DEDEAT Bursary 2026 Requirements & How To Apply

The DEDEAT Bursary supports students in Eastern Cape who plan to study in economic development, environment or tourism fields. 

Because funds are limited and priority is given to those in disadvantaged communities, early preparation and applying as soon as calls open is essential.

About the Organisation

The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) is a provincial government department in Eastern Cape. 

It aims to foster economic growth, environmental sustainability, and tourism development in the province. 

The bursary program is part of its strategy to build skills for priority disciplines.

Fields of Study Funded

DEDEAT supports students in these areas:

1. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) specialisations: Economics and Statistics; Public Finance; Economics and Law; Economics and Politics; Economics and Econometrics; Development Economics; Economics of Tourism; Development Studies; Consumer Law Protection
2. Bachelor of Science (BSc) specialisations: Animal, Plant & Environmental Studies; Environmental Science & Management; Economic & Development Geography; Geography of Tourism; Coastal Management; Environmental and Geographic Studies; Environmental Law; Marine Management; Tourism Development
3. Other related fields: Applied Social Sciences; Public Administration & Management; Monitoring and Evaluation; Communication; Psychology

Benefits for Recipients

From available sources the bursary generally covers:

1. Tuition fees at a recognised tertiary institution within South Africa.
2. Prescribed study materials (books, possibly other learning materials).
3. Possibly accommodation and meals, in some cases, (sometimes up to a limit)
4. After graduating, recipients may be required to do a one-year internship with DEDEAT.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following to have a chance:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be resident in the Eastern Cape province.
3. Be 35 years old or younger.
4. Be in financial need. There are references to max household income like no more than R5,000 per annum in some listings.
5. Must have completed Matric, or be in Matric, or have “progress reports” where applicable.
6. Be intending to study or already studying full-time at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in one of the funded fields.
7. Preference given to applicants from rural and impoverished areas.
8. Applicants who have not already been awarded a DEDEAT bursary before may be prioritised.

How to Apply

1. Application forms must be obtained from DEDEAT regional offices or the Head Office (Bhisho) or downloaded from DEDEAT’s website.
2. Completed forms, along with required documents (see next section), must be submitted. In past cycles, emailed applications (to externalbursaries@dedea.gov.za) have been accepted.
3. Offices of application include the regional DEDEAT offices in Amathole, Chris Hani, OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman, etc.

Required Documents

You will likely need to provide:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID document.
2. Matric certificate (if completed) or Matric progress report (if still in Matric).
3. Proof of residence (address) in the Eastern Cape.
4. Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income or affidavit if unemployed.
5. Acceptance letter or proof of registration from the tertiary institution you plan to attend.
6. Proof of performance in relevant subjects (passed required subjects).

Closing Date

For the 2026 cycle, the closing date was 24 November 2023. The 2026 closing date has not yet been confirmed.

Contact Details

If you have enquiries, you can reach out to:

1. Head Office: Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Bhisho, Eastern Cape
2. Email: externalbursaries@dedea.gov.za
3. Regional offices:
     • Amathole Regional Office (East London)
     • Chris Hani, O.R Tambo, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman etc.