South African learners and full time students are invited to apply for a DFFE bursary for 2027. The programme covers a range of qualifications aligned with the department mandate.
Environmental Programmes
The scheme supports students pursuing full time study in disciplines linked to environmental stewardship and natural resource care. It is open to eligible South Africans who plan to study in fields aligned with the department mandate.
It spans diplomas and bachelor degrees along with selected postgraduate programs and carries a maximum award of R80 000. Applicants should note that the cap does not guarantee the full amount to every recipient. The bursary is designed to support tuition, books and related study costs within the defined limits.
Forestry Management
Forestry Management focuses on diploma and advanced diploma study in forestry and related natural resource disciplines. It targets students who demonstrate interest in sustainable forest use and resource governance.
Other supported qualifications include Bachelor of Science pathways, honours in Natural Resource Management and BSc Forestry and Wood Sciences. The programme recognises how forestry intersects with environmental science and engineering, inviting applicants who show leadership potential. Details about field specifics are provided in the official bursary documents.
Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring
This category supports education in legal and governance oriented fields dealing with environment rules and compliance. It aims to build capacity in environmental law and policy within public and private sectors.
Fields include LLB LLM BA Law Paralegal Studies Environmental Sciences and Geography among others. Applicants can pursue studies in Environmental Management with a governance focus or related paralegal roles that support enforcement and compliance. Geoinformatics and Environmental Impact Assessment are also listed.
Oceans And Coasts
Oceans and Coasts broadens the scope to marine oriented study including biology and engineering along with climate related planning. It invites candidates who aim to work in coastal management and maritime research.
Fields include Marine Biology Environmental Science Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as well as Maritime Studies and Coastal Planning. The range extends to Climate Change and Coastal Engineering, with options in Conservation and Nature Protection. The bursary supports students who intend to contribute to sustainable ocean economies.