DSAC Heritage Studies Bursaries 2026: Full Details & How to Apply
Introduction
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursaries 2026 present a valuable opportunity for South African students who wish to pursue heritage-related studies at recognised tertiary institutions. This bursary programme supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students who are passionate about preserving, researching, and promoting South Africa’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
If you are planning to study in a heritage-focused field in 2026 and require financial assistance, this bursary could be the key to achieving your academic and career goals.
Why the DSAC Heritage Bursary Matters
South Africa’s heritage sector plays a crucial role in nation-building, cultural preservation, and education. Through this bursary, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture aims to:
- Develop scarce and critical skills in heritage-related disciplines
- Support transformation and access to higher education
- Strengthen museums, archives, heritage sites, and cultural institutions
- Preserve Indigenous Knowledge Systems and historical resources
Graduates supported by DSAC often contribute to museums, archives, research institutions, universities, and heritage councils.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be considered for the DSAC Bursaries 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen
- Age: Not older than 40 years
- Academic Performance: Minimum average of 65%
- Field of Study: Must be heritage-related (see list below)
- Employment Status: Not employed full-time, or earning less than R130 000 per annum (if employed, proof of income is required)
- Study Mode: Must be registered as a full-time student
- Funding: Applicants who already receive other bursaries or donor funding are not eligible
Bursary Value and What It Covers
The maximum value of the DSAC Heritage Bursary is R110 000 per student. The bursary covers the following:
- Tuition Fees: Full cost covered
- Prescribed Books: Full cost covered
- Electronic Device: Up to R10 000
- Accommodation: Up to R50 000 (where applicable)
- Meals: Up to R18 500 (where applicable)
- Transport: Up to R10 000 (where applicable)
Note: All funds are paid directly to the higher education institution.
Approved Heritage-Related Fields of Study
Only students registered in the fields listed below will be considered:
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Archaeology (including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage)
- Geography and Geomatic Sciences (Postgraduate specialisation in Cartography and GIS preferred)
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment (Postgraduate specialisation in Conservation)
- Heritage and Museum Studies (Management, Curatorship, Preservation)
- Palaeontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
- History
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
- International Studies
- Digital Archaeology
- Heritage Conservation and Preservation
Important: Applications will be rejected if the qualification does not fall within the listed fields.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit all of the following documents. Certified copies must not be older than three (3) months:
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID
- Letter of provisional acceptance or proof of registration (on official institution letterhead, signed)
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified latest academic results or progress report (for postgraduate students)
- Certified proof of parent’s or guardian’s household income
- Certified latest payslip (if applicable)
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Affidavit confirming the authenticity of income documents
Before You Apply: Important Questions
Ensure that you can answer YES to the following:
- Have you been provisionally accepted or admitted for the 2026 academic year?
- Does your qualification fall within the DSAC-approved heritage fields?
How to Apply for the DSAC Bursary 2026
Applications close on 31 January 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants must follow the official application process as outlined by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture:
Visit the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Official Website
Common Challenges Applicants Face
- Submitting incomplete or uncertified documents
- Applying with a non-approved field of study
- Missing the application deadline
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early and double-check all documents
- Ensure your acceptance letter is official and signed
- Confirm that your qualification is heritage-related
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Useful Resources
- South African Government Official Website
- Department of Higher Education and Training
- Latest Bursaries and Scholarships in South Africa
- Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Bursary Alerts
Conclusion
The DSAC Bursaries 2026 for Heritage-Related Studies offer crucial financial support to students dedicated to protecting and advancing South Africa’s cultural legacy. If you meet the requirements and are studying in an approved heritage field, this bursary could fully fund your academic journey.
For more verified bursaries, scholarships, and funding opportunities in South Africa, regularly visit Wikihii.com and stay updated.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursaries
