DFFE Full-Time Student Bursary Programme for 2027

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) offers full-time bursaries for the 2027 academic year to eligible unemployed Grade 12 learners and students enrolled at institutions of higher learning. The programme supports qualifications linked to the department's work in biodiversity, conservation, climate change, air quality, chemicals and waste management, environmental programmes, fisheries, forestry, oceans and coastal management, and regulatory compliance.

Approved qualifications vary by programme reference and can include environmental management and science, nature conservation, ecology, chemistry, waste management, environmental law, geography, marine biology, oceanography, fisheries science, forestry, engineering, GIS and related disciplines. Applicants must check the current advert for the specific study fields and reference numbers before submitting an application.

The published maximum bursary amount is R80,000. Applicants must be full-time and not employed. The application requires a motivation, academic records or qualifications, identity documents for the applicant and parents or guardian, proof of registration where relevant, Grade 12 results where relevant, and household income or supporting affidavits. Successful bursars may be required to participate in a public service internship after completing their studies under the bursary agreement.

The 2027 application deadline was 2 October 2026. No late applications were accepted for that intake. Check the DFFE bursary page for future opportunities and the latest approved fields.