DFFE Bursary 2027 Offers Up to R80,000 for Grade 12 Learners and Students

Who can apply

• Current Grade 12 learners
• Full-time students at institutions of higher learning
• Applicants who are not employed
• Students pursuing one of the approved fields of study
• Persons living with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
• Current Grade 12 applicants should make sure the qualification they plan to pursue falls within one of the funded categories before completing the application form.
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Science
• Natural Sciences Management
• Ecotourism
• Game Range Management
• Nature Conservation
• Zoology
• Botany
• Environmental Programmes also include fields such as Conservation Ecology, Biodiversity, Biology, Marine Biology, Civil Engineering, Geographical Information Systems and Ecological Economics.
• These pathways can lead to very different careers, so applicants should choose their qualification based on the type of environmental work they want to pursue.
• Yes.
• Diploma in Forestry
• Advanced Diploma in Forestry
• Bachelor of Science
• Honours in Natural Resource Management
• Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Wood Sciences
• This makes the bursary relevant to students interested in forestry, natural resources and sustainable land-management careers.

Documents you will need

• Applications need to include supporting documents relevant to the applicant’s circumstances.
• A motivation explaining why you should receive the bursary
• Copies of qualifications
• Recent academic records
• Copy of your South African identity document
• Copies of both parents’ or guardian’s identity documents
• Proof of registration if already studying
• Latest Grade 12 results if currently at school
• Proof of parents’ or guardian’s income
• Proof where parents are deceased, if applicable
• An affidavit where parents or guardians are unemployed
• Prepare these documents early instead of waiting until the closing date.
• Pay close attention to the study-field reference number on the application form. Choose the category that matches your exact qualification and write the required reference clearly. An otherwise strong application can run into problems if the study field is entered incorrectly.

How to apply

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

Full details

Grade 12 learners and full-time students pursuing environmental, forestry, conservation, fisheries, engineering, climate, waste, marine science and related qualifications can apply for the DFFE Bursary Programme 2027. The bursary provides funding of up to R80,000 for eligible students, with applications closing on 2 October 2026.

The programme is open to unemployed Grade 12 learners preparing for higher education as well as full-time students already enrolled at institutions of higher learning.

Depending on the study field, funding opportunities extend from diploma and undergraduate programmes to Honours, Master’s and selected doctoral studies.

How much does the DFFE Bursary provide?

The maximum bursary amount is R80,000.

Applicants should understand the wording carefully.

R80,000 is the maximum bursary value, not a guaranteed payment of R80,000 to every successful student.

The final funding awarded can depend on the bursary arrangement and the successful applicant’s approved study requirements.

Who can apply for the DFFE Bursary 2027?

The programme is aimed at:

Persons living with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

Current Grade 12 applicants should make sure the qualification they plan to pursue falls within one of the funded categories before completing the application form.

Which fields of study are funded?

The bursary supports a broad selection of qualifications linked to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Major study categories include:

• Biodiversity and Conservation
• Chemicals and Waste Management
• Climate Change and Air Quality Management
• Environmental Programmes
• Fisheries Management
• Forestry Management
• Oceans and Coasts
• Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring

Each category includes different qualifications and levels of study.

Applicants should match their exact qualification to the correct funding category instead of simply selecting a general environmental field.

Which environmental and conservation qualifications are included?

Students interested in biodiversity and conservation can find supported programmes such as:

Environmental Programmes also include fields such as Conservation Ecology, Biodiversity, Biology, Marine Biology, Civil Engineering, Geographical Information Systems and Ecological Economics.

These pathways can lead to very different careers, so applicants should choose their qualification based on the type of environmental work they want to pursue.

Are forestry qualifications funded?

Yes.

The Forestry Management category includes study pathways such as:

This makes the bursary relevant to students interested in forestry, natural resources and sustainable land-management careers.

Does the bursary cover marine and fisheries studies?

Yes.

Fisheries-related study options include fields such as:

• Oceanography
• Marine Biology
• Ichthyology
• Aquaculture
• Fisheries Science
• Aquatic Science
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Management
• Zoology
• Fisheries Economics
• Agricultural Economics
• Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Oceans and Coasts also includes several marine science, engineering, environmental economics and coastal-management pathways.

Are engineering students eligible?

Several engineering fields appear across the approved study categories.

Depending on the category, eligible pathways include areas such as:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Engineering Management
• Coastal Engineering

Applicants should make sure their exact qualification appears within the relevant DFFE category before submitting.

