Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE DFFE BURSARY COVER?

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies in the following fields:

** RELATED BURSARIES **

• View our other Government Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Science Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Postgraduate Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Bursaries OPEN for application here.

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE DFFE BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will be awarded for the maximum value of R80 000.

After graduation, bursary recipients will be required to participate in the internship program.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the DFFE Bursary.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE DFFE BURSARY?

Successful candidates will be contacted by no later than 31 January 2027 – if you do not receive any feedback by this date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

Successful bursary recipients will be required to sign a bursary contract with the department.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE DFFE BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently in Matric or you have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying full time, towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above
• You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• You must NOT be employed
• You must NOT be an employee of the DFFE
• You must NOT have previously participated in the public service internship program
• Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged candidates and those living with disabilities

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE DFFE BURSARY?

Download and complete the DFFE Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DFFE bursary.

Indicate the relevant reference number and qualification you are applying for, on the application form:

• BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION (Ref: B&C/01/2027)
• CHEMICALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT (Ref: CWM/01/2027)
• CLIMATE AND CHANGE AND AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (Ref: CCAQ/01/2027)
• ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES (Ref: EP/01/2027)
• FISHERIES MANAGEMENT (Ref: FISH/01/2027)
• FORESTRY MANAGEMENT (Ref: FOR/01/2027)
• OCEANS AND COASTS (Ref: OC/01/2027)
• REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SECTOR MONITORING (Ref: RCSM/01/2027)

Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:

Note: applications submitted via fax or email will NOT be accepted.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE DFFE BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
• Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
• Qualifications or certificates completed, if applicable (certified copies)
• Most recent academic records, if currently studying (certified copies)
• Proof of registration, if enrolled (on institutes letterhead)
• Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ proof of sassa grant or pension if applicable/ affidavit or death certificates if deceased)
• Motivational letter to support your application and explain why you should be awarded the bursary (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE DFFE BURSARY?

2 October 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) directly:

Please do NOT contact the DFFE if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES THE DFFE DO?

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is a South African government department responsible for managing and protecting the country’s natural environment and biodiversity. The department was established in 2019 following the restructuring of government departments, which brought together environmental affairs with forestry and fisheries functions.

Previously known as the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), the department adopted its current name, DFFE, in April 2021.

Its work includes environmental protection and conservation, sustainable management of forests and fisheries, biodiversity preservation, climate change initiatives, and promoting the responsible use of South Africa’s natural resources.

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This bursary listing was last updated in September 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.