South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) Scholarship 2026/ 2027

 

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER – SACO

The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) was established by the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, with the main goal of developing a comprehensive cultural information system in South Africa.

SACO is a national statistical and socio-economic research project that is hosted by and based at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and co-hosted in partnership with Rhodes University (RU) and the University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN).

SACO’s main research focus areas are arts, tourism, heritage, libraries and museums, and such research will support the development of intellectual capacity across these sectors.
 

ABOUT THE SACO SCHOLARSHIP – FIELDS COVERED

The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is inviting students to apply for their scholarship programme, for the 2026 – 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for Postgraduate degrees studies, in areas aligned with the Creative, Cultural, Heritage, or Sports sectors.

The research project must align with the focus areas of the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), particularly within the fields of sport, culture, the creative economy, or related industries.

SACO believes in the power of education to change lives and shape the future, which is why they are offering scholarships to help talented students reach their academic goals.
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

• View our other Postgraduate Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Bursaries OPEN for application here.

 

ABOUT THE SACO SCHOLARSHIP – EXPENSES COVERED

The scholarship will provide funding towards tuition fees and other study-related expenses, capped at R40 000.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the SACO scholarship.

The scholar and their supervisor(s) must submit a research or working paper to SACO based on the work completed during the course of the degree. Any published work must also include a formal acknowledgement of SACO’s support.

Scholarship awards are granted at the discretion of SACO’s Executive Director, with preference given to applicants from designated groups in line with SACO’s commitment to transformation.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SACO SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident in South Africa
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards a Postgraduate degree within one of the fields of study listed above
• You must be studying at a university in South Africa
• You must be passionate about the intersection of culture, economy, and research

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SACO SCHOLARSHIP

Download and complete the SACO Scholarship Application Form 2026 (.docx)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the SACO Scholarship.

Please note: the application form must be typed – handwritten applications will not be considered.
 

Submit the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document or proof of Permanent Residency (certified copy)
• Full academic record
• Official university degree certificates (certified copies)
• Admission letter indicating full time registration (if available)
• Contact details and signature of supervisor or Head of Department (to be completed on the application form)
• Motivational letter outlining your intended direction of research (150 to 200 words)

 

Students who meet the above criteria, may apply via email to: Chadwin.DuPlessis@mandela.ac.za
(Insert the words “SACO Scholarship 2026” in the email subject line).
 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE SACO SCHOLARSHIP

31 August 2025 (at 12:00).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SLR directly:
Contact person: Mr C du Plessis
Email: Chadwin.DuPlessis@mandela.ac.za
 

Please do NOT contact the SACO if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in July 2025.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.