Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026 (Closing Date Extended)

Department of Tourism invites qualifying students to apply for the External Bursaries Programme for the 2026 academic year.

Bursary Application Closing Date: 20 March 2026 (Closing Date Extended)
Bursary Location: South Africa (Recognised Institutions)
Study Levels: Diploma / Degree / Honours / MSc / MTech (Masters)

This is a government-funded bursary designed to support students in high-demand and strategic fields aligned to national development priorities.

About the Bursary Programme

The Department of Tourism External Bursary aims to:

• Support financially needy students
• Develop scarce and critical skills
• Strengthen governance, infrastructure and digital transformation capacity
• Build a pipeline of skilled professionals for public sector service

Successful applicants will enter into a formal contractual agreement with the Department of Tourism.

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary is available for students studying in the following disciplines:

• 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 fields support governance, compliance, digitalisation, auditing, infrastructure management and sector transformation.

Duration of the Bursary

The bursary covers:

• The remainder of the approved study period
• Annual renewal based on satisfactory academic performance

Important:

• You must pass your modules
• You must maintain acceptable academic results
• Continued funding depends on performance

Who Should Apply?

You should apply if you:

• Are a South African citizen
• Are studying in one of the listed fields
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have strong academic commitment
• Intend to contribute to national development

This bursary is especially beneficial for students in:

• Public sector digital transformation
• Data analytics and governance
• Infrastructure and property management
• Risk and compliance
• Organisational development in government

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Fully completed bursary application form
• Certified copies of academic certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Proof of registration at a recognised institution
• Proof of parent’s/guardian’s income
• Motivational letter

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

How to Apply

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Applications can be submitted via:

Hand Delivery

Tourism House
17 Trevenna Street
Sunnyside
0002

Post

Tourism House
Private Bag X 424
Pretoria
0001

Email

📧 Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za

Ensure documents are clear, properly certified and combined correctly if submitting via email.

Important Notes

• Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only.
• If you do not receive feedback, consider your application unsuccessful.

Enquiries:

Mr Gregory Moroke – (012) 444 6166
Ms Marjorie Sibiya – (012) 444 6174

Why Apply?

This bursary provides:

• Government-funded financial support
• Multi-year funding (performance-based renewal)
• Opportunity to align your career with national development priorities
• Reduced financial stress during your studies