Department of Tourism Bursary 2025

The vision of the Department of Tourism Bursary Program is to help raise future leaders within the South African tourism sector.

It provides financial assistance to eligible South African students enrolled in accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs relevant to the tourism industry.

About the Department of Tourism Bursary

Some of the fields of study the Department of Tourism bursary supports include hospitality management, tourism management, event management, travel and tourism, conservation, and cultural studies, among others.

By investing in promising individuals, the program strives to cultivate a skilled and qualified workforce that will push the sustainable growth and development of the country’s tourism sector.

Department of Tourism Bursary Application Form

The application process for the Department of Tourism Bursary is straightforward and can be completed online or through manual submission.

Online Applications:

  1. Visit the Department of Tourism’s official website.
  2. Go to the “Careers” section and click on “Bursaries.”
  3. Download the relevant application form (separate forms for undergraduate and postgraduate studies are available).
  4. Complete the form electronically and submit it online along with the required supporting documents (see The Department of Tourism Bursary Requirements section below).

Manual Applications:

  1. Download the application form from the Department of Tourism’s website.
  2. Print the form, complete it manually, and sign it.
  3. Compile all the required supporting documents (see The Department of Tourism Bursary Requirements section below).
  4. Submit the completed application package, including the signed form and supporting documents. You can send them through email to: lshiviti@tourism.gov.za OR ktaunyane@tourism.gov.za OR kmalemela@tourim.gov.za (Use “Bursary application: Ms/Mr” as the email subject). Or submit them to any of the following addresses:

1. Through Post:
Director-General
Department of Tourism
Private Bag X424
Pretoria
0001.

2. By personal delivery:
Director-General
Tourism House
17 Trevena Street
Sunnyside
0002.

Department of Tourism Bursary Requirements

To be eligible for the Department of Tourism bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen.
  2. Have good academic standing (minimum academic requirements vary depending on the program you are applying for).
  3. Be registered for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program relevant to the tourism industry at an accredited South African university or college.
  4. Demonstrate financial need.
  5. Not be a recipient of another bursary or scholarship that covers the full cost of your studies.

Required supporting documents:

  1. Certified copy of your ID document.
  2. Certified copies of your academic transcripts.
  3. Proof of registration at your chosen institution.
  4. Certified copy of your matric certificate.
  5. Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income (latest payslips or affidavit if unemployed).
  6. A motivational letter outlining your academic goals, career aspirations, and reasons for needing the bursary.
  7. Honours and Masters students must also submit a research proposal.

Department of Tourism Bursary Closing Date

The application window for the 2024 Department of Tourism Bursary was on 27 October 2023.

I strongly recommend staying updated on the Department of Tourism’s website or following their social media platforms for the latest information regarding the application period and deadlines.

For any inquiries related to the Department of Tourism Bursary, you can contact the Skills Development Unit at the Department of Tourism by phone:

Mr L. Shiviti (Tel: 012 444 6172 / Email: lshiviti@tourism.gov.za)
Ms K. Taunyane (Tel: 012 444 6164 / Email: ktaunyane@tourism.gov.za)
Ms K. Malemela (Tel: 012 444 6191 / Email: kmalemela@tourim.gov.za)