Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bursary (DFFE) 2026 Requirements & How to Apply

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) bursary offers up to R50,000 for South African students in environmental, natural resource, forestry, fisheries, and related fields. 

If you meet the eligibility requirements now, preparing your documents will ensure you can apply immediately when the application opens.

About the Organisation

The DFFE is a national government department that protects, manages, and conserves South Africa’s environment, biodiversity, forests, fisheries, and natural resources. 

Its bursary scheme helps build capacity for environmental management, sustainability, and conservation among previously disadvantaged individuals and persons with disabilities.

Fields of Study Funded

Here are some of the fields supported under past DFFE bursary calls:

1. Biodiversity & Conservation (e.g. Nature Conservation, Zoology, Botany, Archaeology)
2. Chemicals & Waste Management
3. Climate Change & Air Quality Management
4. Environmental Programmes (Geographic Information Systems, Wetland Science, Project Management)
5. Forestry Management
6. Fisheries Management (Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Aquatic Science)
7. Oceans & Coasts including Oceanography, Marine Science
8. Regulatory Compliance & Sector Monitoring (Environmental Law, Environmental Impact Assessment, Administrative Law)

Benefits for Recipients

• Maximum bursary amount has been R50,000.
• The bursary supports both Grade 12 (Matric) learners and full-time tertiary students.
• Successful applicants are expected to sign a bursary contract.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must satisfy all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen
2. Be in Grade 12 (Matric) or have completed Matric, or be a full-time student at a higher education institution
3. Be not employed (i.e. not working) at the time of applying
4. Have proof of registration / acceptance if already in tertiary study
5. Preference is given to previously disadvantaged students and persons with disabilities
6. Students who have previously taken part in the public service internship programme are ineligible.

How to Apply

1. The bursary application form is available from the DFFE website when the call is open.
2. Applicants must clearly indicate the reference number (for the field of study) on the application form.
3. Submit completed form with required documentation. No faxed or emailed applications are accepted; use hand deliveries, courier, or postal service.

Required Documents

You will need the following:

1. Certified copy of your ID document
2. Recent Matric results if in Grade 12; or Matric certificate if completed
3. Academic records / transcripts if currently studying at a higher education institution
4. Proof of registration (if already enrolled)
5. Proof of parents or guardians’ income; affidavit if unemployed; death certificate if parents deceased
6. Motivation letter explaining why you deserve the bursary

Closing Date

The last confirmed closing date for a previous call was 18 October 2024 for the 2025 academic year.

For 2026, no published closing date is confirmed yet. Stay alert for announcements via the DFFE website, national papers, and social media.

Contact Details

For all applications and enquiries, address to:

1. Postal Address:
   Learning & Development (Bursary Section)
   The Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
   Private Bag X447
   Pretoria, 0001
   
2. Hand / Courier Deliveries:
   Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Cnr Steve Biko & Soutpansberg Road, Arcadia, Pretoria
   Foretrust Building, No. 3 Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town
3. Contact Persons:
   Joshua Moepya (Pretoria) Tel: 012 399 8682
   Busisiwe Stemele Tel: 012 399 8685
   Kgomotso Moela Tel: 021 402 3329 (Cape Town)