The Department of Tourism is a key branch of the South African government, tasked with promoting and developing tourism both within South Africa and from other countries to South Africa.
The department’s vision is to foster sustainable tourism development, driving economic growth in South Africa. Their goals include increasing investment in the tourism sector, nurturing a culture of tourism among South Africans, boosting inbound tourism, and enhancing the sector’s contribution to economic growth and job creation.
About the Department of Tourism Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The Department of Tourism invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2025 academic year. Bursaries are available for Undergraduate (Diploma/Degree) and Postgraduate (Honours/MSc/MTech Masters/PhD) studies in the following fields:
- Development Studies
- Digital Technologies
- Economics
- Graphic Design
- International Relations
- Migration Studies
- Policy Development
- Risk Management / Ethics Integrity / Business Community Management
- Social Science
- Tourism Development
- Tourism Marketing
More About the Department of Tourism Bursary Programme – Renewal & Selection
The bursary will cover students for the remainder of their studies and is renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance. Recipients will be required to enter into a contractual obligation with the department. Successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for the Department of Tourism Bursary
To apply, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying full-time towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate qualification in one of the fields listed above
- Be studying at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Not be employed by the Department of Tourism
How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Bursary
Download and complete the Department of Tourism Bursary Application Form 2025 (.pdf).
Alternatively, hard copy application forms can be collected from the reception of the Department of Tourism.
Enter “busa.hlayiso.com” when asked how you heard about the Department of Tourism Bursary.
Submit clear copies of the following documents with your completed application form:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Most recent academic records/transcripts (certified copy)
- Proof of registration at a tertiary institution (certified copy)
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of SASSA grant or pension if applicable) (certified copies)
- Motivational letter supporting your application
- Research proposal for Honors and Masters students
Submit your application via one of the following methods:
- Email: lshiviti@tourism.gov.za OR Bursary2025@tourism.gov.za OR kmalemela@tourism.gov.za (use “Department of Tourism Bursary 2025” in the email subject line).
- Post:
- Tourism House
- Private Bag X424
- Pretoria
- 0001
- (For attention: Skills Development)
- Hand delivery:
- Tourism House
- 17 Trevena Street
- Sunnyside
- 0002
- (For attention: Skills Development)
Closing Date
13 December 2024 – be sure to apply before this date to be considered.
Contact Details
For any queries related to this bursary programme, contact the Department of Tourism directly:
- Mr. Lucky Shiviti – Tel: 012 444 6172
- Ms. Kgomotso Taunyane – Tel: 012 444 6164
- Ms. Koketso Malemela – Tel: 012 444 6191