About this opportunity
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened applications for its 2027 Full-time Bursary Programme. If you are a South African studying full time at an institution of higher learning, or a Grade 12 (matric) candidate who is not employed, this bursary can carry your tuition, accommodation and related study costs for the 2027 academic year.
The programme focuses on the people who will steward the country's natural heritage. Funding runs up to R80,000 per student across eight fields of study: biodiversity and conservation, chemicals and waste management, climate change and air quality management, environmental programmes, fisheries management, forestry management, oceans and coasts, and regulatory compliance and sector monitoring. Incomplete applications are not considered, so read the document checklist carefully before you submit.
There is a give-back built into the award. When you finish your studies you take part in an internship programme as part of the bursary contract, and regulations allow that internship only once, so students who already did the public service internship cannot be considered. Persons living with disability are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will hear back, and if you have not been contacted by the end of January 2027, DFFE asks that you accept the application was unsuccessful.
What you receive
- Bursary of up to R80,000 for the 2027 academic year
- Covers tuition fees, accommodation and other approved study-related expenses
- Open across eight environmental and resource management fields of study
- Persons living with disability are actively encouraged to apply
- Structured internship experience after completion of studies
Who can apply
- Full-time students enrolled with an institution of higher learning, or individuals in Grade 12 (matric) who are not employed
- Applicants must be studying, or planning to study, one of the listed environmental and related fields
- The application must be submitted on the prescribed DFFE bursary application form
- The reference number and study field must be clearly indicated on the application form
Who should not apply
- Students who have previously participated in the public service internship programme
- Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
Documents to prepare
- Completed prescribed DFFE bursary application form
- Motivation letter explaining why the bursary should be awarded to you
- Copies of qualifications and recent academic records
- Copies of identity documents for the applicant and both parents or guardian
- Proof of registration, if already enrolled with an institution of higher learning
- Latest Grade 12 results, if currently in high school
- Proof of parents' or guardian's income
- Proof that parents are deceased, where applicable, or an affidavit if parents are not working
How to apply
- Download the official 2027 full-time bursary application form from the DFFE website at https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/forms/fulltimebursaryapplication2027.pdf
- Choose your field of study and write the matching reference number clearly on the form, for example B&C/01/2027 for Biodiversity and Conservation
- Attach every required supporting document, since incomplete applications are not considered
- Deliver the complete application by hand or courier to Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, or to the Foretrust Building, No 3 Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town 8000
- Or post it to: Learning and Development (Bursary Section), The Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria 0001
- Make sure it arrives before the closing date of 2 October 2026, as no late applications will be accepted
Selection process
- Applications are assessed against the published eligibility criteria and the field of study applied for
- Correspondence is limited to shortlisted and successful candidates
- If you have not been contacted by the end of January 2027, accept that your application was unsuccessful
- Successful applicants are required to sign a bursary contract, which includes the mandatory internship after completion of studies
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
How much is the DFFE bursary worth?
The maximum bursary amount is R80,000 for the 2027 academic year, covering tuition, accommodation and other study-related expenses.
Who can apply?
Full-time students enrolled with an institution of higher learning and individuals in Grade 12 (matric) who are not employed.
Which fields of study qualify?
Biodiversity and Conservation, Chemicals and Waste Management, Climate Change and Air Quality Management, Environmental Programmes, Fisheries Management, Forestry Management, Oceans and Coasts, and Regulatory Compliance and Sector Monitoring.
Can I submit my application by email?
No. DFFE accepts applications by hand delivery, courier or post only. Faxed and emailed applications are not accepted.
What is expected of bursary holders after their studies?
Successful applicants complete an internship programme as part of the bursary contract. Regulations prohibit taking part in the internship programme more than once.
When does the call close?
On 2 October 2026. DFFE publishes no cut-off time and states that no late applications will be accepted, so plan to arrive early.
Important disclaimer
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