Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT)

The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) drives the province’s economic growth strategy, manages environmental affairs and promotes tourism as an economic sector. DEDEAT works from its head office at Block 16, Business Village, in Bhisho.

Registered name

Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT)

Type

Provincial government department (Eastern Cape)

Fields funded

Environmental science, tourism management, agriculture, marine biology, economics and development studies

Website

dedea.gov.za

A bursary with a public-service purpose

DEDEAT funds its external bursary under a public-service mandate rather than as corporate social investment. DEDEAT’s aim is to build the pool of skilled graduates the province needs in the fields the department oversees, and to widen access to higher education for students from previously disadvantaged Eastern Cape communities.

The provider record BursariesAfrica consulted lists DEDEAT’s priority fields as environmental science, tourism management, agriculture, marine biology, economics and development studies. Those fields match the department’s work: protecting the Eastern Cape’s coastline and nature reserves, growing tourism along routes such as the Wild Coast, and supporting economic development in a province with high unemployment.

When DEDEAT advertises

DEDEAT’s closing dates have varied. The 2026 round closed on 31 December 2025, while the 2024 round closed on 24 November 2023. DEDEAT usually advertises in November, and the 2027 call had not been published when BursariesAfrica checked, so Eastern Cape students should expect forms between November and December 2026.

How to research and prepare

DEDEAT’s website provides limited bursary information outside the application period, so contact the department’s head office in Bhisho from October and ask when the 2027 forms will appear, which fields the department will prioritise and which institutions qualify. Ask as well whether bursars must work for DEDEAT or the provincial government after completing their studies, because provincial bursaries often include a service obligation.

DEDEAT oversees entities such as the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency and supports industrial development zones, so a student interested in conservation, tourism or economic development can explain how their studies connect to the department’s work in the province.

Prepare proof of Eastern Cape residence, certified copies of your ID and results, and proof of registration or acceptance before November. A December deadline falls during the holidays, when offices close for long periods, so submit well before the final day.

See our Eastern Cape Government Bursaries page for other provincial funders.