavit confirming authenticity of income documents
Missing or incorrect documents will lead to automatic disqualification.
Before Applying: Important Questions
Before submitting your application, ensure that:
- You are provisionally accepted or registered for the 2026 academic year.
- Your qualification appears on the official list of supported fields of study.
Applications falling outside these areas will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only through the official DSAC bursary portal.
submit applications: https://www.dsac.gov.za/DSACBursariesforHeritageRelatedStudies2026
For enquiries:
- Ms Reinette Stander: reinettes@dsac.gov.za
- Mr Maano Muhadi: 012 441 3622 | maanom@dsac.gov.za
No late applications will be accepted.
Applicants who do not receive feedback by 31 March 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.
Why the DSAC Bursary Matters
Heritage preservation plays a crucial role in shaping national identity, protecting cultural resources, and fostering international collaboration. The DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies ensures that South Africa continues to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to research, conservation, and cultural preservation both locally and globally.
Whether you are planning to specialize in archaeology, archives management, museum studies, or Indigenous Knowledge Systems, this bursary can significantly reduce financial barriers and open doors to academic and professional opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The DSAC Bursary for Heritage Related Studies offers a rare opportunity for dedicated heritage students to receive financial support while contributing to the protection of South Africa’s cultural wealth. If your passion lies in understanding the past, preserving cultural resources, or advancing heritage sciences, this is your chance to pursue those dreams.
Submit your application before 31 January 2026 and take your first step toward shaping the future of heritage preservation.
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mecseta.org Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While mecseta.org strives to ensure that content is accurate and up-to-date, we do not represent or guarantee that all information is error-free or officially endorsed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Applicants must always verify details directly with DSAC before submitting their applications. Mecseta.org is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided on this website.
Mpho Nkuna is the administrator of MecSETA, a digital platform dedicated to connecting South African youth with funded learnerships, internships, bursaries, and career development opportunities. Passionate about education and skills development
