Department of Sports Arts and Culture

Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursaries for Heritage Related Studies: 2027

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture invites applications for bursaries from institutions accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training for students who wish to pursue studies in heritage related programmes.

Eligibility: 

• South African citizenship;
• Not older than forty (40) years;
• Outstanding / satisfactory academic performance
• Field of study (heritage related)
• Not employed full time by government, state agencies or private sector with a salary of more than R 130 000.
• Students who are beneficiaries of other bursaries will not be considered.

Fields of study

• Anthropology and preferably Postgraduate specialising in Forensics
• Archaeology and preferably Postgraduate specialising in Bioarchaeology
• Archives and Records management
• Library and Information Sciences
• Conservation of the built environment including preventive conservation (this includes only a field of study and not a course/subject of study), Postgrads specialising in Conservation).
• Heritage and Museum Studies
• Palaeontology
• IKS or Courses that contribute to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and S.A. Living Heritage
• History
• Digitalisation of heritage resources

Value of the bursary

• The maximum value of the bursary is R110 000 per student. A breakdown of the value of the bursary can be found on the website.

Documents to attach.

Any certified copy may not be older than 3 months

• Certified copy of valid South African identity document
• Letter of Provisional Acceptance of proof of registration
• Certified copy of senior national certificate (Matric)or a certified copy of the latest academic results or progress report for those already doing their postgraduate studies.

Before you apply for the Heritage bursary, please reflect on the following questions:

• Have you been provisionally or admitted to study in the academic year 2027?
• Does your registered qualification fall under the field’s studies mentioned above?

NB: Application will not be accepted if the study field is not within those mentioned above. The Department will only award 45 to 50 applicants. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the applicant will be awarded the bursary, as the budget is limited.

 Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture bursary, all prospective students who wish to apply for this bursary are advised to scan all the required documents for uploading upon applying.

Enquiries: Ms Reinette Stander – 012 441 3711/ reinettes@dsac.gov.za or

                Mr Maano Muhadi- 012 441 3622/ maanom@dsac.gov.za

The opening and closing date of the application you be confirmed in October 2026.