Department of Tourism External Bursary 2026 — The National Department of Tourism is offering external bursary opportunities for the 2026 academic year to South African students. Tourism is poised to play a greater role than ever before, both on the global stage and in the lives of South Africans. Being a labour-intensive sector with a supply chain that cascades deep into our national economy and across all communities, tourism is positioned as a priority sector in Government’s planning and policy frameworks. Bursaries are available for students studying towards Diplomas, Degrees, Honours, MSc, or M Tech Masters in various fields including Construction Management, Digital Transformation, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Law, Data Sciences, Economics, and more.
About Department of Tourism
The National Department of Tourism is mandated to create conditions for the sustainable growth and development of tourism in South Africa. The Tourism Act makes provision for the promotion of tourism to and in the Republic and for regulation and rationalisation of the tourism sector, including measures aimed at the enhancement and maintenance of the standards of facilities and services utilised by tourists; and the co-ordination and rationalisation of the activities of those who are active in the tourism sector.
Tourism is about much more than the policies, statistics and objectives that we often talk about. It is about people. Being a labour-intensive sector with a supply chain that cascades deep into our national economy and across all communities, tourism is positioned as a priority sector in Government’s planning and policy frameworks.
Bursary Duration: Remainder of approved study period • Renewal: Annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance
Fields of Study covered by The Department Of Tourism External Bursary 2026
Bursaries are available for South African students studying towards a Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc, or M Tech Masters in the following fields:
- Construction Management
- Digital Transformation
- Business Analytics
- Graphic Design / Communication 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
Bursary Details
- The bursary will be awarded for the remainder of the approved study period
- Renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance
- Successful candidates must enter into a formal contractual agreement with the Department of Tourism
Application Requirements for The Department Of Tourism External Bursary 2026
Applicants must submit:
- Fully completed bursary application form
- Certified copies of academic certificates
- Certified academic transcripts
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document
- Proof of registration at a recognised institution
- Proof of parents’/guardian’s income
- Motivational letter
How to Apply for The Department Of Tourism External Bursary 2026
Step 1: Download the application forms at:
Alternatively, get an application form at the Reception area of the Department of Tourism.
Step 2: Submit your application through one of the following channels:
- 📧 Email: Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za
- 📮 Post: Tourism House, Private Bag X 424, Pretoria, 0001
- 🏢 Hand Delivery: Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, 0002
⏰ Closing Date: 20 March 2026
Enquiries
- 📞 Mr Gregory Moroke: (012) 444 6166
- 📞 Ms Marjorie Sibiya: (012) 444 6174
Programme Details
- Department: National Department of Tourism
- Bursary Name: External Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2026
- Study Levels: Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc, M Tech Masters
- Fields: Construction Management, Digital Transformation, Business Analytics, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Law, Data Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Facility Management, Forensic Auditing, Humanities, Information Management, Industrial Psychology, Operations Management, Risk Management, Statistics
- Duration: Remainder of approved study period (renewable annually)
- Application Methods: Email, Post, Hand Delivery
- Closing Date: 13 March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Department of Tourism Bursary Programme?
A bursary programme offered by the National Department of Tourism for the 2026 academic year to South African students studying towards Diplomas, Degrees, Honours, MSc, or M Tech Masters in specified fields including Construction Management, Digital Transformation, Computer Science, Law, Data Sciences, Economics, and more.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
South African students studying towards a Diploma, Degree, Honours, MSc, or M Tech Masters in the listed fields of study at recognised institutions.
3. What fields of study are covered?
Construction Management, Digital Transformation, Business Analytics, Graphic Design/Communication, Computer Science/IT, Law, Data Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Facility Management, Forensic Auditing, Humanities, Information Management, Industrial Psychology, Operations Management, Risk Management, and Statistics.
4. What does the bursary cover?
The bursary covers the remainder of the approved study period and is renewed annually subject to satisfactory academic performance. Successful candidates must sign a formal contractual agreement with the Department.
5. What documents are required?
Fully completed application form, certified academic certificates, certified academic transcripts, certified ID copy, proof of registration, proof of parents’/guardian’s income, and a motivational letter.
6. How do I get the application form?
Download from www.tourism.gov.za or collect from the Reception area at the Department of Tourism.
7. How do I submit my application?
Via email to Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za, by post to Tourism House, Private Bag X 424, Pretoria, 0001, or hand deliver to Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, 0002.
8. When is the closing date?
13 March 2026.
9. Who can I contact for more information?
Contact Mr Gregory Moroke or Ms Marjorie Sibiya at (012) 444 6166 / (012) 444 6174.
10. Where can I find more government bursaries?
For more government bursaries and funding opportunities, explore our government bursaries database or check tourism bursaries.
For more government and tourism bursaries, visit EduFunds.co.za
Department of Tourism
External Bursary Programme 2026
Growing Tourism • Developing Skills • Empowering Youth