Department of Tourism invites qualifying students to apply for the External Bursaries Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 13 March 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa (Recognised Institutions)
Study Levels: Diploma / Degree / Honours / MSc / MTech (Masters)
This is a government-funded bursary designed to support students in high-demand and strategic fields aligned to national development priorities.
About the Bursary Programme
The Department of Tourism External Bursary aims to:
- 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
Successful applicants will enter into a formal contractual agreement with the Department of Tourism.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is available for students studying in the following disciplines:
- 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
These fields support governance, compliance, digitalisation, auditing, infrastructure management and sector transformation.
Duration of the Bursary
The bursary covers:
- The remainder of the approved study period
- Annual renewal based on satisfactory academic performance
Important:
- You must pass your modules
- You must maintain acceptable academic results
- Continued funding depends on performance
Who Should Apply?
You should apply if you:
- Are a South African citizen
- Are studying in one of the listed fields
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have strong academic commitment
- Intend to contribute to national development
This bursary is especially beneficial for students in:
- Public sector digital transformation
- Data analytics and governance
- Infrastructure and property management
- Risk and compliance
- Organisational development in government
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- 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
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted via:
Hand Delivery
Tourism House
17 Trevenna Street
Sunnyside
0002
Post
Tourism House
Private Bag X 424
Pretoria
0001
Ensure documents are clear, properly certified and combined correctly if submitting via email.
Important Notes
- 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?
This bursary provides:
- 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
If you are studying in a strategic field that supports tourism development, governance, infrastructure or digital transformation, this is an opportunity worth applying for.