Key facts
- Status
- Applications closed Closed 31 January 2026
- Provider
- DSAC Heritage
- Field of study
- Built Environment
- Study level
- Postgraduate, Undergraduate
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
The 2026 round closed on 31 January 2026.
VerifiedClosed · applications closed on 31 January 2026 Expect it on the department's website in November or December 2026 with a closing date at the end of January 2027 . Latest update ↓
The national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) funds students in heritage-related fields to build the archivists, archaeologists, conservators, museum professionals and historians the country’s heritage institutions need. The bursary is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students at any institution registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training, and it funds a small number of international specialisations.
About the DSAC Heritage Bursary
- Fields: archaeology (including maritime and underwater archaeology), archives and records management, library and information science, conservation of the built environment, digitisation of heritage resources, geography and geomatic sciences, heritage and museum studies, history, indigenous knowledge systems, palaeontology, and physical or biological anthropology.
- International study is funded in digital archaeology, heritage conservation and maritime archaeology.
- Value: up to R110 000 a year, covering tuition, prescribed books, an electronic device (up to R10 000), accommodation (up to R50 000), meals (up to R18 500) and transport (up to R10 000).
- Levels: undergraduate and postgraduate at DHET-registered institutions.
DSAC Bursary eligibility requirements
- South African citizen aged 40 or younger.
- In Matric or completed Matric, with a strong academic record.
- Studying, or accepted, for a heritage-related programme at a DHET-registered institution.
- Not employed full-time earning more than R130 000 a year, and not holding another bursary.
How to apply for the DSAC Bursary
- Open the bursary notice on dsac.gov.za/careers/bursaries and follow the link to the online application portal.
- Upload certified copies of your ID, Matric results, your academic record if you are already studying, proof of admission and, for postgraduates writing a dissertation, a progress report from your supervisor.
- Submit before the closing date. Funding is limited and competitive, so complete applications early.
DSAC Bursary closing date
The last confirmed closing date was 31 January 2026. Expect the end of January 2027 for the 2027 academic year.
Contact details
- Department of Sport, Arts and Culture switchboard: 012 441 3000
- Website: dsac.gov.za/contactus
Arts students should see the National Arts Council bursary and the KZN Sport, Arts and Culture bursary. Everyone should check the government bursaries page.
FAQs
1. When does the DSAC heritage bursary close for 2027? +
The 2026 round closed on 31 January 2026 and the 2025 round in late January 2025. Expect the 2027 call on dsac.gov.za in November or December 2026 with a closing date at the end of January 2027.
2. Which fields? +
Heritage-related studies: archaeology including maritime archaeology, archives and records management, library and information science, conservation of the built environment, digitisation of heritage resources, geography and geomatics, heritage and museum studies, history, indigenous knowledge systems, palaeontology and physical anthropology, at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
3. How much is it? +
Up to R110 000 a year, covering tuition, prescribed books, an electronic device (up to R10 000), accommodation (up to R50 000), meals (up to R18 500) and transport (up to R10 000).
4. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens aged 40 or younger, in Matric or with Matric, with a strong academic record, studying or accepted at a DHET-registered institution for a heritage-related programme, not employed full-time earning more than R130 000 and not holding another bursary.
5. How do I apply? +
Online through the DSAC bursary portal linked from dsac.gov.za, uploading a certified ID, Matric results, your academic record if already studying, proof of admission and, for postgraduates writing a dissertation, a supervisor's progress report.
6. Is there a separate DSAC bursary for the arts? +
The national department's bursary is for heritage studies. Arts, film and design students should look at the National Arts Council, provincial arts departments and the film commissions.
Update note (checked September 2026): the 2026 round closed on 31 January 2026. The 2027 call had not been published when we checked. Expect it on the department’s website in November or December 2026 with a closing date at the end of January 2027. The details below are from the 2026 call.
This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.
Visit the provider’s website