Getting a college education is too expensive for many young people in South Africa. But there’s good news – the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment wants to help students. They offer money for school through their Student Bursary Program for 2026. This program makes it easier for students to attend university when they can’t afford it on their own. The DFFE bursary covers school costs and helps create new opportunities for South African youth who want to study further.
The program helps students who want to study environmental management, conservation & natural sciences full-time. Students get money for their studies & can also join career programs. This helps them work on environmental projects in South Africa after they graduate. If you’re in Grade 12 or already at university and want to study further in 2026 you can find all the important details below. We explain who can apply and how to submit your application. The text is now more direct and easier to read. It uses basic words and shorter sentences while keeping the main message clear.
Why You Should Apply for the DFFE Student Bursary
The DFFE bursary helps students pay for their education & opens doors to jobs in nature protection and environmental work. After finishing school the students get real work experience through an internship program. This makes it easier for them to start their careers in environmental protection. The bursary is a good way to learn about taking care of our environment while getting the skills needed for future jobs.
What you get from this bursary:
– The bursary pays for your school fees up to a set amount.
– You also get money for your housing and books.
– You can join mentoring programs and get internships in government jobs.
– After graduating you can work in important fields like nature protection water management and environmental studies.
– The program helps you start a career in public service that makes a real difference.
Who Can Apply?
| Requirement | What You Must Have / Meet |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | You must be a South African citizen. |
| Study Status | Either a current Grade 12 learner (matric) or a full-time student registered at a recognised higher education institution. |
| Employment | Applicants must be unemployed at the time of application. |
| Internship History | Anyone who has already taken part in a public service internship programme is not eligible. |
| Post-Award Obligation | If selected, you will be required to complete an internship as part of the bursary agreement. |
| Application Form | Apply using the official DFFE bursary application form (downloadable from the department’s website). |
| Note: Incomplete submissions or applications sent via fax/email will not be considered. | |
DFFE Bursary – Required Supporting Documents
| Required Document | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| Motivation Letter | Sets out your reasons for applying and why you should be awarded the bursary. |
| Certified Copy of ID | Confirms your identity and South African citizenship. |
| Certified Copies of Parents’/Guardians’ IDs | Used for family/guardian verification. |
| Proof of Parents’/Guardians’ Income | Assesses household financial need. |
| Proof of Registration (if enrolled) | Shows current enrolment at a recognised higher education institution. |
| Latest Academic Record | Demonstrates academic performance (Grade 12 or university transcript). |
| Proof of Deceased Parent(s) (where applicable) | Verifies bereavement status for consideration. |
| Affidavit if Parents/Guardians Are Not Working | Confirms zero-income households. |
| Note: Submit a complete set of documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered. | |
DFFE Bursary – Priority Fields of Study (Critical & Scarce Skills)
| Reference | Field of Study | Typical Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| B&C/01/2026 | Biodiversity & Conservation | ND/Degree in Environmental Management; BSc Biological Sciences; Nature Conservation; Zoology; Botany |
| CWM | Climate & Water Management | BSc Hydrology; BSc Geology; Environmental Resource Management |
| CCAQ | Climate Change & Air Quality | Environmental Law; Environmental Economics; Ecological Engineering |
| EP | Environmental Protection | ND/Degree in Environmental Science; Natural Sciences Management |
| FIM | Fisheries & Marine Sciences | BSc Marine Biology; Oceanography |
| FOM | Forestry & Resource Management | Forestry; Resource Economics |
| O&C | Oceans & Coasts | Ecotourism; Coastal Resource Management |
| RCSM | Resource Conservation & Sustainable Management | BSc Environmental Legislation & Policy; Resource Management |
| This focus helps build national expertise for climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. | ||
Application Procedure
How to Apply for the DFFE Student Bursary 2026 Here are the steps you need to follow when applying for this bursary:
Step 1: Get the Form Go to the DFFE website and download the form. Make sure you get the right one in Word format.
Step 2: Fill Out the Form Write down all your details. Don’t forget to add the reference number and what you want to study. Fill in every part of the form.
Step 3: Get Your Documents Ready Make copies of all the documents they ask for. Get them certified. Your application won’t work if you miss any papers.
Step 4: Send It In You must bring your application in person or use a courier service. They won’t look at applications sent by email or fax.
Step 5: Wait to Hear Back They will only contact you if they pick you. If you don’t hear from them by January 2026 it means you didn’t get the bursary. Remember to check everything twice before you send it. Good luck with your application!
DFFE Bursary 2025/26 – Key Dates
Keep these key milestones on your radar when planning your DFFE bursary application. Opening and closing dates follow the official call, while shortlisting typically spans December to January. Notifications are expected by end-January 2026
DFFE Bursary – Important Dates
| Milestone | Date / Window |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 2025 (exact opening date per official call) |
| Applications Close | As per DFFE deadline (check official notice) |
| Shortlisting Period | – |
| Successful Candidates Notified | By end of |
| Internship Contract Signing | After bursary confirmation |
| Note: Dates may change. Always confirm with the official DFFE announcement before applying. | |
What’s Special About This Program?
This DFFE bursary stands out from other funding options. It offers both study help and job opportunities. Students who finish their degree get an automatic internship spot. This hands-on experience helps them use what they learned in school at actual jobs.
The program makes sure graduates are ready to start working in environmental jobs right away. They gain useful skills that employers want and can help South Africa’s environment from day one.