The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is once again inviting applications from passionate and committed South African students for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. These bursaries are designed to support full-time studies in a variety of fields that contribute towards the protection, management and sustainable use of South Africa’s natural resources.
Closing Date:
03 October 2025
Location:
South Africa (National)
What the Bursary Covers
The DFFE bursary programme provides financial assistance of up to R50,000 per year, which can be used towards tuition fees, books, study materials and other academic costs. Successful students will also sign a bursary agreement and will be required to complete an internship with the department after graduation.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursaries will be awarded in a wide range of environmental, scientific and management-related fields, including but not limited to:
- Environmental Science and Management (BSc, Hons, MSc, PhD)
- Conservation Ecology, Biodiversity and Marine Biology
- Civil Engineering, Engineering Management and GIS
- Forestry and Forest Science (ND, Degree, Hons, MSc, PhD)
- Fisheries and Marine Studies (Oceanography, Aquaculture, Zoology, Fisheries Economics)
- Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Environmental Economics
- Waste Management, Environmental Pollution and Chemical Engineering
- Biodiversity and Conservation (Botany, Zoology, Hydrology, Nature Conservation)
- Environmental Law, Regulatory Compliance and Governance
This wide scope ensures opportunities for students in both scientific and social fields related to the environment.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must have completed Matric (Grade 12) or currently be in Matric.
- Must be registered or intending to register for full-time studies at a recognized tertiary institution in 2026.
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students and students living with disabilities.
- Students who have already taken part in a public service internship programme will not be considered.
Required Documents
When applying, students must submit:
- A motivation letter explaining why they are applying for the bursary.
- A certified copy of their South African ID (applicant and parents/guardians).
- Latest academic record or Matric results if still in Grade 12.
- Certified copies of qualifications and registration documents (if already studying).
- Proof of income of parents/guardians, or an affidavit if unemployed.
- Death certificates (if parents are deceased).
How to Apply
Application forms can be downloaded from the official DFFE website: www.dffe.gov.za
Submission Options:
By Post:
Attention: Learning and Development (Bursary Section)
The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001
Hand Delivery / Courier:
- Pretoria Office: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
- Cape Town Office: Foretrust Building, 3 Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000
Contact Information
For queries, students can contact the DFFE bursary officials:
- Joshua Moepya: (012) 399 8682
- Busisiwe Stemele: (012) 399 8685
- Mokhobo Putu: (012) 399 9018
- Kgomotso Moela: (021) 402 3329
- Neliswa Magwala: (021) 814 8089
- Tumeka Madolo: (021) 402 3072
Final Thoughts
The DFFE bursary programme is a golden opportunity for young South Africans who are passionate about the environment, conservation, and sustainable development. By supporting students in various fields, the department not only invests in education but also in the country’s future environmental leadership.
If you are driven to make a difference in forestry, fisheries, oceans, climate change, biodiversity or environmental management, this bursary could be your pathway to success.
Apply before 03 October 2025 and take the first step towards shaping a greener, sustainable South Africa.
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