Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary Programme 2027: Up to R80,000 for Full-Time Students

Who can apply

• The minimum requirement stated in the official advertisement is Grade 12 (Matric).
• The bursary advertisement says consideration will be given to previously disadvantaged applicants and people with disabilities who are South African citizens. The opportunity applies to full-time students enrolled at an institution of higher learning, or current Grade 12 learners, who are not employed.
• This makes the opportunity particularly important for young South Africans who are preparing to enter higher education in 2027 as well as existing students progressing with qualifications that fall within the DFFE’s priority fields.
• Applicants should, however, pay close attention to the exact field of study and reference number, because the advert specifically instructs candidates to indicate both clearly on the application form.
• A bursary application should form part of a larger career plan.
• For example, someone interested in environmental work could potentially consider very different careers involving marine science, GIS, engineering, conservation, environmental management, chemistry, law, economics or waste management.
• Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research South African careers, qualifications, NQF levels and career-to-qualification connections.
• The Explorer currently brings together 1,511 OFO careers and more than 22,600 SAQA qualification records, allowing prospective students to investigate study pathways before committing to a programme.
• You can also read the Edupstairs guide on how to find recognised SAQA qualifications for 2027.

Documents you will need

• Do not submit the application form by itself.
• A motivation explaining why the bursary should be awarded to you
• Copies of qualifications and recent academic records
• Copies of the applicant’s identity document and the identity documents of both parents or guardian
• Proof of registration if already enrolled at an institution of higher learning
• Latest Grade 12 results if currently at high school
• Proof of parent(s) or guardian’s income
• Proof if parent(s) are deceased
• An affidavit if parent(s) are unemployed

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Department Forestry, Fisheries And - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

South African Grade 12 learners and full-time students who want to build careers in environmental science, forestry, biodiversity, marine science, fisheries, engineering, climate change, waste management, law, GIS, conservation and related fields have a major funding opportunity for the 2027 academic year.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting eligible South African students to apply for its Full-Time Bursary Programme for 2027.

Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply

The programme covers an unusually broad range of qualifications, from diplomas and undergraduate degrees to Honours, Master’s and PhD studies in selected fields. According to the official DFFE bursary advert, the maximum bursary amount is R80,000.

Applications close on 02 October 2026.

Before applying, students can use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate the careers and qualifications connected to the funded study fields. Students still deciding where to study can also use the Edupstairs University Explorer and TVET College Explorer.

Quick Overview

The DFFE confirms on its current bursary page that applications are open to eligible full-time students enrolled at institutions of higher learning as well as individuals currently in Grade 12 who are not employed.

Who Can Apply for the DFFE Bursary 2027?

The minimum requirement stated in the official advertisement is Grade 12 (Matric).

The bursary advertisement says consideration will be given to previously disadvantaged applicants and people with disabilities who are South African citizens. The opportunity applies to full-time students enrolled at an institution of higher learning, or current Grade 12 learners, who are not employed.

This makes the opportunity particularly important for young South Africans who are preparing to enter higher education in 2027 as well as existing students progressing with qualifications that fall within the DFFE’s priority fields.

Applicants should, however, pay close attention to the exact field of study and reference number, because the advert specifically instructs candidates to indicate both clearly on the application form.

How Much Does the DFFE Bursary Provide?

The official advertisement states that the maximum amount of the bursary is R80,000.

Applicants should not automatically interpret the maximum amount as a guaranteed R80,000 payment to every successful student. The official notice describes this as the maximum bursary amount.

DFFE Bursary Fields of Study for 2027

One of the strongest features of this bursary is the range of disciplines supported.

There are seven major funding categories, each with its own reference number.

1. Environmental Programmes - Ref: EP/01/2027

Students may apply for supported studies including:

• BSc Degree/Honours/MSc in Environmental Management or Environmental Science
• BSc Conservation Ecology/Biodiversity/Biology
• BSc Marine Biology
• Degree/Honours/MSc in Engineering Management/Civil Engineering
• BSc/Honours in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• MSc Ecological Economics

These fields are confirmed in the official DFFE advertisement.

Students interested in these qualifications should also use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate careers and SAQA qualification records before choosing a study pathway.

