The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting South African students to apply for bursaries for the 2026 academic year. These bursaries are aimed at full-time students pursuing studies in fields linked to environmental sustainability, forestry, fisheries, oceans, biodiversity, climate change, waste management, and compliance.
Closing Date: 03 October 2025
Location: South Africa (National)
About the DFFE Bursary Programme
The DFFE bursary programme plays a crucial role in supporting South Africa’s environmental priorities. By funding studies across diverse environmental and scientific disciplines, the department ensures that talented students have the opportunity to gain the qualifications needed to safeguard and manage the country’s natural resources.
Successful applicants will receive financial assistance of up to R50,000 per annum, which contributes towards tuition, study materials, and living expenses. Upon graduation, bursary holders will be required to complete an internship programme within the public sector, further developing their skills and contributing to South Africa’s environmental management efforts.
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will be awarded in the following fields of study:
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
Forestry Management (Ref: FOR/01/2026)
- Forestry Management and Forest Science (ND, Degree, Hons, MSc, PhD)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry/Forest Science
- B Agric Hons / Rural Development Planning
- BSc Forestry
- MSc Conservation Ecology
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
- Biochemistry, Microbiology
- Data Science, Risk Management
Fisheries Management (Ref: FISH/01/2026)
- Oceanography, Marine Biology, Ichthyology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science
- Zoology (freshwater fisheries)
- Maritime Studies / Maritime Law
- Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics (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
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
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
Climate Change and Air Quality Management (Ref: CCAQ/01/2026)
- Environmental Science, Environmental Management
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Chemistry, Geography, Archaeology
- Sustainable Development
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 the DFFE Bursaries 2026, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have Grade 12 (Matric) as a minimum requirement.
- Be a full-time student or currently in Grade 12 and planning to register.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.
- Not have participated in the public service internship programme before.
Successful applicants will sign a bursary contract and commit to completing an internship programme after graduation.
Required Documents
Applicants must include the following with their application:
- A motivation letter.
- Certified copies of ID (applicant and parents/guardians).
- Proof of registration (if already studying) or latest Grade 12 results (if in matric).
- Certified copies of qualifications and academic transcripts.
- Proof of income of parents/guardians OR affidavit if unemployed.
- Proof of death (if parents are deceased).
How to Apply
The prescribed bursary application form is available for download on the official website: www.dffe.gov.za
Submission Methods
By Post:
Attention: 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 may contact:
- 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 Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursaries 2026 provide a valuable opportunity for South African students interested in pursuing studies in environmental, forestry, fisheries, and related fields. With financial support and career development opportunities, this bursary opens doors for students to contribute to the protection and sustainable use of South Africa’s natural resources.
Application Closing Date: 03 October 2025