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.

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.

Government National Department of Tourism (South Africa)

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.

Amount:

Tuition, accommodation and related study costs (renewed annually)

Deadline:

20 March 2027

Duration:

Remainder of the approved study programme (renewed annually)

Renewable:

Yes

Apply on National Department of Tourism (South Africa)'s site

Eligible Fields of Study

National Department of Tourism (South Africa) supports students in the following disciplines

Tourism Management

Hospitality Management

Computer Science

Data Sciences

Business Analytics

Digital Transformation

Information Management

Law

Forensic Auditing

Economics

Statistics

Risk Management

Operations Management

Industrial Psychology

Development Studies

Facility Management

Construction Management

Humanities

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 [email protected] (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 [email protected], 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 site

Need help? Contact National Department of Tourism (South Africa):

Email: [email protected]

Information verified 2026-05-18. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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