Department of Tourism Bursary: Supporting Future Tourism Leaders

The Department of Tourism Bursary is aimed at empowering South African students who wish to pursue a career in the tourism sector. Tourism is a vital part of the South African economy, and this bursary aims to develop the necessary skills and expertise to boost the industry further. The bursary is designed to assist financially disadvantaged students while addressing the skills gap in the tourism industry, supporting the government’s broader vision of sustainable tourism development.

1. Fields of Study Covered by the Department of Tourism Bursary

The Department of Tourism Bursary supports a variety of study fields that are essential for the growth and development of the tourism sector. These include, but are not limited to:

Tourism Management
Hospitality Management
Ecotourism
Travel and Tourism
Catering and Hotel Management
Conservation and Tourism
Sustainable Tourism
Event Management

These fields are aligned with the department’s objectives of promoting sustainable tourism development and enhancing the skills within the sector.

2. Eligibility Criteria for the Department of Tourism Bursary

To qualify for the Department of Tourism Bursary 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:

South African Citizen: Applicants must be South African citizens.
Financial Need: The bursary is targeted at students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Academic Achievement: Applicants must have a strong academic record. Typically, a minimum of 60% in Matric or current university results is required.
Field of Study: Applicants must be studying or intending to study in a tourism-related field at a recognized tertiary institution.
Full-Time Study: The bursary is only available to full-time students.
Tertiary Institution: The applicant must be accepted or registered at an accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.

3. Bursary Coverage

The Department of Tourism Bursary provides financial assistance to cover the following costs:

Tuition Fees: Full or partial coverage of tuition for the academic year.
Accommodation: Funding for accommodation costs for students who study away from home.
Textbooks and Study Materials: Support for the purchase of essential study materials.
Living Allowance: In some cases, a stipend may be provided to assist with daily living expenses.

4. How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Bursary

4.1. Obtain the Application Form

The bursary application form can be downloaded from the official Department of Tourism website or collected at the department’s offices.

4.2. Prepare the Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

A certified copy of their ID document
A certified copy of Matric results or the latest academic transcript
Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognized tertiary institution
A motivational letter outlining why the applicant deserves the bursary and their commitment to the tourism industry
Parent/guardian proof of income or an affidavit for unemployment
A reference letter from a teacher or community leader

4.3. Submit the Application

Applications should be submitted either by hand or email to the Department of Tourism before the closing date. Be sure to include all required documents to avoid disqualification.

5. Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Department of Tourism Bursary 2025 is typically in November or December. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Department of Tourism’s official website for confirmation of the exact deadline and other important details.

6. Benefits of the Department of Tourism Bursary

Financial Relief: The bursary helps students by covering key costs like tuition, accommodation, and study materials, reducing the financial burden on families.
Career Development: Successful bursary applicants may have the opportunity to intern or work within the tourism industry, gaining valuable practical experience.
Support for Local Industry: The bursary is part of a broader effort to strengthen South Africa’s tourism sector by developing a pool of skilled professionals.

7. Contact Information for the Department of Tourism Bursary

For more information about the Department of Tourism Bursary, interested applicants can contact the department via:

Website: www.tourism.gov.za
Email: callcentre@tourism.gov.za
Phone: +27 12 444 6000
Physical Address: Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001

Conclusion

The Department of Tourism Bursary for 2025 offers a unique opportunity for students interested in building a career in South Africa’s vibrant tourism industry. By alleviating the financial constraints of higher education, this bursary program aims to nurture future leaders who will contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector. Students who meet the eligibility requirements should apply early to benefit from this initiative and take a step towards achieving their academic and professional goals.

Bursaries with Unconfirmed Closing Dates

In addition to the bursaries listed above, several others have unconfirmed closing dates but are expected to close around this time. These include:

Accenture Scholarship: For students in technology and business-related fields.
Hatch Bursary: For engineering students.
Kearney Bursary: Targeted at students in management consulting and business.
Moshal Scholarship Program: For students demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
Mineral Processing Guru (MPG) Bursary: For students in mining and mineral processing.
PG Group Bursary: For engineering and technical studies.
WBHO Bursary: For civil engineering students.
Worley Bursary: For students in the engineering sector.

Ongoing Bursaries with No Deadline

For those who may not be ready to apply by October, there are also ongoing bursaries that accept applications year-round. These include:

Advance Africa Scholarship: Available to students in various fields of study.
BBD Bursary: For IT and software development students.
Career Wise Bursaries: Offers bursaries in various fields based on need and academic merit.
MINDS Scholarship: For African students pursuing leadership roles.
TTI Bursary: Focused on technical training and education.

Department of Tourism Bursary: Supporting Future Tourism Leaders