The Department of Tourism is offering bursaries to qualifying students studying towards Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc or MTech (Masters) qualifications in critical and high-demand fields. If your career goals align with tourism infrastructure, digital transformation, management, analytics, or social sciences, this could be the financial support you need to complete your studies without stress.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
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- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
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- View more 2026 Bursaries here
This is a government-funded bursary, and successful candidates will enter into a formal contractual agreement with the Department of Tourism.
Quick Overview
Programme: Department of Tourism External Bursaries
Academic Year: 2026
Closing Date: 13 March 2026
Funding Covers: Remainder of approved study period (renewed annually based on academic performance)
Study Levels: Diploma / Degree / Honours / MSc / MTech (Masters)
Submission Methods: Hand delivery, Post, or Email
Email Address: Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za
Website: www.tourism.gov.za
Required Study Fields
The bursary is available for students studying in the following fields:
- 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 are strategic fields that support governance, infrastructure, digitalisation, auditing, performance management and sector transformation.
If you are studying in one of these areas, you are within scope.
Duration of the Bursary
The bursary will be awarded for the remainder of the approved study period.
It will be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
This means:
- You must pass your modules.
- You must maintain acceptable academic results.
- Continued funding depends on performance.
Successful candidates will enter into a formal contractual agreement with the Department of Tourism.
Who Should Apply?
You should strongly consider applying if:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are studying in one of the listed fields.
- You are financially needy.
- You are academically committed.
- You want to contribute to national development.
This bursary is particularly powerful for students studying:
- Digital transformation in government
- Data analytics for public sector decision-making
- Public infrastructure management
- Risk and compliance in public institutions
- Organisational psychology in government departments
Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Fully completed bursary application form (Download here)
- Certified copies of academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document
- Proof of registration at a recognised institution
- Proof of parent’s/guardian’s income
- Motivational letter
Important: Incomplete applications are likely to be disqualified.
Submission Channels
Completed applications can be submitted through:
Hand Delivery
Tourism House
17 Trevenna Street
Sunnyside
0002
Post
Tourism House
Private Bag X 424
Pretoria
0001
Email: Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za
Make sure your documents are clear, certified, and properly attached if emailing.
Important Notice
Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only.
If you do not receive feedback, it may mean your application was unsuccessful.
Enquiries:
Mr Gregory Moroke – (012) 444 6166
Ms Marjorie Sibiya – (012) 444 6174
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
How to Strengthen Your Application
If you want to stand out:
- Write a strong motivational letter.
- Explain why your field matters to tourism development.
- Show how your studies contribute to national growth.
- Demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
- Ensure documents are properly certified.
- Apply before the deadline.
- Maintain strong academic performance.
Edupstairs Advice
As a youth development platform, we advise:
- Do not wait until the last week to apply.
- Double-check your certified copies.
- Structure your motivational letter professionally.
- Keep a copy of your application.
- Apply to multiple bursaries simultaneously.
If you are studying Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Risk Management or Construction Management, this is highly aligned with scarce skills demand in South Africa.
Also explore related funding opportunities under:
- SETA bursaries
- National Skills Development programmes
- Public sector internship pipelines
Visit our Bursaries Category and Government Opportunities section for more options.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Depending on your qualification, potential career paths include:
- Tourism Infrastructure Project Manager
- Government Risk Manager
- Public Sector Data Analyst
- Tourism Digital Systems Specialist
- Internal Auditor (Public Sector)
- Policy Analyst
- Organisational Development Practitioner
- Strategic Communications Specialist
- Facilities Manager
- Economic Research Analyst
This bursary positions you within public sector development pathways.
Government-funded graduates often gain strong exposure to:
- Public finance systems
- Governance frameworks
- Policy planning
- Infrastructure rollout programmes
That experience is highly valuable across both government and private sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply?
South African students studying in the listed fields at recognised institutions. - What level of study is covered?
Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc and MTech (Masters). - Is it renewable?
Yes, subject to satisfactory academic performance. - Does it cover full study duration?
It covers the remainder of the approved study period. - Can I email my application?
Yes, to Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za - Is proof of income required?
Yes. - What if my field is not listed?
You are not eligible unless your qualification matches listed fields. - Will everyone receive feedback?
No. Only successful applicants will be contacted. - Where can I get the form?
You can download the application form here - Can first-year students apply?
Yes, provided you have proof of registration.
CLOSING DATE: 13 MARCH 2026
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify details on the official Department of Tourism website. Edupstairs is not affiliated with the Department of Tourism and does not process applications. Always confirm deadlines and submission requirements before applying.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY