DFFE Bursary Programme for 2026

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is proud to announce its 2026 Bursary Programme, aimed at supporting passionate and deserving South African youth in their pursuit of higher education. This bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to full-time students enrolled at institutions of higher learning as well as Grade 12 learners preparing to enter tertiary education. If you are not employed and ready to invest in your future, this opportunity could be your stepping stone toward academic and career success.

Who Can Apply?

The bursary is open to:

Full-time students already registered at a recognized institution of higher learning.
Grade 12 (Matric) learners planning to further their studies after school.
Unemployed individuals who meet the academic and financial criteria.

The DFFE is committed to empowering South African youth and ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder academic potential.

Fields of Study:

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION (Ref: B&C/01/2026)

ND/Degree Environmental Management / B Environmental Science Degree/ Biological science
B Sc Natural Sciences Management, Geography and Hydrology
ND/ Degree Eco tourism and game range management
ND/ BA Degree Environmental economics
ND / BTech / Post Graduate Diploma, Nature Conservation
B Degree in Ecological Engineering Sciences
B Degree in Resource Economics
N Dip/BTech Nature conservation
BSc Zoology and Botany
Environmental legislation/ Law – BSc Environmental Management/ legislation/ Law
Geology – BSc Geology
ND/ BSC Environmental Resource Management, Hydrology and Water Resources Management

CHEMICALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT (Ref: CWM/01/2026)

ND/ B Tech/ M Tech/ D Tech (Environmental Science/ Environmental Management/ Environmental Health/ Environmental law/ Environmental education
ND/ B Tech/ M Tech/ D Tech Waste Management
BA Degree/Hons/MA Geography
MSc in Environmental Pollution / Ecotoxicology/ Remediation studies
ND/BA Degree/Hons/MA Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
MSc in Exposure Science (specialising in environmental science)
ND/Degree/Hons/MA Civil Engineering
ND/Degree/BSc Hons/Masters in Geohydrology
MSc/MTech Biochemistry / Microbiology
BCom/ Postgraduate Diploma/ Data science
ND/ B Degree Risk Management

CLIMATE AND CHANGE AND AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (Ref: CCAQ/01/2026)

ND /B Sc Environmental Science
ND/B Sc Environmental Management
B Degree Earth and Environmental Sciences
B Degree Natural Science
B Sc Chemistry
B Sc Geography / Archaeology and Environmental
ND/ B Degree in Sustainable Development

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES (Ref: EP/01/2026)

BSc Degree/ Hons/ MSc/ PhD in Environmental Management/Science
BSc Conservation Ecology/Biodiversity/ Biology
BSc Marine Biology
B Degree/Hons/ MSc Engineering Management / Civil Engineering
B Sc/ Hons Geographical information System
MSc Ecological Economics
Postgraduate Diploma/ Masters in Sustainability Learning
ND/Degree/Hons/MA/PhD Project Management
ND/Degree/Hons Resource Economics/Social Innovation

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT (Ref: FISH/01/2026)

Maritime Studies (related to harbour/ports – fishing harbours) /Maritime law
MSc Aquaculture
BSc/Hons/MSc/PhD Oceanography, Marine Biology, Ichthyology, Environmental Science, Aquaculture and Fisheries
B Sc Marine / Fisheries Biology
Hons/MSc/PhD Zoology (freshwater ecology or specialising in the field of freshwater fisheries)
Bachelor’s degree, Post graduate studies, B Tech, BSc Hons, MSc, PhD, (Marine biology, Aquaculture, Environmental Science/management, Fisheries Science, Aquatic Science, or a related field)
Actuarial Science
MSc Applied Mathematics/ Statistics with population dynamics modelling
BTech, Beng Tech or BSc Eng in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
Master’s in international marine and environmental law/ policy/ governance/ Multilateral negotiations
BSc/MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing / Environmental Informatics
Postgraduate Diploma/ MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Post graduate Diploma in Accounting Science/MPhil Development Finance
Hons/Masters Economics, Agriculture Economics, Fisheries Economics

FORESTRY MANAGEMENT (Ref: FOR/01/2026)

B Sc Hon Natural Resource Management
ND/Degree/Hons/MSc/PHD in Forest Science / Forestry
ND/Degree/Hons/MSc/PHD in Forest Management
Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry / Forest Science
B Agric Hons
B Agric Hons in Rural Development Planning
Sc Forestry
BSc Hons in Wildlife Management
MSc in Conservation Ecology

OCEANS AND COASTS (Ref: OC/01/2026)

BSc in Coastal and marine engineering – coastal erosion, rehabilitation and restoration
Maste’s/ PhD degree in town and regional planning, Architecture, Urban Design and surveying
Masters/ PhD degree in climate change, adaptation, mitigation, policy and sustainability
Advanced diploma/ B Tech mechanical/ B Tech/BSc/ MTech/ Meng Engineering
BSc Hons / MSc / PhD Physical Oceanography
BSc Hons / MSc/ PhD in Marine Spatial Planning
B Degree/ Hons/ master’s in economics / environmental economics / Maritime Economics
BSc Hons/ MSC/ PhD Marine Biodiversity & Taxonomy (systematics)
BSc Hons /MSc/ PhD Marine Biology
BSc Hons/ MSc Biochemistry or Genetics

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SECTOR MONITORING (Ref: RCSM/01/2026)

LLB (Major courses: administrative law, legislative drafting, Environmental Law)
LLM
A Law, A Diploma, or a Degree in Paralegal
Bachelor of Environmental Sciences/Management
BSC majoring in Geography, Geoinformatics
Bachelor of Environmental Management majoring in Environmental Impact Assessment

Required Application Documents

Applicants must ensure their applications are complete and supported by certified documentation. The following must accompany your submission:

A motivation letter explaining why you should be awarded the bursary.
Certified copies of academic qualifications and recent academic records.
Certified copies of your ID (applicant) and IDs of both parents or legal guardian.
Proof of registration if you are already enrolled at a tertiary institution.
Latest Grade 12 results if you are currently in matric.
Proof of parents’ or guardian’s income (e.g., payslips).
Proof if parents are deceased (death certificates).
Affidavit if parents are unemployed.

Important Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered, so make sure you carefully compile every required document before submission.

How to Apply

Applications should be hand delivered to:

Pretoria: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Environment House | 473 Steve Biko Street | Cnr Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road | Arcadia, PRETORIA. Enquiries: Joshua Moepya (012) 399 8682 | Busisiwe Stemele (012) 399-8685 Mokhobo Putu (012) 399 9018

DOWNLOAD THE DFFE BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR 2026 ADVERT HERE

Why Apply for the DFFE Bursary?

The bursary does more than cover the costs of education—it represents an investment in the future of South Africa. By supporting young people in fields related to forestry, fisheries, and environmental sustainability, the DFFE is developing the next generation of leaders who will protect, manage, and innovate within these critical sectors.

For matric learners, this bursary ensures a smooth transition into higher education without the financial burden. For current tertiary students, it provides the means to focus on studies without the distraction of financial stress.

Our Conclusion

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal empowerment and national development. The DFFE Bursary Programme is not just about funding—it’s about opportunity, growth, and shaping a sustainable future for South Africa.

If you are a dedicated learner or student with big dreams but limited resources, this is your chance to take action. Start preparing your documents today and seize the opportunity to study without financial constraints under the support of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

CLOSING DATE: 03 OCTOBER 2025

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