Today marks the final day to apply for the Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026, with the closing date extended to 20 March 2026. This government-funded program offers South African students a chance to gain support in high-demand fields. It focuses on building skills in areas like digital transformation and infrastructure to aid national growth.
The bursary targets students at recognized institutions for the 2026 academic year. This article covers what the program offers, who qualifies, fields of study, required documents, how to apply, and reasons to pursue it.
About the Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026
The Department of Tourism External Bursary helps students who need financial aid. It builds skills in short supply and boosts areas like governance, infrastructure, and digital change. The goal is to create skilled workers for public service.
This program runs for the 2026 academic year. It supports studies at Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc, or MTech levels at approved South African schools. Those who win the bursary must sign a formal contract with the department.
Key aims include:
- 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
Fields of Study Covered by the Bursary
The bursary funds 18 specific fields. These areas link to national needs in tourism, governance, and growth. Students can check if their program fits.
Here is the full list:
- 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
Fields group into themes like digital tools, management, and compliance. They aid tourism development by improving skills in data, property care, and public operations.
Bursary Duration and Renewal Conditions
The bursary pays for the rest of your approved study time. It renews each year if you meet standards. Good results keep the funding going.
Key conditions for renewal are:
- Pass your modules
- Maintain acceptable academic results
- Continued funding depends on performance
Who Should Apply for Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026
South African citizens in listed fields can apply. You need to show financial need and strong study habits. A wish to help national growth also counts.
Main criteria include:
- South African citizen
- Studying in one of the listed fields
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have strong academic commitment
- Intend to contribute to national development
This suits students in public digital work, data analysis, building care, risk rules, and team growth in government.
Required Documents for Your Application
Gather all items before you submit. Missing papers can lead to rejection.
Submit these:
- 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
How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026
Follow these steps to apply by 20 March 2026.
- Download the form from this link.
- Collect all required documents.
- Submit via hand delivery, post, or email.
Choose a method from the table below.
| Method | Address/Email | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Delivery | Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside 0002 | Deliver in person during office hours. |
| Post | Tourism House, Private Bag X 424, Pretoria 0001 | Use registered mail for tracking. |
| [email protected] | Combine files into one PDF; ensure scans are clear. |
Important Notes, Enquiries, and Selection Process
The department contacts only winners. No reply means you did not succeed.
Key points:
- 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 for the Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026
This bursary eases money worries in key fields. It matches studies to South Africa’s goals.
Benefits include:
- 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