Imagine a fully funded, multi-year scholarship that not only lifts the weight of tuition from your shoulders but also connects you to the very sectors driving South Africa’s economic growth. The Department of Tourism External Bursary 2026 offers just that, but only if you apply before the deadline on 13 March 2026.
What Is the Bursary?
The South‑African government, through the Department of Tourism, is funding students who study in high‑demand, strategic fields. These bursaries cover the remainder of your approved study period and are renewed each year as long as you maintain satisfactory grades.
- Financial support for needy students.
- Training for scarce, critical skills.
- Strengthening governance, infrastructure and digital transformation.
- Creating a talent pipeline for public‑sector roles.
Who Should Apply?
Check whether you fit the criteria:
- South African citizen.
- Studying in one of the listed disciplines.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Strong academic commitment.
- Intent to contribute to national development.
These bursaries are especially valuable for students in:
- Public sector digital transformation.
- Data analytics and governance.
- Infrastructure and property management.
- Risk and compliance.
- Organisational development in government.
Fields covered include:
- Construction Management
- Digital Transformation
- Business Analytics
- Graphic Design / Communications Science / Communication Design / Strategic Communication
- Computer Science / Information Technology / Software Development
- Law
- Data Sciences / Data Analytics
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Facility Management / Property Management and Development
- Forensic Auditing / Internal Auditing / Information Systems Auditing
- Humanities (Social Sciences)
- Information and Knowledge Management
- Industrial / Organisational Psychology
- Management Services / Operations Management / Work Study / Organisational Development
- Risk Management
- Statistics
These areas support governance, compliance, digitalisation, auditing, infrastructure management and sector transformation.
What You’ll Gain
- Government‑backed tuition and living costs.
- Multi‑year funding, renewed each year if you pass your modules.
- Direct alignment with national priorities – a strong selling point on your CV.
- Reduced financial stress so you can focus on learning and networking.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step
- Download the application form from the official site: Download Form.
- Fill out every field carefully and honestly.
- Gather the required documents:
- Certified copies of academic certificates.
- Academic transcripts.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Proof of registration at a recognised institution.
- Proof of your parent’s/guardian’s income.
- Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary.
- Make sure each document is clear, properly certified and that all pages are included.
- Choose your submission method:
- Hand delivery: Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, 0002.
- Post: Tourism House, Private Bag X 424, Pretoria, 0001.
- Email: Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za (attach the documents as one PDF or a clear folder).
- Send your application before the closing date: 13 March 2026.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Many applicants struggle with incomplete documents; double‑check before you submit.
- From experience, most successful candidates present a clear, concise motivational letter that links their study to tourism development.
- Proof of financial need is crucial – include all necessary income statements.
- Keep a copy of your application and all submissions for your records.
- Follow up politely if you haven’t heard back after a few weeks, but remember that the Department will only contact successful candidates.
Next Steps and Final Thoughts
If you’re in a strategic field that supports tourism, governance, or digital transformation, this bursary offers a real chance to relieve your financial burden and build a career that matters. Remember the deadline – 13 March 2026 – and apply with all the required documents in order. Good luck, and may this opportunity help you step into the future you envision.
