DSAC Heritage Bursary 2026 – A Chance for South African Students
If you’re a South African student who loves history, archaeology, museums, or any other part of heritage, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is giving you a chance to study for free. They’re running a special bursary for 2026 that covers most of the costs for anyone doing a full‑time heritage‑related degree. In this post we break down what the bursary is, who can apply, what it covers, and how to get it.
What is the DSAC Heritage Bursary?
A bursary is a financial help package that can pay for your tuition, books, and some living costs. The DSAC Heritage Bursary is aimed at students who are studying subjects like archaeology, history, conservation, or digital heritage. The money comes directly to the university or college so you don’t have to worry about paying first and getting a refund later.
Who Can Apply?
You need to meet a few simple conditions:
- South African citizen – The ID must show you’re from South Africa.
- Age limit – You must be 40 or younger in 2026.
- Good grades – Your overall average has to be at least 65 %.
- Full‑time student in 2026 – Part‑time or distance learning isn’t accepted.
- In a heritage field – See the list of approved subjects below.
- Not a full‑time employee – If you work part‑time or on a contract, you can only earn up to R130 000 a year. You’ll need to show a certified proof of income.
- No other bursary – You can’t be receiving a different scholarship or donor funding at the same time.
- All documents recent – Anything you submit must be certified and dated within the last three months.
If you were funded by DSAC in 2025, you must re‑submit your application for 2026.
What Does the Bursary Pay?
The total package can be as high as R110 000 per student. The money is divided into different parts:
- Tuition fees – 100 % of your course costs.
- Books – The full price of all required textbooks.
- Tech – Up to R10 000 for a laptop or tablet.
- Living costs (if you stay in campus or a dorm) –
- Accommodation: up to R50 000.
- Meals: up to R18 500.
- Transport: up to R10 000.
All these payments go straight to the university, not to you.
Which Subjects Are Covered?
You must be enrolled in a programme that DSAC has approved. The list is split into local and international options.
Local (South Africa)
- Physical & Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology (including Maritime and Underwater Heritage)
- Geography & Geomatic Sciences (GIS, Cartography)
- Archives & Records Management
- Library and Information Science
- Conservation of the Built Environment
- Heritage & Museum Studies (Management, Curatorship, Preservation)
- Paleontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
- History
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
International Focus
- Maritime Archaeology & Underwater Heritage
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation & Preservation
If your degree isn’t on this list, your application will not be considered.
What Do You Need to Submit?
All documents must be certified copies that are no older than three months. The most common ones are:
- South African ID (certified)
- Proof you’re registered or provisionally accepted for a 2026 course (no screenshots)
- Certified matric certificate
- Latest grade report or postgraduate progress report
- Proof of household income for parents or guardians (certified)
- Latest payslip if you’re working (certified)
- Proof of disability if you have one
- Affidavit that confirms the truth of your salary slips or income documents
Having these ready will speed up the review process.
Steps to Apply
- Check your eligibility – Make sure you’re in a supported field and meet all the requirements.
- Gather your documents – Get them certified and dated.
- Go online – The application can only be done through DSAC’s web portal.
- Submit before the deadline – 31 January 2026 is the last day for applications.
- Wait for the result – You will hear back by 31 March 2026. If you don’t receive any news, your application is not successful.
Apply Online – You can start the process by visiting the DSAC bursary page: Apply Online.
Only online applications are accepted – paper or mail will not work.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the bursary or need help filling out the paperwork, you can contact:
- Ms Reinette Stander – Email: reinettes@dsac.gov.za
- Mr Maano Muhadi – Phone: 012 441 3622 or email: maanom@dsac.gov.za
Quick Timeline
- Application closing: 31 January 2026
- Decision announced: by 31 March 2026
- No decision by that date: your application is considered unsuccessful
Final Thoughts
This bursary can make a huge difference if you want to study something that preserves and tells the story of South Africa’s past. It covers almost all of the money you’d normally spend on tuition, books, and living expenses. The only real requirement is that you keep your grades up and that you’re in a field DSAC has approved.
If you’re ready to step into a career where you can dig into history, protect cultural sites, or digitise old records, this could be the scholarship that helps you get there. Don’t wait – the application window closes on 31 January. Make sure you’re on the list of eligible fields, gather the right documents, and hit that “Apply Online” link. Good luck!