About The Department Of Sport, Arts, And Culture
The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) is a government department in South Africa that aims to provide equitable access to sports, arts, and cultural activities for all citizens. It focuses on improving socio-economic conditions and promoting diversity within these sectors. DSAC funds activities and initiatives to support these objectives.
Department Of Sport, Arts, And Culture Bursary 2025-2026
The DSAC offers the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Bursary Programme to financially assist students pursuing studies in the field of arts and culture. The bursaries are aimed at creating a more equitable society, reducing unemployment, and developing a skilled pool of professionals. The bursaries are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing heritage-related qualifications.
Fields of study considered for funding:
- Anthropology (forensic/medical anthropology focus)
- Archaeology (marine and underwater cultural heritage, forensics focus)
- Archives and Records management
- Conservation of the built environment (preventive conservation)
- Collections (cultural & natural) management (excluding Nature Conservation)
- Paleontology
- Museum Studies or Management and Curatorship
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) or courses contributing to the preservation and promotion of IKS and S.A. Living Heritage
- Marketing of heritage
- Digital heritage
Value of the bursary:
The bursary covers tuition fees, prescribed books, accommodation (up to R 50,000 where applicable), and meals (up to R 18,500).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the bursary, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be under 40 years old at the time of application
- Be studying or intending to study at a recognized tertiary institution
- Be pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in the specified fields
- Have a strong academic record
- Not be employed full-time
- Have an annual salary not exceeding R 130,000
How To Apply
- Download and complete the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Bursary Application Form
- Submit the completed application form and required documents to your institution’s bursary aid officer. Institutions will submit applications on behalf of students.
Supporting documents required:
- Certified copy of 2025-2026 end-of-year results
- Progress report from your supervisor (for postgraduate students writing a thesis or dissertation, on institution letterhead)
Closing Date
The application deadline is 28 February (at 16:00). Late submissions will not be considered.
Contact Details
For more information, contact:
- Ms Reinette Stander (Deputy Director: International Conventions and Legislation, DSAC)
- Tel: 012 441 3711
- Email: reinettes@dsac.gov.za
- Mr Maano Muhadi (Deputy Director: Heritage Policy, Research and Development, DSAC)
- Tel: 012 441 3622
- Email: maanom@dsac.gov.za