Are law students included?

Yes.

Environmental regulation and waste-management categories include law-related qualifications such as:

• LLB
• LLM
• Environmental Law
• Administrative Law
• Paralegal studies

Some postgraduate environmental-law research pathways are also included.

This reflects the fact that environmental careers are not limited to scientists and conservation professionals.

Does DFFE fund postgraduate students?

Yes.

Several categories include Honours, Master’s and selected PhD programmes.

The available postgraduate fields vary considerably between categories.

For example, postgraduate opportunities appear in marine sciences, fisheries, environmental management, chemistry, law, waste management, economics and related research areas.

Applicants should check the exact qualification level supported under their chosen category.

Which documents do you need?

Applications need to include supporting documents relevant to the applicant’s circumstances.

Prepare:

Prepare these documents early instead of waiting until the closing date.

Pay close attention to the study-field reference number on the application form. Choose the category that matches your exact qualification and write the required reference clearly. An otherwise strong application can run into problems if the study field is entered incorrectly.

Do you need a motivation letter?

Yes.

A motivation explaining why the bursary should be awarded to you forms part of the required application documents.

Avoid writing only that you need financial assistance.

A stronger motivation can briefly explain:

• What you are studying or intend to study
• Why you chose the field
• Your career goals
• Why the qualification matters to you
• How completing your studies could contribute to your chosen sector

Keep the motivation personal and accurate.

Can previously funded or internship participants apply?

One condition deserves particular attention.

Students who have previously participated in the public service internship programme are not eligible for this bursary intake.

Successful bursary recipients are also expected to participate in an internship programme after completing their studies as part of the bursary contract arrangement. Public-service rules prohibit participation in that internship programme more than once.

Applicants should understand this before accepting funding.

Does receiving the bursary create obligations after graduation?

Yes.

Successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary contract, and the programme includes an internship requirement after completion of studies.

That means applicants should view the bursary as part of a longer development pathway rather than only as financial assistance for one academic year.

Read the contract carefully if you are selected.

Can you email your application?

No.

Applications cannot be submitted by email or fax. They must be completed using the prescribed DFFE bursary application form and submitted through one of the accepted physical or postal methods.

Applications must be completed using the prescribed form available through the official DFFE bursaries portal.

Make sure you clearly indicate your field of study and the correct reference number.

Where can applications be delivered?

Applicants can hand-deliver or courier their application to either Pretoria or Cape Town.

Pretoria

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentEnvironment House473 Steve Biko StreetCorner Steve Biko and Soutpansberg RoadArcadiaPretoria

Cape Town

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentForetrust Building3 Hammerschlag WayForeshoreCape Town8000

Applications can also be posted to:

Attention: Learning and Development (Bursary Section)The Director-GeneralDepartment of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentPrivate Bag X447Pretoria0001

Applicants using postal or courier services should allow enough time for documents to arrive before the deadline.

What should you check before submitting?

Before sending your application, make sure:

• You are currently in Grade 12 or studying full-time
• You are not employed
• Your qualification falls within an approved field
• You selected the correct funding category
• You entered the correct reference number
• Your application form is fully completed
• Your motivation is attached
• Your academic documents are included
• Identity documents are included
• Financial-support documents are included where required
• Your contact details are correct
• You are using an accepted submission method

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

When do applications close?

Applications close on 2 October 2026.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants sending documents through the postal system or courier services should avoid treating 2 October as the day to send the application.

Plan for your documents to arrive before the deadline.

What happens after you apply?

Correspondence is limited to shortlisted and successful applicants.

Candidates who have not received feedback by the end of January 2027 should consider their application unsuccessful.

Keep the telephone number and email address provided in your application active throughout the selection period.

Final Thoughts

The DFFE Bursary Programme 2027 provides an important funding opportunity for Grade 12 learners and full-time students pursuing qualifications connected to South Africa’s environmental and natural-resource sectors.

The programme supports fields ranging from Environmental Science, Conservation and Forestry to Marine Biology, Fisheries, Engineering, Chemistry, Law, Climate Change and Waste Management, with postgraduate funding available in selected disciplines.

The bursary offers a maximum value of R80,000, but applicants should not assume every successful student will automatically receive the full amount.

Applications close on 2 October 2026.

Eligible students should identify the correct study category, prepare all required supporting documents and submit the prescribed application form through an accepted delivery method before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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