1. Forestry Management - Ref: FOR/01/2027

The Forestry Management category includes:

• Diploma in Forestry
• Advanced Diploma in Forestry
• Bachelor of Science
• Honours in Natural Resource Management
• BSc in Forestry and Wood Sciences

Forestry students should also explore the Edupstairs SETA Platform. The platform covers all 21 SETAs and includes programmes across sectors such as forestry, agriculture, conservation, engineering and environmental management.

1. Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring - Ref: RCSM/01/2027

The DFFE is also funding qualifications connected to environmental regulation, law and compliance.

Fields include:

• LLB, particularly with major courses in administrative law, legislative drafting and Environmental Law
• LLM
• BA Law
• Diploma or Degree in Paralegal studies
• Bachelor of Environmental Sciences/Management
• BSc majoring in Geography or Geoinformatics
• Bachelor of Environmental Management majoring in Environmental Impact Assessment

This category demonstrates that environmental careers are not limited to scientists. Lawyers, compliance specialists, GIS professionals and environmental impact practitioners also play important roles in environmental governance.

1. Biodiversity and Conservation - Ref: B&C/01/2027

Supported qualifications include:

• ND/BA Environmental Management/BSc Environmental Science
• BSc Natural Sciences Management
• ND/Degree in Eco Tourism and Game Range Management
• National Diploma/BTech/Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation
• BSc Zoology and Botany

Students interested in conservation-related occupations can use the Career & Qualification Explorer to research qualifications and potential career pathways, and the SETA Platform to investigate sector-linked training and skills programmes.

1. Oceans and Coasts - Ref: OC/01/2027

The Oceans and Coasts category is particularly broad.

The official advertisement includes fields such as:

• Biodiversity
• Conservation Biology
• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Communication Engineering
• Physical Oceanography
• Chemical Oceanography
• Biological Oceanography
• Natural Resource Economics
• Environmental Economics
• Maritime Studies
• Maritime Economics
• Ecophysiology
• Taxonomy/Systematics
• Marine Biology and Ecology
• Environmental Management
• Nature Conservation
• Coastal Engineering
• Coastal dynamics and adaptation
• Restoration and rehabilitation
• Marine and Coastal Policy
• Community engagement and stakeholder management
• Coastal and Marine Climate Change
• Coastal Spatial Planning
• Town and Regional Planning
• Chemistry focusing on Heavy Metals/Hydrocarbons

This is a valuable funding category for students who want to enter South Africa’s marine, coastal, climate, engineering and environmental sectors.

1. Fisheries Management - Ref: FISH/01/2027

The Fisheries Management category includes an extensive combination of science, engineering, economics and marine disciplines.

The advert identifies:

• Maritime Studies related to harbours/ports and fishing harbours
• Maritime Law
• Oceanography
• Marine Biology
• Ichthyology
• Environmental Science
• Aquaculture and Fisheries
• Marine/Fisheries Biology
• Zoology specialising in freshwater ecology or freshwater fisheries
• Fisheries Science
• Aquatic Science
• Actuarial Science
• Applied Mathematics/Statistics with population dynamics modelling
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• GIS and Remote Sensing
• Environmental Informatics
• Climate Change and Sustainable Development
• Economics
• Agricultural Economics
• Fisheries Economics

The qualifications range from undergraduate studies through to postgraduate and doctoral programmes depending on the field.

Students interested in aquaculture and related agricultural pathways can additionally explore the SETA Platform, which includes AGRISETA and other sector-specific training pathways.

1. Climate Change and Air Quality Management - Ref: CCAQ/01/2027

Students interested in climate change, sustainability and environmental science should pay particular attention to this category.

Qualifications listed include:

• ND/BSc Environmental Science
• ND/BSc Environmental Management
• Degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Degree in Natural Science
• BSc Chemistry
• BSc Geography/Archaeology and Environmental studies
• ND/Degree in Sustainable Development

Students considering emerging green careers can also explore the Green and Hydrogen Skills programmes on the Edupstairs SETA Platform.

1. Chemicals and Waste Management - Ref: CWM/01/2027

The Chemicals and Waste Management category supports several important qualifications connected to South Africa’s transition towards improved waste management, resource efficiency and the circular economy.

