Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary

Fields of study

• Archaeology (Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Archaeology)
• Archives and Records management
• Library and Information Sciences
• Conservation of the built environment including preventive conservation (Postgrads specialising in Conservation)
• Digitisation of heritage resources
• Geography and Geomatic sciences and 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 will also fund International Studies in the following fields

• Digital Archaeology
• Heritage Conservation and Preservation
• Maritime Archaeology and Underwater cultural heritage

Who can apply

• Be a South Africa citizen
• Be 40 years old or younger
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• Be studying or intend on studying towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate qualification, in one of the heritage related programmes listed above
• Be studying or have been accepted/ provisional accepted to study at an institution that is accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training
• Have a strong academic record
• Not be currently full-time employed within the private sector, government or state agencies with a salary of more than R130 000
• Not be receiving any other bursary funding

What the bursary covers

• Successful applicants will be required to sign a contract with the Department

Value mentioned: R110 000, R10 000, R50 000

Documents you will need

• 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)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   DSAC Bursary Application 2026

   Applications must be submitted online at: DSAC Bursary Application 2026

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around January. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

About Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) supports sport, arts, culture and heritage in South Africa.