Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a passion for arts, culture, heritage, or sports development? The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering a valuable opportunity for aspiring creatives, athletes, cultural practitioners, and heritage enthusiasts to pursue their studies with financial support from one of the country’s leading public institutions. Designed to promote skills development and preserve South Africa’s cultural identity, the DSAC bursary ensures that deserving students can access quality education regardless of financial background.
The DSAC Bursary Programme supports studies in fields such as performing arts, visual arts, film and media, heritage studies, museum studies, sports science, sports management, and other cultural and sporting disciplines. Through this funding initiative, the department aims to empower young South Africans to contribute meaningfully to the creative economy, safeguard national heritage, and strengthen the country’s sporting capacity.
By applying for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bursary 2026/2027, students gain the chance to receive financial assistance, mentorship, and industry exposure that can unlock exciting career opportunities in South Africa’s vibrant arts, culture, and sports sectors.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find full details on eligibility requirements, supported fields of study, the application process, and closing dates for the DSAC Bursary 2026/2027.
About Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is a key South African government department committed to improving the quality of life for all citizens. Its mission is to transform and expand access to the fields of sports, arts, and culture while promoting excellence and participation across all communities.
DSAC aims to ensure equitable access, support talent development, and strengthen socio-economic contributions through heritage preservation, creative expression, and cultural knowledge. By empowering students in heritage-related fields, the department contributes directly to safeguarding South Africa’s rich history and cultural identity.
About the DSAC Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
DSAC invites eligible students to apply for the 2026 DSAC Heritage Bursary Programme. Funding is available for Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies in heritage-related fields, including:
- Anthropology (preferably Postgraduates specialising in Forensics)
- Archaeology (preferably Postgraduates specialising in Bioarchaeology)
- Geography & Geomatic Sciences (preferably Postgraduates specialising in Cartography & GIS)
- Archives & Records Management
- Library & Information Sciences
- Conservation of the Built Environment (including Preventive Conservation)
- Heritage & Museum Studies
- Palaeontology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and South African Living Heritage
- History
- Digitisation of Heritage Resources
These fields play a vital role in preserving national heritage, promoting cultural knowledge, and supporting academic research in South Africa.
DSAC Bursary Coverage
What the Bursary Includes
The DSAC Bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance valued at up to R110 000 per student, paid directly to the higher education institution. Depending on the applicant’s needs and study requirements, the bursary may cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Full cost of prescribed books
- Electronic devices (up to R10 000; requires 3 receipts/invoices)
- Accommodation (up to R50 000, if applicable)
- Meals (up to R18 500, if applicable)
- Transport allowance (up to R10 000, if applicable)
Successful students will be required to sign a contract with the Department.
Applicants who do not receive feedback by 31 March 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for DSAC Bursary Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet the following criteria before applying:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 40 years old or younger
- Must be in Matric in 2024 or have already completed Matric
- Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a qualification in one of the approved heritage-related fields
- Must be accepted or provisionally accepted by a DHET-accredited institution
- Must have a strong academic record
- Must NOT be employed full-time in government, state agencies, or the private sector earning more than R130 000 per year
- Must NOT be receiving any other form of bursary funding
Failure to meet all the criteria will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for DSAC Bursary 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online via the official DSAC bursary portal: Click here to access the DSAC Bursary Application portal for 2026
Required supporting documents:
Applicants must upload certified copies of the following:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate or latest Matric results
- Latest academic record (if currently at university)
- Proof of provisional acceptance/admission
- Postgraduate applicants: supervisor progress report (if writing a thesis or dissertation)
Applications missing any required documents will not be considered.
Closing Date for DSAC Bursary Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 31 January
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Contact Details of Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
For queries or support, please contact the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture via their official page: https://www.dsac.gov.za/contactus
