DFFE Bursary Programme 2027: Up to R80,000 for Eligible South African Students

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened applications for its 2027 Full-Time Bursary Programme, giving eligible South African Grade 12 learners and full-time students an opportunity to apply for financial support towards studies linked to environmental, forestry, fisheries, biodiversity, climate, waste management and related fields. DFFE Bursary Programme 2027

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The maximum bursary amount is R80,000, according to the official DFFE bursary information. Applicants should note that R80,000 is the stated maximum value and should not be understood as a guaranteed amount for every successful applicant.

The closing date for applications is 2 October 2026, and DFFE states that late applications will not be accepted.

DFFE Bursary Programme 2027 at a Glance

Detail	Information
Bursary provider	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Programme	Full-Time Bursary Programme
Academic year	2027
Maximum bursary value	Up to R80,000
Location	South Africa
Applicants	Grade 12 learners and full-time higher-education students
Employment status	Applicants must not be employed
Closing date	2 October 2026
Late applications	Not accepted
Application method	Prescribed DFFE bursary application form

The official DFFE bursary page confirms that applications are open to full-time students enrolled at institutions of higher learning and Grade 12 learners who are not employed.

Who Can Apply for the DFFE Bursary Programme 2027?

The programme is intended for qualifying South African citizens who are either currently in Grade 12 or already enrolled as full-time students at an institution of higher learning.

Applicants must not be employed.

DFFE also states that it is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action employer and encourages people living with disabilities to apply. The department indicates that its representativity objectives include race, gender and disability.

Applicants should carefully check the official requirements before submitting their forms because meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee funding.

Fields of Study Covered by the DFFE Bursary

The DFFE programme covers several study areas connected to the department’s environmental, forestry, fisheries and natural-resource responsibilities.

Environmental Programmes – EP/01/2027

The Environmental Programmes category includes qualifications such as Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Conservation Ecology, Biodiversity, Biology, Marine Biology, Engineering Management, Civil Engineering, Geographical Information Systems and Ecological Economics.

Forestry Management – 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

These qualifications are aligned with forestry and natural-resource management.

Biodiversity and Conservation – B&C/01/2027

This category includes Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Natural Sciences Management, Eco-tourism and Game Range Management, Nature Conservation, Zoology and Botany.

Fisheries Management – FISH/01/2027

The Fisheries Management category covers disciplines including Maritime Studies, Maritime Law, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Ichthyology, Environmental Science, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Fisheries Science and Aquatic Science.

The official listing also includes areas such as Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, GIS, Remote Sensing, Environmental Informatics, Climate Change and Economics-related studies.

Chemicals and Waste Management – CWM/01/2027

Supported fields include Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Law, Environmental Education, Waste Management, Recycling Economy, Circular Economy, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography and Development Studies.

Climate Change and Air Quality Management – CCAQ/01/2027

This category includes Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Natural Science, Chemistry, Geography and Sustainable Development.

Oceans and Coasts

The programme also covers fields connected to oceans and coastal management, including Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Oceanography, Maritime Studies, Coastal Engineering, Climate Change, Coastal Planning and related disciplines.

Regulatory Compliance and Sector Monitoring

The DFFE listing includes legal, environmental and compliance-related fields such as LLB, LLM, BA Law, Paralegal Studies, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geoinformatics and Environmental Impact Assessment. Applicants should check the current official application documentation for the reference number applicable to their field before completing the form.

What Does the DFFE Bursary Cover?

The official programme information states that the maximum bursary amount is R80,000. The exact funding arrangement and conditions should be confirmed from the official DFFE bursary documentation before applying.

Students should therefore avoid assuming that every successful applicant will receive exactly R80,000.

The programme is designed to support students pursuing qualifications relevant to the DFFE mandate, including environmental management, conservation, forestry, fisheries, marine studies, climate-related disciplines and waste management.

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants should prepare all supporting documentation before submitting their application. The application information requires a prescribed bursary application form and supporting documentation, with incomplete applications not considered.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, supporting documents may include:

• Certified identification documents.
• Academic records.
• Copies of qualifications where applicable.
• Proof of registration for students already studying.
• Latest Grade 12 results for current matric learners.
• Parent or guardian identification documents.
• Proof of parent or guardian income where required.
• Supporting documentation relating to unemployed parents or guardians where applicable.
• Other documents specifically requested by the official application form.

Applicants should use the official DFFE documentation as the final checklist because requirements can vary according to their circumstances.

