Department of Tourism Bursary 2026 Eligibility & How To Apply

The Department of Tourism bursary offers support to students in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies and is only open once a year. 

If you meet the criteria, gathering all required documents ahead of time will ensure you can apply before the deadline because late or incomplete applications are usually not accepted.

About the Organisation

The Department of Tourism in South Africa is responsible for developing the tourism sector, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating jobs. 

Its bursary program forms part of its strategy to build skilled capacity in fields that support tourism, innovation, policy, and sector development.

Fields of Study Funded

Based on recent calls, bursaries have been offered for studies in many of the following fields:

1. Digital Technologies
2. Development Studies
3. Economics
4. International Relations
5. Migration Studies
6. Policy Development
7. Risk Management / Ethics / Integrity / Business Continuity Management
8. Graphic Design
9. Social Sciences
10. Tourism Development / Tourism Management / Tourism Marketing

Benefits for Recipients

• The bursary covers “the remainder of the study period,” and is renewable annually based on academic performance.
• Recipients usually must enter into a contractual obligation with the Department.

Eligibility Criteria

You must satisfy all or most of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Have completed Matric (Grade 12).
3. Be studying (or intend to study) full-time at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa for an eligible field.
4. Not currently employed by the Department of Tourism.

How to Apply

1. Get the Department of Tourism bursary application form (usually downloadable from the Tourism website or from the department’s office)
2. Complete the form and attach certified copies of the required documents.
3. Submit via one of these methods:
   • Hand-deliver at Tourism House, 17 Trevena Street, Sunnyside
   • Post to Private Bag X424, Pretoria, 0001
   • Some calls allow email submission to addresses such as [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]

Required Documents

Likely required (based on past calls):

1. Certified copy of your South African ID document
2. Certified Matric certificate (or latest results if still in Matric)
3. Most recent academic record/transcripts
4. Proof of registration if already at a tertiary institution
5. Proof of household income (payslips if parents/guardians employed; affidavit if not; possibly proof of SASSA grant or pension)
6. Motivational letter outlining why you want the bursary and your goals
7. Research proposal if applying for honours or postgraduate level

Closing Date

The external bursaries for 2025 have been awarded, and all students are encouraged to apply for the 2026 academic year during October/November 2025.​

Contact Details

• Physical Address: Department of Tourism, Tourism House, 17 Trevena Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria
• Postal Address: Private Bag X424, Pretoria, 0001
• Call Centre: +27 (0) 12 444 6730/​ 6621
• Call Centre E-mail: [email protected]
• Switch Board Number: +27 (0) 12 444 6000