Department of Tourism Bursary 2026

## About the Provider The Department of Tourism is a South African government department responsible for the development and promotion of tourism within the country and from international markets into South Africa. The department's vision centres on creating sustainable tourism development that drives economic growth, job creation, and investment across all nine provinces. Tourism is one of South Africa's most important economic sectors, contributing over R400 billion to GDP annually and supporting more than 1.5 million jobs directly and indirectly. The country's diverse natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and world-class infrastructure make it one of Africa's premier tourist destinations and a globally competitive travel market. The department's strategic objectives include increasing investment within the tourism sector, developing a culture of domestic tourism among South Africans, growing inbound international tourism from key source markets, and enhancing how the sector contributes to economic transformation, job creation, and broad-based black economic empowerment. Recognising that the tourism sector and the department itself need qualified professionals across a wide range of fields, the Department of Tourism offers bursaries that extend far beyond tourism management alone. The programme funds students in accounting, law, IT, communications, economics, public administration, data sciences, and many other disciplines that support the department's operations and strategic mandate. The department is headquartered at Tourism House in Pretoria and employs professionals across policy development, marketing, regulation, research, financial management, and administration. Its bursary programme serves as a talent pipeline, developing skilled graduates who can contribute to the department's mandate of growing South Africa's tourism economy while ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all communities.

## About the Program The Department of Tourism Bursary Programme provides funding for students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across more than 20 fields of study. This breadth reflects the diverse skills needed to run a modern government department and develop a world-class tourism sector. The programme funds students at both undergraduate level (Diploma and Degree) and postgraduate level (Honours, Master's, and PhD). This range means that both school leavers entering university and experienced professionals pursuing advanced research can benefit from the programme. Fields covered include Accounting, Law, Business Analytics, Communications, Computer Science, Construction Management, Data Sciences, Development Studies, Digital Transformation, Economics, Facility Management, Forensic Auditing, Humanities, Industrial Psychology, Information Management, Management Services, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Administration, Risk Management, Statistics, Supply Chain Management, and Tourism Management. The bursary covers students for the remainder of their studies and is renewable each year, dependent on satisfactory academic performance. This multi-year commitment provides stability and allows students to plan their academic journey without annual funding uncertainty. Students who accept the bursary enter into a contractual obligation with the department. This typically involves a work-back period where graduates serve in the department for a period equivalent to the duration of their funding, ensuring that the investment in their education directly benefits the public sector. The programme is particularly valuable for postgraduate students, as Honours, Master's, and PhD funding is scarce in South Africa. Research students must submit a research proposal with their application, demonstrating how their work aligns with the department's strategic objectives in tourism development, economic growth, and service delivery.

## Bursary Benefits - **Tuition fees** covered for the remainder of your qualification at an accredited institution - **Renewable annually** subject to satisfactory academic performance each year - Funding available at both **undergraduate and postgraduate** levels (Diploma through to PhD) - Multi-year support providing **financial stability** throughout your studies - Opportunity to serve in a **national government department** after graduation with guaranteed employment - Exposure to the tourism sector, public administration, and policy development - Professional development within one of South Africa's key economic sectors

## Eligibility Criteria - Must be a **South African citizen** - Must have **completed Matric** - Must be studying **full-time** towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in one of the 22 listed fields - Must be studying at a **recognised and accredited tertiary institution** in South Africa - Must **not** be employed by the Department of Tourism - Must be willing to enter into a **contractual obligation** with the department (work-back period after graduation)

## Required Documents - Certified copy of your **ID document** - Certified copy of your **Matric certificate** - Certified copies of your **most recent academic records or transcripts** - Certified copy of **proof of registration** at a tertiary institution - Certified **proof of household income** (parents/guardians latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of SASSA grant/pension if applicable) - **Motivational letter** supporting your application and explaining your career goals - **Research proposal** (required for Honours and Master's students only, outlining your research topic and methodology)

## How to Apply 1. Download the Department of Tourism Bursary Application Form from the department's website or collect a hard copy from the reception at Tourism House in Pretoria. 2. Complete the application form in full, ensuring all sections are filled in accurately and legibly. 3. Gather all required supporting documents and have them certified at a police station or post office. 4. Write a motivational letter explaining why you chose your field of study and how it connects to tourism development or public service. 5. If applying for Honours or Master's, prepare a research proposal outlining your intended research topic, methodology, and relevance. 6. Submit your completed application with all documents via one of the following methods: - **Email:** Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za (subject line: "Department of Tourism Bursary 2026") - **Post:** Tourism House, Private Bag X424, Pretoria, 0001 (For attention: Skills Development) - **Hand delivery:** Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, 0002 (For attention: Skills Development) 7. Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of **20 March 2026**. 8. If successful, you will be contacted directly. If you do not receive feedback, consider your application unsuccessful.