How to Apply for the DFFE Bursary Programme 2027

Applicants must complete the prescribed DFFE bursary application form and clearly indicate the relevant qualification and reference number.

The department states that faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted. Applications may be submitted through the delivery methods specified by DFFE.

Pretoria Submission Address

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Environment House
473 Steve Biko Street
Corner Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road
Arcadia
Pretoria

Cape Town Submission Address

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Foretrust Building
No. 3 Hammerschlag Way
Foreshore
Cape Town
8000

Postal Applications

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

Applicants should retain proof of submission or delivery where applicable.

Important Conditions Applicants Should Know

DFFE’s current bursary information states that incomplete applications will not be considered and that applications must be submitted using the prescribed bursary application form. The department also states that successful applicants will be expected to sign a bursary contract.

The programme information further notes restrictions concerning previous participation in public-service internships. Applicants should carefully read the complete bursary conditions before submitting their forms.

DFFE also states that correspondence is limited to shortlisted and successful candidates and that applicants who have not been contacted by the end of January 2027 should accept that their application was unsuccessful.

DFFE Bursary Programme 2027 Application Deadline

The closing date is 2 October 2026.

There will be no late applications, according to the official DFFE bursary page.

Because applications can require supporting documentation and delivery, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day. This is particularly important for applicants using courier or postal services.

Before Applying, Make Sure You:

• Update your CV.
• Ensure your contact details are correct.
• Upload or submit clear certified documents if requested.
• Double-check your academic information.
• Apply well before the closing date.
• Keep copies of your application and proof of submission.
• Check that you have selected the correct qualification and reference number.
• Confirm that your application is complete before submission.

Submitting an incomplete application may reduce your chances of being considered because DFFE states that incomplete applications will not be considered.

OnlineLearnership Advice

If you qualify for this opportunity, do not wait until the final day to apply. Bursary application processes can become difficult to manage when applicants leave document preparation and delivery until the deadline.

Before applying, make sure your CV is updated, your academic records are ready, and any required supporting documents are available. If you are currently completing Grade 12 or studying full-time, check the relevant DFFE category carefully and make sure your chosen qualification matches the field listed in the official programme information.

Also continue looking for other legitimate bursaries, scholarships, internships and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities instead of relying on a single application.

Most importantly, verify application information against the official DFFE website before submitting personal documents or responding to anyone requesting payment.

DFFE Bursary Enquiries

Applicants requiring clarification can contact the relevant DFFE bursary officials.

Pretoria:

• Joshua Moepya: 012 399 8682
• Busisiwe Stemele: 012 399 8685
• Mokhobo Putu: 012 399 9018

Cape Town:

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

The official DFFE bursary page provides these contact details and the relevant submission addresses.

Final Takeaway

The DFFE Bursary Programme 2027 provides an opportunity for eligible South African Grade 12 learners and full-time higher-education students studying in fields aligned with forestry, fisheries, environmental management, conservation, climate change, oceans, waste management and related disciplines.

The maximum stated bursary value is R80,000, while the application deadline is 2 October 2026. DFFE does not accept late applications, and applicants must use the prescribed application process.

Applicants should carefully review the official requirements, select the correct study field and reference number, prepare all required supporting documents and submit their applications before the deadline.

Official source: DFFE Bursaries – Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the DFFE Bursary 2027 application close?

The closing date is 2 October 2026. DFFE states that late applications will not be accepted.

How much is the DFFE Bursary Programme 2027 worth?

The maximum bursary amount is R80,000. This is the maximum stated value and is not a guarantee that every successful applicant will receive R80,000.

Who can apply for the DFFE bursary?

Eligible applicants include South African citizens who are currently in Grade 12 or enrolled as full-time students at an institution of higher learning and who are not employed.

Which fields does the DFFE bursary support?

The programme supports multiple fields across environmental programmes, forestry, biodiversity and conservation, fisheries, oceans and coasts, climate change and air quality, chemicals and waste management, and regulatory compliance.

Can employed students apply?

The official DFFE bursary information states that eligible applicants must not be employed.

Can I email my DFFE bursary application?

No. DFFE states that faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted. Applicants should follow the prescribed submission procedure.

What happens if my application is incomplete?

DFFE states that incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants should therefore check the application form and supporting documents carefully before submission.

When should applicants expect feedback?

DFFE states that correspondence is limited to shortlisted and successful candidates. Applicants who have not been contacted by the end of January 2027 should accept that their application was unsuccessful.