Title: DSAC Bursary Program: Investing in Heritage and Cultural Studies
Introduction:
The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) is a South African government department committed to building a better life for all citizens through sports, arts, and culture. The DSAC aims to create equitable access, development, and excellence in these sectors to enhance social and economic contributions. In line with this mission, the DSAC is offering bursaries for the academic year. These bursaries support undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in heritage-related programs. If you have a passion for preserving and promoting South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, the DSAC Bursary Program presents an excellent opportunity to further your education and contribute to the country’s cultural landscape.
Fields Covered:
The DSAC Bursary Program covers various fields within heritage-related programs. These include:
- Anthropology (focused on forensic/medical anthropology)
- Archaeology (focused on marine and underwater cultural heritage, and forensic)
- Archives and Records Management
- Conservation of the Built Environment (including preventive conservation)
- Collections (Cultural & Natural) Management (Not Nature Conservation)
- Digital heritage
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) or courses contributing to the preservation and promotion of IKS and South African Living Heritage
- Marketing of heritage
- Museum Studies or Management and Curatorship
- Palaeontology
Coverage Value and Expenses Covered:
Selected bursary recipients will receive financial support of up to a maximum value of R110,000 per student. The funds will be paid directly to the higher learning institution. The bursary covers the following expenses:
- Full tuition fees
- Required books
- Laptop (up to R10,000; three receipts/invoices must be provided)
- Accommodation (up to R50,000, where applicable)
- Meals (up to R18,500, where applicable)
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the DSAC Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizenship
- Age 40 years or younger
- Studying or intending to study an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in one of the listed heritage-related programs
- Accepted to or studying at an accredited and registered institution recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training
- Strong academic record
- Not receiving any other bursary funding
- Not currently employed full-time in the private sector, government, or state agencies
- Annual income not exceeding R130,000
How to Apply:
To apply for the DSAC Bursary, download and complete the application form available on the DSAC website. Ensure you indicate that you heard about the bursary through uni24.co.za.
Submit clear copies of the required supporting documents along with your completed application form. These documents include your ID document, 2022 end-of-year results, proof of provisional acceptance or admission at a university, and for postgraduate students, a progress report from your supervisor if you are working on a dissertation or thesis.
Applications must be submitted to your institution’s bursary/financial aid office. Do not apply directly to the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. Your institution will forward your application on your behalf.
Closing Date:
The closing date for the DSAC Bursary is 28 February, at 16:00. Ensure that you submit your application before this date to be considered.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries related to the bursary program, please contact the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture directly using the following contact information:
- Contact Person 1: Ms Reinette Stander
- Tel: 083 469 2931
- Email: reinettes@dsac.gov.za
- Contact Person 2: Mr Maano Muhadi
- Tel: 012 441 3622
- Email: maanom@dsac.gov.za
Conclusion:
The DSAC Bursary Program presents an incredible opportunity for students passionate about heritage and cultural studies. By providing financial support and promoting access to education, the DSAC aims to develop a new generation of professionals dedicated to preserving and promoting South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage. Take advantage of this opportunity to advance your studies and contribute to the enrichment of our nation’s heritage. Apply for the DSAC Bursary today and embark on a rewarding journey in heritage-related fields.
