Explore the HERITAGE BURSARIES programme 2026—covering full tuition, accommodation, meals, books and more. Learn about eligibility, fields of study, benefits, and how South African students can apply before 31 January 2026.

South Africa’s heritage is rich, layered, complex, and deeply rooted in generations of culture, struggle, discovery, and evolution. Every document, landscape, fossil, archive and artefact carries a story. And behind every story, there are professionals—researchers, historians, archivists, conservators, curators, and cultural specialists—who dedicate their lives to preserving our past so that future generations can learn from it.

To support these fields, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) offers one of the country’s most respected funding opportunities: the SAC Bursaries for Heritage-Related Studies, now open for the 2026 academic year.

This bursary is more than financial support—it is a long-term investment in the people who will protect South Africa’s identity, shape museums and archives, drive cultural research, map the nation’s landscapes, and safeguard indigenous knowledge systems.

WHO THE SAC HERITAGE BURSARY 2026 IS FOR

The bursary is tailored for South African students—undergraduate and postgraduate—who want to pursue heritage-related studies at a recognised and DHET-accredited institution.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be 40 years old or younger
• Have satisfactory academic performance with a minimum 65% average
• Be full-time students in 2026
• Be studying (or planning to study) in heritage-related fields
• Not be employed full-time with a gross salary exceeding R130,000 per annum
• Not be recipients of any other bursary or donor funding

This means the programme prioritises students with genuine financial need and strong academic potential.

If you received the bursary in 2025, you must apply again for funding in 2026—renewal is not automatic.

WHAT THE SAC HERITAGE BURSARY COVERS

The bursary is intentionally designed to reduce the financial pressures that often prevent students from focusing on their studies. The value can go up to R110,000 per student, depending on need and study programme.

The bursary covers:

1. Full Tuition Fees

Every cent of your tuition will be paid directly to your university—no partial payments, no shortfalls.

2. Prescribed Books

Your academic books and required reading materials are fully covered.

Useful Links:

• Various Learnerships
• Accredited SETA Programmes
• Youth Opportunities

3. Electronic Devices (Up to R10,000)

A laptop or tablet (depending on institution requirements) may be funded.

4. Accommodation (Up to R50,000)

Covers university residence or accredited accommodation where applicable.

5. Meals (Up to R18,500)

Supports students staying away from home or in residence.

6. Transportation (Up to R10,000)

Helps with daily commuting between home, campus, archives or research sites.

Important Note:

Funds are paid directly to the university, not to students.

This ensures transparency, effective management, and guaranteed allocation of funds to academic expenses.

HERITAGE FIELDS OF STUDY FUNDED IN 2026

One of the most exciting aspects of the SAC bursary is the wide range of fields supported. These are specialised areas that require expert training and often lead to unique careers.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Fields Include:

1. Physical and Biological Anthropology

Understanding human origins, evolution, physical variation, and cultural practices.

2. Archaeology

Including Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Archaeology, a rare but growing field where SA is becoming globally recognised.

3. Geography and Geomatics

Postgraduate students specialising in GIS and cartography are especially encouraged.

4. Archives and Records Management

Essential for preserving documents, histories, photographs and institutional memory.

5. Library and Information Sciences

Training the next generation of information managers, librarians and knowledge specialists.

6. Built Environment Conservation

Especially postgraduate studies focusing on preventive conservation, restoration, and management of historical structures.

7. Heritage and Museum Studies

Including curatorship, heritage management, preservation and exhibition design.

8. Palaeontology

A field where South Africa is internationally respected for fossil deposits and research.

9. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)

A critical growing area focusing on the preservation and promotion of traditional wisdom and practices.

10. History

For future educators, researchers, historians, museum specialists, and archivists.

11. Digitisation of Heritage Resources

Helping archives and museums transition into digital preservation.

12. International Studies

Particularly when linked to heritage diplomacy, global cultural policy, or international heritage management.

