Do you need funding to start your studies now? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is offering a full‑time bursary for 2027, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the DFFE Full‑Time Bursary Programme 2027 offers
The DFFE bursary supports South African students who will study full‑time in areas that match the department’s mandate. Funding can cover diplomas, undergraduate degrees and selected postgraduate programmes. The maximum amount you may receive is R80 000, although not every applicant will get the full figure.
Who can apply
- South African citizens who are either in Grade 12 or enrolled full‑time at a recognised higher‑education institution.
- You must not be currently employed.
- Previously disadvantaged applicants and persons with disabilities are given special consideration.
Fields of study covered
| Category | Reference No. | Examples of supported fields |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Programmes | EP/01/2027 | Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Biodiversity, Biology, Marine Biology, Civil Engineering, Engineering Management, GIS, Ecological Economics |
| Forestry Management | FOR/01/2027 | Forestry, Advanced Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Forestry and Wood Sciences |
| Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring | RCSM/01/2027 | LLB, LLM, BA Law, Paralegal Studies, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geoinformatics, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| Biodiversity and Conservation | B&C/01/2027 | Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Natural Sciences Management, Eco Tourism, Game Range Management, Nature Conservation, Zoology, Botany |
| Oceans and Coasts | OC/01/2027 | Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Oceanography, Maritime Studies, Coastal Engineering, Climate Change, Coastal Planning, Chemistry |
| Fisheries Management | FISH/01/2027 | Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Engineering, GIS, Remote Sensing, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Economics |
| Climate Change and Air Quality Management | CCAQ/01/2027 | Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Natural Science, Chemistry, Geography, Sustainable Development |
| Chemicals and Waste Management | CWM/01/2027 | Chemistry, Environmental Science, Waste Management, Recycling Economy, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, Development Studies, Environmental Law |
What you gain
- Financial support up to R80 000 per year.
- Eligibility to work in the public sector after graduation.
- Practical experience through a mandatory internship that follows the study period.
- Networking opportunities with professionals in forestry, fisheries and environmental management.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official DFFE bursary application form from the department’s website.
- Fill in all sections carefully, making sure you write the exact field of study and the correct reference number (e.g., EP/01/2027).
- Prepare the supporting documents:
- Motivation letter explaining why you deserve the bursary.
- Copies of your qualifications and latest academic records.
- South African ID copy and IDs of your parents/guardians.
- Proof of registration (if already studying) or the latest Grade 12 results (if you are a learner).
- Proof of parent/guardian income, or a death certificate/affidavit if they are deceased or unemployed.
- Submit the completed application to one of the following addresses (hand‑delivered or couriered only):
- Pretoria: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Corner Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road, Arcadia, Pretoria.
- Cape Town: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Foretrust Building, No. 3 Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town 8000.
- Postal: Attention: Learning and Development (Bursary Section), The Director‑General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria 0001.
- Check that your application is complete before the deadline. Incomplete files will be rejected.
Apply online through the official link: DFFE Bursary Application Portal.
Tips to improve your chances
- Write a clear, concise motivation letter that links your career goals to the department’s mission.
- Double‑check that the reference number matches your chosen field of study.
- Provide recent and legible copies of all required documents.
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application before you submit it.
- Do not submit the same application by fax or email; only hand‑delivery or courier is accepted.
Next steps
Gather your documents, complete the form, and send your application before 02 October 2026. If you have questions, contact the DFFE offices:
Pretoria enquiries
Joshua Moepya: 012 399 8682
Busisiwe Stemele: 012 399 8685
Mokhobo Putu: 012 399 9018
Cape Town enquiries
Kgomotso Moela: 081 492 5570
Neliswa Magwala: 066 081 9858
Tumeka Madolo: 071 607 2014
General call centre: +27 86 111 2468.
Take the first step today – the bursary could be the key to your future in environmental and natural‐resource studies.
