SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026

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Makhosazane Jiyane
As a Content Editor with a background in journalism and digital media, I specialise in creating engaging, high-quality content that connects with audiences and ranks on...
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SA College for Tourism Bursary

Build a Future in Tourism with the SA College for Tourism Bursary

Are you a young woman with a passion for hospitality and a dream of building a meaningful career? The SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026, offered in partnership with the MORE Collection Impact Fund, gives you the opportunity to gain accredited training, real-world experience, and a strong start in the tourism and hospitality industry.

This bursary is designed to uplift women from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them break the cycle of poverty through education and professional development in one of South Africa’s most dynamic sectors.

About the SA College for Tourism

The South African College for Tourism (SACT) is based in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, and is dedicated to providing high-quality, professional training for unemployed South Africans — especially women from rural communities.

The college focuses on nature-based and hospitality tourism, offering a one-year comprehensive hospitality training programme accredited by CATHSSETA and QCTO.

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Students are trained in every aspect of hospitality, including:

  • Front-of-house operations
  • Housekeeping
  • Food service
  • Guest relations
  • Event and lodge management

By the end of the programme, graduates are ready to take on skilled roles in lodges, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses across South Africa and beyond.

About the MORE Collection Impact Fund

The MORE Collection Impact Fund is part of the MORE Family Collection, a hospitality group known for its luxury lodges and conservation-focused tourism.

Through the motto “Impact that Ripples”, the Fund invests in four key areas:

  1. Education and Training
  2. Community Development
  3. Environmental Conservation
  4. Responsible Tourism

The partnership with the SA College for Tourism Bursary is part of their ongoing commitment to empower communities through education — ensuring that young women gain the skills and confidence to succeed in the hospitality sector.

What the SA College for Tourism Bursary Covers

Successful bursary recipients receive full financial support for the duration of their one-year training. The SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026 includes:

  • Full tuition fees for the hospitality programme
  • Accommodation and meals during the training
  • Learning materials and uniforms
  • Practical training and industry exposure
  • Career guidance and job placement support

This bursary ensures that learners can focus fully on their studies without financial stress, while gaining practical experience in real hospitality environments.

Who Can Apply for the SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026?

The bursary is aimed at young South African women who meet the following criteria:

  • Aged 18 to 34 years old
  • South African citizen
  • Completed Matric (Grade 12)
  • From a rural or disadvantaged background
  • Combined household income of R100,000 or less per year
  • Have not previously completed tertiary education
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in hospitality and tourism

Required Application Documents

To apply for the SA College for Tourism Bursary, applicants must submit:

  1. A certified copy of your South African ID
  2. A certified copy of your Matric certificate
  3. A detailed CV
  4. Academic record (if applicable)
  • Closing Date: 17 October 2025
  • Location: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape
  • Contract Term: 12 months

If you need more information or help completing your application, you can contact the SA College for Tourism directly through their official website.

How to Apply for the SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026

Applying for the SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026 is a simple process but attention to detail is important. Applicants must ensure that their documents are complete and submitted on time to be considered for the 2026 intake. Follow the step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents

Before you start your application, make sure you have clear, certified copies of the following:

  • Your South African ID (must be valid and certified within the last 3 months)
  • Your Matric Certificate (or statement of results if you’re waiting for the official certificate)
  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) showing your background, education, and any experience (formal or informal) related to hospitality, tourism, or customer service
  • Academic records from any other institution you may have attended (if applicable)

Tip: Keep both digital (PDF) and physical copies of these documents, as you may need to upload or email them depending on how you apply.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Carefully fill in the online bursary application form, or download a printable version if required. The form typically asks for:

  • Personal information (name, contact details, ID number)
  • Family or household income details
  • Education history
  • Motivation for applying
  • Reference contact information

Write a strong motivation paragraph explaining:

  • Why you want to study hospitality
  • What drives your passion for tourism
  • How receiving the SA College for Tourism Bursary would change your life and community

Tip: Use honest, clear language and focus on your personal journey, determination, and potential, these are qualities that selection panels value.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once your form is complete, double-check that all the required documents are attached or uploaded.

You can:

  • Submit online through the college’s official website (recommended), or
  • Email your completed application and documents to the contact email provided on the bursary page.

Be sure to name your documents clearly, for example:

“YourName_SACT_Bursary2026_ID.pdf”

This helps the admissions team find your files easily.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 17 October 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Early submissions are strongly encouraged because the SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026 programme has limited spaces and competition is high.

After submitting, keep an eye on your email and phone for updates, shortlisted candidates are usually contacted directly by the college for interviews or further assessments.

Why Apply for the SA College for Tourism Bursary

The SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026 offers more than just financial aid, it provides a pathway to a sustainable, meaningful career. Graduates emerge with:

  • Accredited hospitality qualifications
  • Hands-on industry experience
  • Professional networks and mentorship
  • Improved employment prospects in tourism and hospitality
  • Empowerment and independence through skills development

The hospitality industry in South Africa is expanding, and qualified graduates are in demand, especially those with practical training and a passion for service.

Training Location – Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape

The SA College for Tourism is located in Graaff-Reinet, a historic town in the Karoo region of the Eastern Cape. The peaceful, nature-rich environment provides the perfect setting for focused learning and personal growth.

Students also benefit from being close to eco-lodges and conservation areas, giving them real-world exposure to sustainable tourism operations.

The SA College for Tourism Bursary 2026 is a golden opportunity for young women from rural South Africa to transform their futures through education.

By combining accredited training, personal development, and career support, this bursary builds more than hospitality professionals, it builds confident, capable women who can make a real impact in their communities.

Don’t miss your chance to apply before 17 October 2025.

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As a Content Editor with a background in journalism and digital media, I specialise in creating engaging, high-quality content that connects with audiences and ranks on search engines. At Nasi Ispani, I oversee content creation and editorial direction, ensuring South Africans have access to valuable insights on careers, education, government grants, and NSFAS funding.