Fields include:

• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Law
• Environmental Education
• Waste Management
• Recycling Economy
• Waste as a Resource
• Geography and Society with research in Waste Management, Resource Efficiency, Circular Economy or Extended Producer Responsibility
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Natural Sciences
• Geography
• Development Studies
• Environmental Law

The DFFE advert includes qualifications from diploma and degree level through Honours, Master’s and PhD studies depending on the particular discipline.

Students interested in sustainability can additionally explore the Green and Circular Skills programmes on the Edupstairs SETA Platform.

Documents Required for the DFFE Bursary Application

Do not submit the application form by itself.

According to the official advertisement, applications must be accompanied by:

Do not wait until the final day to discover that one of these documents is missing.

Create a checklist and prepare the complete application package before submitting it. The DFFE explicitly states that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Internship Condition

There is another condition applicants should understand before applying.

The DFFE states that students who have previously participated in the public service internship programme are ineligible for consideration.

Furthermore, upon completion of studies, participation in the internship programme is mandatory as part of the bursary contract agreement. The advert also notes that regulations prohibit participation in the internship programme more than once.

This means applicants should read the bursary conditions as a complete development pathway rather than viewing the opportunity only as financial assistance.

How to Apply for the DFFE Bursary Programme 2027

Applicants must use the prescribed DFFE bursary application form.

The form is available through the Department’s official website. The current DFFE bursaries portal also provides the 2027 programme information and application resources.

Get the official application information here:

Apply for the DFFE Full-Time Bursary Programme 2027

When completing your form, make sure you clearly provide the correct reference number and field of study.

For example, an applicant applying under Forestry Management should use the relevant Forestry reference rather than one belonging to Environmental Programmes or Fisheries Management.

The Department states that faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted.

Where to Submit Your Application

Applications can be delivered or couriered to the addresses specified by the Department.

Pretoria

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Environment House 473 Steve Biko Street Cnr 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

These are the hand-delivery/courier locations printed on the official one-page 2027 bursary advertisement.

Postal Applications

Attention: Learning and Development (Bursary Section) The Director-General Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Private Bag X447 Pretoria 0001

DFFE Bursary Contact Details

Applicants who need clarification can use the contact information supplied in the official advertisement:

Pretoria contacts

Joshua Moepya - (012) 399 8682 Busisiwe Stemele - (012) 399 8685 Mokhobo Putu - (012) 399 9018

Cape Town contacts

Kgomotso Moela - 081 492 5570 Neliswa Magwala - 066 081 9858 Tumeka Madolo - 071 607 2014

DFFE Call Centre: +27 86 111 2468

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 02 October 2026

The DFFE’s current bursary page confirms the same deadline and states that late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should submit early, particularly if using postal or courier services.

Choosing the Right Qualification for a DFFE Career

A bursary application should form part of a larger career plan.

For example, someone interested in environmental work could potentially consider very different careers involving marine science, GIS, engineering, conservation, environmental management, chemistry, law, economics or waste management.

Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research South African careers, qualifications, NQF levels and career-to-qualification connections.

The Explorer currently brings together 1,511 OFO careers and more than 22,600 SAQA qualification records, allowing prospective students to investigate study pathways before committing to a programme.

You can also read the Edupstairs guide on how to find recognised SAQA qualifications for 2027.

Find a University for 2027

Many of the DFFE-funded fields - including Environmental Science, Engineering, Marine Biology, Law, Chemistry, Zoology, Economics and postgraduate research programmes - are university qualifications.

Prospective students can use the Edupstairs University Explorer to investigate university programmes, APS requirements, subject requirements, application information and other student resources for 2027.

Remember that qualifying for the DFFE bursary does not automatically mean you qualify academically for admission to a particular university programme. Always check the institution’s current admission requirements separately.

Explore TVET Colleges and Alternative Environmental Career Pathways

The DFFE advertisement includes some Diploma and National Diploma study pathways, but applicants must ensure that their specific qualification and institution meet the bursary requirements.

Students exploring technical and vocational alternatives can use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer, which covers all 50 public TVET Colleges across South Africa.

