✅ Attention Job Seekers: Be sure to read through the entire post for important details! You'll find the application link or email provided at the end of the post.
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their 2026 Heritage Bursary Programme. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.
Why Apply for the Heritage Bursary?
If you’re a university student in South Africa studying something that protects or celebrates cultural heritage, this bursary could cover most of your costs for the next school year. The bursary is aimed at people who want to learn more about our shared history and keep our heritage sites and collections safe for future generations.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be 40 years old or younger.
- Must show good grades (average 65 % or higher).
- Must study a subject that is related to heritage (see the list below).
- May not already earn a salary of more than R130 000 a year from a government, state or private job. If you do work, you must prove it with a paid‑in‑full salary slip.
- Must be a full‑time student at an accredited university or college.
- Students who already receive another academic award or private grant cannot get this bursary.
What Does the Bursary Pay For? (Value)
| Expense | Maximum Amount (R) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (full year) | Covered by the bursary (up to R110 000) |
| Books and study materials | Covered |
| Tech tools (computers or tablets) | Up to R10 000 |
| Accommodation (when needed) | Up to R50 000 |
| Meals (when needed) | Up to R18 500 |
| Transportation (when needed) | Up to R10 000 |
In most cases – and where applicable – the money goes straight to the university account, so you don’t have to worry about transferring it yourself.
Subjects That Count as Heritage
The bursary is open to students in these fields (you must be studying exactly one of these titles):
- Physical & Biological Anthropology
- Maritime & Underwater Archaeology
- Geography & Geomatics (especially advanced GIS)
- Archives & Records Management
- Library & Information Science
- Conservation of Buildings (including preventive work)
- Museum Studies (management, curatorship, preservation)
- Palaeontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems or courses that support indigenous knowledge
- History
- Digitising heritage resources
If you want to study abroad, you can apply for a Maritime Archaeology/Underwater Heritage or Digital Archaeology program that meets the criteria above.
Proof You Need to Send
When you apply online, attach copies of these documents that are certified (either by a notary, school or a government office). All documents must be no more than three months old.
- Valid South African ID (front and back).
- Acceptance letter or proof of registration on official stationery, signed by the university’s registrar.
- Certified copy of your matric (or university certificate) and latest exam results or progress report.
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income (pay slips or tax returns).
- Latest payslip if you are employed (must be < 3 months old).
- Disability proof, if you need special support.
- Affidavit that confirms your parents’ income documents are legit.
Upload the scanned copies through the online portal – screenshots or photos that aren’t clear do not qualify.
Quick Checklist Before You Click “Apply”
- Are you officially admitted to study in the 2026 academic year?
- Does your major match one of the subjects listed above?
If the answer is “no” to either question, your application will be rejected.
Remember: you must re‑apply each year even if you were awarded the bursary in 2025.
Important Numbers
- Only 45–50 bursaries will be given out in 2026.
- Applications that arrive after 31 January 2026 will not be considered.
- If you haven’t heard back by 31 March 2026, your application is probably not successful.
How to Apply
Click the button below to go to the official application portal and start filling out the online form:
[Apply Online for the Heritage Bursary](https://dsacevents.dsac.gov.za/dsacHer_Burs_Herit/front_page.php)
If you have questions, contact:
- Ms Reinette Stander – reinettes@dsac.gov.za
- Mr Maano Muhadi – (012) 441‑3622 or maanom@dsac.gov.za
Make sure you read all the instructions and upload every required file. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Good luck, and thank you for helping preserve South Africa’s rich culture and heritage!