Overview

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 development and sustainability of the tourism sector and related industries.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting academic development in fields that contribute to tourism and national development
Building a pipeline of skilled professionals for the tourism and public sectors
Promoting access to higher education opportunities
Strengthening research, innovation, and strategic planning capabilities within the industry

Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to pursue qualifications at recognised higher education institutions in the following fields:

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

Eligible qualifications include Diploma, Degree, Honours, Master’s, MTech, and PhD programmes.

Benefits

The bursary will cover the remaining duration of the approved academic programme and will be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Location

South Africa

How to Apply

Complete the official bursary application form and submit it via hand delivery, postal submission, or email to Bursary2026@tourism.gov.za. Application forms can be obtained from the Department of Tourism’s official website or collected at the department’s reception area.