Department of Tourism Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide for Department of Tourism Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you passionate about building a career in South Africa’s growing tourism sector? The Department of Tourism Bursary is your gateway to academic and professional success in one of the country’s most dynamic industries. Each year, the Department of Tourism offers financial assistance to deserving South African students who wish to pursue full-time studies in tourism-related fields such as Hospitality Management, Tourism Development, Travel and Tourism, and related disciplines.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the Department of Tourism Bursary Application 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, approved courses of study, required supporting documents, how to apply online or by post, and the official closing date. Whether you’re a matriculant looking to enter university or a current student at a recognized institution, this bursary could help ease the financial burden and open doors to exciting career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Stay informed and increase your chances of success by reading this full article, which is tailored to answer questions like Department of Tourism bursaries form, who qualifies for tourism bursaries in South Africa, and government bursaries for tourism students.

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

About Department of Tourism

The Department of Tourism is a national government body in South Africa tasked with promoting and developing tourism both locally and internationally.

The department’s vision is to build a sustainable tourism sector that boosts economic growth, attracts investment, creates job opportunities, and encourages a strong tourism culture among South Africans.

About the Department of Tourism Bursary Programme 2026/2027 – Fields Covered

The Department of Tourism is offering bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year to support students pursuing studies in areas that contribute to the growth and innovation of the tourism sector.

Bursaries are available for both undergraduate (diploma/degree) and postgraduate (honours/masters/PhD) studies in the following fields:

Development Studies
Digital Technologies
Economics
Graphic Design
International Relations
Migration Studies
Policy Development
Risk Management / Ethics / Integrity / Business Community Management
Social Science
Tourism Development
Tourism Marketing

Bursary Benefits & Selection Process

The bursary covers the full duration of your qualification, renewed annually based on academic performance.
Recipients must sign a bursary contract with the department.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don’t hear back, consider your application unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria for Department of Tourism Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Who Can Apply

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen
Have completed Matric
Be studying full-time toward an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in one of the fields listed above
Be enrolled at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
Not be employed by the Department of Tourism

How to Apply for Department of Tourism Bursary in 2026/2027

Download and complete the Department of Tourism Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)
Alternatively, pick up a hard copy from the Department of Tourism reception.
Submit your completed form along with the following certified documents:

- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic results or transcripts
- Proof of tertiary registration
- Parent/guardian proof of income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, SASSA grant or pension slip if applicable)
- Motivational letter (why you’re applying and your goals)
- Research proposal (for Honours/Masters students)

Where to Submit Department of Tourism Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Email (include subject line: “Department of Tourism Bursary 2026”):

lshiviti@tourism.gov.za
Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za
kmalemela@tourism.gov.za

Post:

Skills Development
Tourism House
Private Bag X424
Pretoria, 0001

Hand Delivery:

Skills Development
Tourism House
17 Trevena Street
Sunnyside, 0002

Application Deadline for Department of Tourism Bursary 2026/2027

13 December

Note: Late applications will not be accepted, so make sure to apply on time.

Contact Details of Department of Tourism Bursaries Office

For any queries, you can reach out to:

Mr Lucky Shiviti – 012 444 6172
Ms Kgomotso Taunyane – 012 444 6164
Ms Koketso Malemela – 012 444 6191