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The Department of Tourism bursary 2026 applications are now open for South African students. The closing date is 20 March 2026.
As of February 2026, students studying approved diploma, degree, honours, master’s or PhD programmes can apply.
What is happening?
The Department of Tourism is offering external bursaries for the 2026 academic year.
The bursary is available to South African students studying in approved fields, including tourism, finance, IT, law and data-related disciplines.
Successful candidates will receive funding for the remainder of their approved study period. The award is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Applications must be submitted by 20 March 2026.
Why it matters to you
If you are studying in a qualifying field and need financial support, this bursary could help cover your studies.
However, applications close in March. Therefore, you need to prepare documents early to avoid missing the deadline.
What you need to know
Closing date
- 20 March 2026
Who can apply
South African students studying towards:
- Diploma
- Degree
- Honours
- Master’s
- PhD
In one of the approved study fields below.
Approved study fields
- Tourism Management
- Accounting / Financial Accounting / Management Accounting
- Bachelor of Law
- Business Analytics
- Communication Science / Communication Design / Graphic Design / Strategic Communication
- Computer Science / Information Technology / Software Development
- Construction Management
- Data Science / Data Analytics
- Development Studies
- Digital Transformation
- 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
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Public Administration / Business Administration
- Risk Management
- Statistics
- Supply Chain Management
Required documents
Applicants must submit:
- 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 parents’ or guardians’ income
- Motivational letter
How to submit your application
You can submit your completed application through one of the following channels:
| Submission Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Hand delivery | Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, 0002 |
| Post | Private Bag X 424, Pretoria, 0001 |
| Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za |
Application forms are available on the Department of Tourism website: www.tourism.gov.za
Please note: The department states that correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only.
What you should do next
- Confirm your study field is on the approved list.
- Download and complete the official application form.
- Certify all required documents.
- Submit before 20 March 2026.
- Keep proof of submission.
Apply early to avoid last-minute delays.
Where to get help
For further information, applicants can contact:
Department of Tourism
Website: www.tourism.gov.za
You can also explore more verified funding opportunities in our Jobs & Opportunities section.
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