## Tips for Success - **Choose the right field** — the department funds over 22 disciplines, so ensure your qualification matches one of the listed fields exactly before applying - **Write a strong motivational letter** — explain why you chose your field of study and how it connects to tourism development, public service, or the department's strategic objectives - **Certify all documents** — uncertified copies will disqualify your application immediately - **Include proof of household income** — this is mandatory and helps the department assess financial need; missing income documentation is a common reason for disqualification - **Honours and Master's students must include a research proposal** — ensure it is well-structured, clearly written, and relevant to the department's mandate - **Submit via email for fastest processing** — postal applications may experience delays and risk arriving after the deadline - **Use the correct subject line** "Department of Tourism Bursary 2026" in your email to ensure it reaches the Skills Development team - **Apply early** — do not wait until the deadline as email servers may experience high volumes - **Keep copies of everything** you submit for your records and future reference - **Understand the contractual obligation** — accepting this bursary means committing to work for the department after graduation for a period matching your funded years

## Career Prospects Graduates funded by the Department of Tourism Bursary enter careers across the public sector and the broader tourism industry, one of South Africa's largest employers. Within the **Department of Tourism** itself, graduates work in policy development, tourism marketing and promotion, research and statistics, financial management, IT systems, human resources, legal services, strategic planning, and monitoring and evaluation. The department offers structured career paths with opportunities for advancement to senior management. In the **broader tourism sector**, graduates pursue careers in hotel management, tour operations, destination marketing, event management, conservation tourism, eco-tourism development, and hospitality consulting. South Africa's tourism industry employs over 1.5 million people directly and indirectly, and continues to grow as the country attracts more international visitors. In **public administration**, graduates with qualifications in economics, public administration, business administration, and management enter careers across government departments, state-owned enterprises, and regulatory bodies. The skills developed through these qualifications are transferable across the entire public sector. **IT and data professionals** funded by this bursary are increasingly in demand across government as departments digitise their operations, build online service platforms, and use data analytics to inform policy decisions and measure programme effectiveness. **Finance and auditing** graduates enter careers in government financial management, the Auditor-General's office, National Treasury, and private sector audit firms. The public sector's emphasis on clean audits creates strong demand for qualified accountants and auditors. The work-back obligation means graduates gain immediate employment in a stable government environment with competitive benefits, building professional experience and networks that serve them throughout their careers.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## What fields of study does the Department of Tourism fund? The department funds over 22 fields including Accounting, Law, IT, Communications, Economics, Tourism Management, Data Sciences, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management, Statistics, and many more. Both undergraduate and postgraduate levels are covered. ## Is this bursary only for tourism students? No. While Tourism Management is one of the funded fields, the department also funds students in IT, Law, Accounting, Economics, Communications, Psychology, and many other disciplines needed to run a government department effectively. ## Do I need to work for the department after graduating? Yes. Students enter into a contractual obligation with the department, which typically involves a work-back period after completing your studies. The duration usually matches the number of years you were funded. ## Can postgraduate students apply? Yes. The bursary covers Honours, Master's, and PhD qualifications in addition to undergraduate Diplomas and Degrees. Postgraduate applicants must include a research proposal. ## Is the bursary renewable? Yes. The bursary covers the remainder of your studies and is renewed annually subject to satisfactory academic performance. ## Can I apply if I am employed? You cannot be employed by the Department of Tourism. The source material does not specify restrictions on other employment, but full-time study is required. ## What proof of income do I need? You must provide your parents' or guardians' latest payslips (if employed), an affidavit (if unemployed), or proof of SASSA grant or pension (if applicable). All documents must be certified. ## Can I submit my application by email? Yes. Email submissions go to Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za with the subject line "Department of Tourism Bursary 2026". You can also submit by post or hand delivery to Tourism House in Pretoria.

Applications Closing

Applications closed on 20 March 2026. This listing is retained for reference. Check back for the next application cycle.

About the Organization

Mr Gregory Moroke – Tel: 012 444 6166 Ms Marjorie Sibiya – Tel: 012 444 6174 Email: Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za