Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026: Extended Deadline to 20 March & How to Apply

The Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026 now have an extended closing date of 20 March 2026. This gives more students a chance to apply for funding. The programme supports South African students in strategic fields that aid national development. It targets financially needy learners who want to build skills in areas like governance and digital transformation.

This guide covers everything you need. You will learn about eligibility, fields of study, required documents, the application process, and tips for success. Read on to prepare your application before the deadline.

What Are the Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026?

The Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026 form a government-funded programme. It helps students at recognised institutions in South Africa. The bursary covers Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc, and MTech levels. Successful students sign a formal contract with the Department of Tourism.

The programme has clear aims. Here they are:

Support financially needy students
Develop scarce and critical skills
Strengthen governance, infrastructure, and digital transformation capacity
Build a pipeline of skilled professionals for public sector service

These goals focus on national priorities. They help grow key areas like compliance and sector change.

Fields of Study Covered by the Bursary

The bursary funds specific disciplines. Students must study one of these 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 fields link to important needs. They support governance, compliance, digitalisation, auditing, infrastructure management, and sector transformation. Students in these areas help build a stronger public sector.

Bursary Duration and Renewal Conditions

The Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026 cover the rest of your approved study period. Funding renews each year if you meet standards. This applies to Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc, and MTech programmes.

Renewal depends on your performance. Key conditions include:

Pass your modules
Maintain acceptable academic results
Continued funding based on performance

Meet these to keep the support. Strong results open doors for future opportunities.

Who Should Apply for the Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026?

Certain students fit best for this bursary. You must meet basic criteria. Check these points:

South African citizen
Studying in one of the listed fields
Demonstrate financial need
Have strong academic commitment
Intend to contribute to national development

This aid suits students in public sector digital transformation, data analytics, infrastructure, risk management, and organisational growth. If these match your goals, apply now.

Required Documents for Application

Gather all items before you submit. Missing papers can lead to rejection. Here is the full list:

Fully completed bursary application form
Certified copies of academic certificates
Academic transcripts
Certified copy of South African ID
Proof of registration at a recognised institution
Proof of parent’s/guardian’s income
Motivational letter

Get copies certified by a commissioner of oaths. Keep files clear and organised. This shows you follow rules.

How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026

Start by getting the form. Follow these steps:

Download the application form from this link.
Fill it out completely.
Attach all required documents.
Choose your submission method.

Pick the best option for you. This table shows the ways to apply:

Method	Details	Address/Email
Hand Delivery	Deliver in person	Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside 0002
Post	Send by mail	Tourism House, Private Bag X 424, Pretoria 0001
Email	Attach clear, combined files	[email protected]

For email, scan documents well. Name files clearly to avoid issues.

Important Notes and Enquiries

Only successful applicants get contact from the department. No reply means your application did not succeed. Key points to remember:

Submit by 20 March 2026
Check for complete documents
Use correct submission method

For questions, reach these contacts:

Enquiries:
Mr Gregory Moroke – (012) 444 6166
Ms Marjorie Sibiya – (012) 444 6174

Call during office hours for help.

Why Apply for This Bursary?

This programme offers real value. It eases study costs in strategic fields. Main benefits include:

Government-funded financial support
Multi-year funding with performance renewal
Career alignment with national development priorities
Reduced financial stress during studies

Students in tourism support areas gain the most. Act soon to join.