The Explorer includes programmes, campuses, admission requirements, application resources and other information useful to students planning for 2027.

Explore SETA Bursaries and Green Skills Opportunities

Students should also avoid depending on a single bursary application.

The Edupstairs SETA Platform brings together all 21 South African SETAs and more than 1,000 programme records covering qualifications, learnerships, apprenticeships, workplace experience, bursaries and skills programmes.

This is particularly relevant to DFFE applicants because environmental careers overlap with sectors such as forestry, agriculture, water, engineering, chemicals, conservation, maritime industries and government.

Latest Bursaries on Edupstairs

Two of the newest bursary opportunities published on Edupstairs are:

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) Bursary Programme 2027 - for eligible university students in fields including Engineering, IT, Computer Science, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Logistics, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Economics and other specified disciplines. It was published on Edupstairs on 15 September 2026.

KZN EDTEA Aeronautical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering Bursary Programme 2027 - a KwaZulu-Natal government bursary opportunity focused on selected engineering fields and also published on Edupstairs on 15 September 2026.

Students can also investigate the National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027, particularly where their study interests overlap with agriculture, natural resources or related disciplines.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

This is a bursary where choosing the correct reference number is extremely important.

Do not simply write “Environmental Science” or “Engineering” and assume the Department will determine the correct category for you. Match your exact study field against the official advertisement and clearly indicate the corresponding reference number on your application.

Secondly, apply broadly.

A student pursuing Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Forestry, Chemistry, GIS or another eligible discipline may potentially qualify for other government, corporate or SETA funding opportunities as well. Use the SETA Platform and regularly check the latest Edupstairs bursary opportunities rather than relying on one application.

Finally, research where the qualification can take you. Use the Career & Qualification Explorer first, compare institutions through the University Explorer or TVET College Explorer, and then build a funding strategy around the career you actually want.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the DFFE Bursary Programme open for 2027?

Yes. DFFE is inviting eligible full-time students and current Grade 12 learners to apply for bursaries for the 2027 academic year.

1. How much is the DFFE bursary?

The official advertisement states that the maximum bursary amount is R80,000.

1. Can Grade 12 learners apply?

Yes. The programme specifically includes eligible applicants currently completing Grade 12, provided they satisfy the other requirements.

1. Can university students apply?

Yes. The programme is also available to qualifying full-time students enrolled at institutions of higher learning.

1. Can employed people apply?

The advertised opportunity is for full-time students or current Grade 12 learners who are not employed.

1. Does DFFE fund postgraduate studies?

Yes. Depending on the study field, the advertisement includes Honours, Master’s and even PhD-level qualifications.

1. Does the bursary fund engineering?

Yes. Various engineering disciplines appear in the advertised study categories, including Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Chemical and coastal-related engineering pathways.

1. Does DFFE fund Environmental Science?

Yes. Environmental Science and Environmental Management appear across several funding categories.

1. Does DFFE fund Marine Biology?

Yes. Marine Biology appears in multiple categories, including Environmental Programmes, Oceans and Coasts, and Fisheries Management.

1. Can I email my application?

No. The official advert explicitly says that faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

1. What happens if I am unsuccessful?

DFFE states that correspondence will be limited to successful applicants. If you have not been contacted by the end of January 2027, the Department says you should regard your application as unsuccessful.

1. When does the DFFE Bursary 2027 close?

Applications close on 02 October 2026.

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and does not administer or award the DFFE bursary.

This opportunity explainer is based primarily on the official DFFE Full-Time Bursaries: 2027 advertisement supplied for review and has been cross-checked against the Department’s current bursary information. Applicants should use the official DFFE advertisement, application form and Department website as the final authority before submitting an application.

Never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you a DFFE bursary or influence the selection process.

Editorial Integrity

Edupstairs reviewed the official one-page DFFE Full-Time Bursaries: 2027 advertisement, including its fields of study, reference numbers, eligibility information, bursary amount, required documents, submission addresses, contact details and closing date.

The Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer, University Explorer, TVET College Explorer, SETA Platform and related bursary links included above are additional guidance intended to help applicants research their education, funding and career options.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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