Dept of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary 2026

The Dept of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism (EC) / DEDEAT bursary provides financial support to students from the Eastern Cape in priority fields like economics, environment, and tourism. 

If you meet the criteria, having everything ready (results, documents, acceptance) will increase your chances of success.

About the Organisation

DEDEAT is a provincial government department in the Eastern Cape. 

It is responsible for supporting economic development, environmental management, and tourism growth in the province. 

Its bursary program aims to promote access to education for disadvantaged students in priority fields.

Fields of Study Funded

The bursary typically funds full-time tertiary study in these areas:

1. Economic Development / Commerce: Consumer Law Protection; Development Economics; Development Studies; Economics and Econometrics; Economics & Law; Economics & Politics; Public Finance; Statistics; Economics of Tourism
2. Environmental Sciences: Environmental Management; Environmental Science & Management; Air Quality Management; Pollution & Waste Management; Marine/coastal/environmental law; Biodiversity & Marine Management; Environmental Policy & Planning
3. Geography & Tourism-related fields: Geography of Tourism; Marine Management; Tourism Development; Coastal Management; Economic & Development Geography
4. Other relevant social or development studies: Public Administration & Management; Monitoring & Evaluation; Communication; Psychology; Applied Social Sciences

Benefits for Recipients

What the bursary generally covers:

1. Tuition fees and registration at a recognised tertiary institution.
2. Prescribed study materials/books.
3. Accommodation and meals, in some cases, up to certain amounts.
4. After completing studies, recipients are often required to do a one-year internship with DEDEAT.

Eligibility Criteria

You will likely need to satisfy all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be a resident of the Eastern Cape province.
3. Be 35 years of age or younger.
4. Demonstrate financial need (some sources say annual household income below R 5,000) or provide proof of parents/guardian income; if unemployed, an affidavit is required.
5. Have passed Matric (Grade 12), or be completing Matric, with a minimum overall symbol of “C” in past cycles.
6. Preference will be given to applicants from rural and impoverished areas.
7. If already at the tertiary level, likely need first-year results or proof of passing all relevant subjects.

How to Apply

Here are the usual steps:

1. Obtain the bursary application form from one of the following: DEDEAT Head Office (Bhisho), or your nearest DEDEAT Regional Office.
2. Fill in the form and attach the required supporting documents.
3. Submit form and documents either by hand or by email to DEDEAT. Email: externalbursaries@dedea.gov.za was given in past calls.
4. Application windows generally open around June to September each year.

Required Documents

You will typically need to include:

1. A certified copy of your South African ID.
2. Matric (Grade 12) certificate or latest Matric / June results (if still in Matric).
3. Proof of admission or acceptance by a recognised tertiary institution (if already accepted).
4. Parents’ or guardians’ ID and proof of income (payslips or affidavit if unemployed).
5. Proof of residence in the Eastern Cape (address).
6. Passport-size photo.

Closing Date

For the most recent call (2023/2026), the bursary closing date was 24 November 2023.

For 2026/2026, the closing date has not yet been officially confirmed.

Contact Details

For enquiries or collecting forms:

1. Head Office (Bhisho)
   Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
   Phalo House, Bhisho 5605
   Private Bag X0054, Bhisho, 5605
2. Regional Offices:
   • Amathole Regional Office (East London) — Ms Jacky Breetzke
   • Chris Hani Regional Office — Mr Nyhweba Dyani
   • Joe Gqabi Regional Office — Mr Thandile Tokwe
   • O.R. Tambo Regional Office — Asanda Sogoni
   • Sarah Baartman Regional Office, Cacadu, etc.
3. Email: externalbursaries@dedea.gov.za for application forms and enquiries.
4. Contact person: Mr Thabo Manentsa (Head Office contact in past calls)