Department of Tourism External Bursary
The National Department of Tourism runs an annual external bursary programme for South African students in fields aligned to the department's strategic priorities - tourism, digital transformation, data sciences, law, economics and the broader skills the public sector needs to drive sector transformation.
Eligible Fields of Study
National Department of Tourism (South Africa) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Registered or accepted at a recognised South African university or TVET college
- ✓ Studying towards a Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc or MTech (Master's) in a qualifying field
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need
- ✓ Good academic performance to date
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Prescribed books
- ✓ Accommodation and meals where applicable
- ✓ Renewable annually subject to satisfactory progress
- ✓ Pathway into Department of Tourism placements where roles exist
Work Commitment
Successful candidates must sign a formal contractual agreement with the Department of Tourism. A work-back period applies in line with the value of the bursary received.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your National Department of Tourism (South Africa) bursary application
- 1
Download the official application form from the Department of Tourism website
- 2
Complete the form in full
- 3
Attach all certified supporting documents
- 4
Submit via email to Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za (or the equivalent address for the new cycle)
- 5
Alternatively, hand-deliver to Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria
- 6
Or post to Tourism House, Private Bag X 424, Pretoria, 0001
- 7
Submit before the published closing date (the 2026 cycle closed 20 March 2026)
Required Documents
- 📄 Fully completed application form
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Certified academic certificates (matric and any higher qualifications)
- 📄 Certified academic transcripts
- 📄 Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised institution
- 📄 Proof of parents'/guardians' income
- 📄 Motivational letter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which fields does the Department of Tourism bursary fund?
- The bursary funds tourism and hospitality, plus a wide range of strategic disciplines including computer science, data sciences, law, economics, statistics and management studies that support the department's mandate.
- When does the Department of Tourism bursary close?
- The 2026 cycle closed on 20 March 2026 (extended from 13 March). The next external bursary cycle is expected to open in early 2027 with a similar March closing date.
- How do I apply?
- Complete the official application form and submit it via email to Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za, by hand to Tourism House (17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria), or by post to Private Bag X 424, Pretoria, 0001.
- Is there a work-back commitment?
- Yes. Successful recipients sign a contract with the department and serve a work-back period proportionate to the value of the bursary received.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 20 March 2027
Apply on National Department of Tourism (South Africa)'s official siteNeed help? Contact National Department of Tourism (South Africa):
Email: Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za
Information verified 2026-05-18. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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