The National Department of Tourism (NDT) is offering external bursary opportunities for the 2026 academic year to support South African students pursuing studies in fields that contribute to the growth, sustainability, and transformation of the tourism sector and related industries.
This bursary programme forms part of the department’s broader commitment to developing skills, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting economic growth through education and professional development.
The opportunity is open to students who are already enrolled or planning to study at recognised higher education institutions in South Africa.
Purpose of the Bursary Programme
The bursary programme is aimed at supporting academically capable students who may need financial assistance to complete their studies.
Through this initiative, the Department of Tourism seeks to help build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the tourism sector, public service, research environment, and broader economic development of South Africa.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The Department of Tourism bursary programme focuses on several important goals:
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic support | Assist students in fields linked to tourism and national development |
| Skills development | Build a pool of qualified professionals for the tourism and public sectors |
| Access to education | Promote access to higher education opportunities for deserving students |
| Research and innovation | Strengthen strategic planning, research, and innovation capacity |
Students who are awarded the bursary will be supported in completing their studies while contributing to the long-term development goals of the tourism sector.
Qualifications Covered by the Bursary
The bursary is available to students studying or intending to study the following qualifications at recognised higher education institutions:
| Qualification Type |
|---|
| Diploma |
| Degree |
| Honours |
| Master’s |
| MTech |
| PhD |
Fields of Study Supported
The Department of Tourism bursary supports a wide range of study fields that are considered important to the development of tourism and related sectors.
Applicants must be studying or planning to study in one of the approved disciplines listed below:
| Supported Field of Study |
|---|
| Tourism Management |
| Accounting / Financial Accounting / Management Accounting |
| Bachelor of Law |
| Business Analytics |
| Communications / Communication Science / Communication Design / Graphic Design / Strategic Communication |
| Computer Science / Information Technology / Software Development |
| Construction Management |
| Data Sciences / Data Analytics |
| Development Studies |
| Digital Transformation |
| 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 |
| Monitoring and Evaluation |
| Public Administration / Business Administration |
| Risk Management |
| Statistics |
| Supply Chain Management |
These fields reflect the wide-ranging skills needed to strengthen tourism, governance, infrastructure, communication, planning, technology, and service delivery in South Africa.
Duration of the Bursary
The bursary will be awarded for the remaining duration of the approved academic programme.
Funding will be renewed each year, provided that the student maintains satisfactory academic performance and continues to meet the requirements of the bursary programme.
Successful applicants will also be required to sign a formal agreement with the Department of Tourism. This agreement will outline the responsibilities, conditions, and expectations attached to receiving the bursary.
Who the Programme Is Intended For
The bursary programme is intended for students who:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic potential | Show strong academic ability or promise |
| Financial need | May require financial support to continue or complete their studies |
| Approved qualification | Are enrolled in or intend to pursue an approved qualification |
| Relevant field | Are studying in a field that supports tourism and national development |
| Recognised institution | Will study at a recognised higher education institution |
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official bursary application form and submit it through one of the approved application channels.
The application form can be obtained from the Department of Tourism’s official website or collected from the department’s reception area.
Submission Methods
Completed application forms can be submitted using any of the following methods:
| Submission Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Hand Delivery | Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0002 |
| Postal Submission | Tourism House, Private Bag X 424, Pretoria, 0001 |
| Email Submission | [email protected] |
Applicants should ensure that all required information and supporting documents are included when submitting their applications. Incomplete submissions may result in delays or disqualification.
Closing Date for Applications
All applications for the 2026 academic year must be submitted before the official deadline.
| Important Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Closing Date | 20 April 2026 |
Late applications or incomplete submissions may not be considered. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Important Notes for Applicants
Applicants should take note of the following important points:
| Note | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete application required | Missing documents or incomplete forms may lead to disqualification |
| Late submissions | Applications received after the closing date may not be considered |
| Communication | Only successful applicants will be contacted |
| Official enquiries | All questions should be directed to the Department of Tourism |
If applicants do not receive feedback after the selection process, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Contact Details for Enquiries
For more information or clarification about the bursary programme, applicants may contact the following officials:
| Contact Person | Telephone Number |
|---|---|
| Mr Gregory Moroke | 012 444 6166 |
| Ms Marjorie Sibiya | 012 444 6174 |
These contacts may assist with application guidance, eligibility questions, and general bursary-related information.
Supporting Skills Development in Tourism
The National Department of Tourism continues to prioritise education and professional development as important tools for growing the sector and building long-term institutional capacity.
By investing in students across a variety of disciplines, the department aims to strengthen South Africa’s tourism ecosystem while supporting the next generation of professionals, researchers, planners, and decision-makers.
This bursary programme offers a valuable opportunity for students who are committed to academic excellence and who want to contribute meaningfully to tourism development and national progress.
Final Overview
The National Department of Tourism bursary for the 2026 academic year is an important opportunity for South African students pursuing studies in tourism-related and strategic development fields.
The programme supports students across multiple qualification levels and disciplines, with the goal of strengthening the country’s tourism industry and broader public sector capacity.
Students who meet the requirements should complete the application form, attach all necessary documents, and submit their applications before 20 April 2026 through one of the official channels provided.