Emerging Fields Also Supported:

• Maritime archaeology
• Underwater cultural heritage
• Digital archaeology
• Heritage conservation
• Advanced preservation techniques

This list shows the bursary’s commitment to modernising heritage careers while preserving traditional fields.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR YOUR APPLICATION

Applications without complete documents will be rejected, so prepare these early:

You must submit:

• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Proof of provisional acceptance or registration for 2026 (signed on institution letterhead)
• Certified senior certificate (Matric)
• Certified latest academic results or progress report
• Certified proof of household income (payslip or affidavit)
• Latest payslip if the applicant is employed
• Affidavit confirming authenticity of salary information
• Proof of disability (if applicable)

Certification Rules:

Certified documents must not be older than three months.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE READY TO APPLY

Before applying, ask yourself:

1️⃣ Have you been provisionally accepted for 2026?

Without proof of acceptance, your application will be incomplete.

2️⃣ Does your course fall under the approved fields?

Applications outside the list will be rejected.

3️⃣ Is your academic performance above 65%?

This bursary rewards students who demonstrate commitment and ability.

4️⃣ Are you studying full-time?

Part-time or distance learning students do not qualify unless otherwise specified.

5️⃣ Do you have financial need?

This bursary prioritises students from low-income households.

If you answered “yes” to all, you are a strong candidate.

COMPETITION IS HIGH — ONLY 45 TO 50 STUDENTS WILL BE FUNDED

With thousands of applications received nationwide, only a limited number of students—approximately 45–50—will receive the bursary.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

However, a strong, complete and well-prepared application significantly improves your chances.

TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

Here’s how to stand out:

1. Write a strong motivation

Explain clearly:

• Why you chose your field
• How it impacts South Africa’s heritage
• Your long-term career goals
• Why financial assistance is essential

2. Submit clean, certified copies

Organise your documents neatly and professionally.

3. Maintain strong academic performance

Recent marks matter the most.

4. Emphasise community involvement

Especially if relevant to heritage or education.

5. Ensure your acceptance letter is official

No screenshots—only signed letters on university letterhead.

WHAT A CAREER IN HERITAGE CAN LOOK LIKE FOR YOU

The fields funded by this bursary open extraordinary career paths:

Possible Careers Include:

• Archaeologist
• Maritime archaeologist
• Palaeontologist
• Archivist
• Museum curator
• Conservator
• GIS specialist
• Heritage consultant
• Researcher
• Librarian or information scientist
• Indigenous Knowledge practitioner
• Cultural policy advisor
• Heritage digitisation specialist
• Records manager
• Historian or academic
• International cultural relations practitioner

The heritage sector blends research, fieldwork, travel, digital innovation, policy development and education.

WHY THE SAC BURSARY IS LIFE-CHANGING FOR STUDENTS

Many students are passionate about heritage but struggle financially due to:

• Expensive specialised equipment
• Research travel requirements
• High tuition fees
• Costly textbooks
• Fieldwork or excavation materials
• Digital tools like GIS software

The SAC bursary lifts those financial burdens so students can focus on academic excellence.

For many, it becomes the difference between dropping out and graduating.

THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY IN SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE

By studying in a heritage field, you join the community responsible for:

• Protecting archaeological sites
• Preserving fossils millions of years old
• Managing libraries and archives
• Conserving historical buildings
• Documenting indigenous knowledge
• Teaching future generations
• Protecting national heritage for centuries to come
• APPLICATION PROCESS

Your work will impact tourism, education, policy, identity and culture.

This bursary is not just funding—it’s an invitation to carry the responsibility of safeguarding South Africa’s story.

CONCLUSION: A PRESTIGIOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR FUTURE HERITAGE LEADERS

The SAC Bursaries for Heritage Studies 2026 open a door into some of the most meaningful professions in the country. Whether you dream of becoming an archaeologist, archivist, museum curator, GIS expert, historian or palaeontologist, this bursary can power your journey.

But the competition is tough—and only those who prepare thoroughly, submit complete documents, and show genuine passion will be selected.

If you are committed to shaping South Africa’s heritage sector and preserving stories that deserve to live forever, this bursary is your chance to step into that future.