The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting South African students to apply for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary initiative is designed to support full-time students pursuing qualifications in key fields linked to the environment, climate, forestry, oceans, waste management, biodiversity, and compliance.
Closing Date: 03 October 2025
Location: South Africa (National)
Fields of Study Covered
The DFFE bursaries are awarded in a wide variety of study areas across several categories:
1. Environmental Programmes (Ref: EP/01/2026)
- Environmental Management/Science (BSc, Hons, MSc, PhD)
- Conservation Ecology, Biodiversity, Biology
- Marine Biology
- Civil Engineering / Engineering Management
- GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
- Ecological Economics
- Sustainability Learning (Postgraduate Diploma/Masters)
- Project Management (ND, Degree, Hons, MA, PhD)
- Resource Economics / Social Innovation
- Natural Resource Management
- Wildlife Management
2. Forestry Management (Ref: FOR/01/2026)
- Forestry / Forest Science (ND, Degree, Hons, MSc, PhD)
- Forestry Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry/Forest Science
- B Agric Hons / Rural Development Planning
- BSc Forestry
- MSc Conservation Ecology
3. Chemicals and Waste Management (Ref: CWM/01/2026)
- Environmental Science, Management, Health, Law, Education (ND – DTech)
- Waste Management
- Geography, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology
- Environmental Pollution, Ecotoxicology, Remediation Studies
- Exposure Science (Environmental Science focus)
- Geohydrology, Civil Engineering
- Data Science, Risk Management
4. Fisheries Management (Ref: FISH/01/2026)
- Oceanography, Marine Biology, Ichthyology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science
- Zoology (freshwater fisheries)
- Maritime Studies / Maritime Law
- Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science (modelling)
- Electrical/Mechanical Engineering (marine related)
- International Marine and Environmental Law / Governance
- GIS and Remote Sensing / Environmental Informatics
- Climate Change and Sustainable Development
- Economics, Agricultural Economics, Fisheries Economics
- Accounting Science / Development Finance
5. Oceans and Coasts (Ref: OC/01/2026)
- Coastal & Marine Engineering (erosion, rehabilitation)
- Urban Design, Town & Regional Planning, Architecture, Surveying
- Climate Change, Policy, Sustainability (Masters/PhD)
- Marine Spatial Planning
- Physical Oceanography
- Marine Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Genetics, Marine Biology
- Environmental Economics / Maritime Economics
6. Biodiversity and Conservation (Ref: B&C/01/2026)
- Environmental Management, Science, Biological Sciences
- Natural Sciences Management, Geography, Hydrology
- Ecotourism and Game Range Management
- Nature Conservation (ND/BTech/Postgraduate)
- Zoology, Botany
- Ecological Engineering Sciences
- Environmental Law / Legislation
- Geology, Water Resource Management
7. Climate Change and Air Quality Management (Ref: CCAQ/01/2026)
- Environmental Science, Environmental Management
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Chemistry, Geography, Archaeology
- Sustainable Development
8. Regulatory Compliance and Sector Monitoring (Ref: RCSM/01/2026)
- Law (LLB, LLM, BA Law, Paralegal Diploma)
- Environmental Sciences/Management
- Geography, Geoinformatics
- Environmental Impact Assessment
Bursary Requirements
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have Grade 12 (Matric) as a minimum requirement
- Must be a full-time student or currently completing Grade 12
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students and students with disabilities
- Maximum bursary value: R50,000 per annum
Note: Students who have previously taken part in a public service internship are not eligible. Successful candidates will be required to sign a bursary contract and complete an internship programme after graduation.
Required Documents
Applicants must include the following when applying:
- Motivation letter
- Certified copy of ID (applicant and parents/guardians)
- Proof of registration (if enrolled) or latest Grade 12 results (if in matric)
- Certified copies of qualifications and latest academic results
- Proof of household income OR affidavit if parents/guardians are unemployed
- Proof of death (if parents are deceased)
How to Apply
The prescribed application form is available for download from: www.dffe.gov.za
Submission Options
By Post:
Learning and Development (Bursary Section)
The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Private Bag X447
Pretoria
0001
Hand Delivery / Courier:
- Pretoria: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Cnr Steve Biko & Soutpansberg Road, Arcadia, Pretoria
- Cape Town: Foretrust Building, No. 3 Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000
Contact Details
For enquiries, applicants can reach out to:
- 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
Conclusion
The DFFE Bursary Programme 2026 is an opportunity for students passionate about the environment, forestry, fisheries, and sustainable development to receive financial support and career guidance. With bursaries available in diverse fields, this programme not only funds education but also secures future skills for South Africa’s environmental and economic growth. Students who qualify are encouraged to prepare their documents and apply before the deadline.
