Deadline: 03-Oct-2025
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is inviting applications for its DFFE Student Bursary Programme to promote representativity (race, gender and disability).
The bursary provides a maximum amount of R50,000.00 to eligible students. Applicants must be full-time students at a higher learning institution or individuals currently in Grade 12 (matric) who are not employed.
The bursary supports studies across a broad spectrum of environmental and conservation disciplines. These include Environmental Science and Management, Biological and Natural Sciences, Geography, Hydrology, Nature Conservation, Resource Economics, Zoology, Botany, Geology, and Environmental Law. Fields also extend to Chemicals and Waste Management, Climate and Air Quality, Environmental Programmes, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Forestry, Oceans and Coasts, as well as Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Law.
Supported qualifications range from diplomas to postgraduate degrees, covering areas such as engineering, ecology, biodiversity, sustainability, marine and fisheries studies, forestry management, GIS and remote sensing, climate change, economics, and legal studies.
Students who have previously participated in a public service internship are not eligible. Participation in the internship programme upon completion of studies is mandatory under the bursary contract, and regulations do not allow participation more than once.
Applicants must ensure that the application form clearly reflects the reference number and study field. Incomplete applications and submissions via fax or email will not be considered. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed bursary application form.
Correspondence will only be limited to shortlisted and successful candidates. Those who do not receive a response by the end of January 2026 should regard their application as unsuccessful. Successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary contract.
Required supporting documents include a motivation letter, certified copies of qualifications and academic records, certified copies of identity documents for the applicant and parents or guardian, proof of registration (if already enrolled), Grade 12 results (if still in school), proof of parents’ or guardian’s income, proof of deceased parents where applicable, and an affidavit if parents are unemployed.
The deadline for applications is 3 October 2025.
For more information, visit DFFE.