Investing in your education is one of the smartest decisions you can make, but the financial burden can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, numerous bursary opportunities exist to support South African students in achieving their academic dreams.

One of such programs is the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary, which provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing careers aligned with the department’s focus areas.

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bursary

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bursary is meant to support South African students financially, encouraging them to pursue studies in fields critical to the department’s mission. These fields include:

  1. Environmental Sciences
  2. Natural Resource Management
  3. Forestry
  4. Fisheries
  5. Marine Biology
  6. Biodiversity Conservation
  7. Environmental Law
  8. Environmental Engineering

By supporting future professionals in these areas, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment hopes to raise a generation of passionate individuals committed to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.

DFFE Bursary Application Form

Ready to apply? Download the official DFFE Bursary Application Form from the department’s website.

You need to print out a hard copy of the application form and complete it properly with all the required information.

After that, you can have your application package submitted through a courier or by hand delivery to any of the following addresses:

1. Pretoria:
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Environment House
473 Steve Biko Street
Cnr Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road
Arcadia
PRETORIA.

2. Cape Town:
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
63 Strand Street
13th Floor Nedbank Building
CAPE TOWN.

You should clearly indicate the reference number and chosen qualification on your application form.

  1. Biodiversity and Conservation (B&C/01/24)
  2. Chemicals and Waste Management (CWM/0124)
  3. Climate Change and Air Quality and Sustainability Development (CCAQ/01/24)
  4. Environmental Programmes (EP/01/24)
  5. Forestry Management (FOR/01/24)
  6. Fisheries Management (FISH/01/24)
  7. Oceans and Coasts (OC/01/24)
  8. Regulatory Compliance and Sector Monitoring (RCSM/01/24)

It’s important to remember to not email or fax your application because it won’t be accepted. Incomplete applications will also be disqualified.

The DFFE Bursary Requirements

To be eligible for the DFFE Bursary, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. South African citizenship: You must be a South African citizen.
  2. Academic qualifications:
    • Matric students: If currently in Matric, you must demonstrate exceptional academic potential and a strong interest in relevant fields.
    • Post-Matric students: If you’ve completed Matric, you must possess a good academic record and be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in an eligible program at a recognized South African tertiary institution.
  3. Field of study: Your chosen field of study must align with the DFFE’s focus areas mentioned earlier.
  4. Employment status: You cannot be employed or an employee of the DFFE.
  5. Financial need: Proof of financial need may be required.

DFFE Bursary Closing Date

The application period for the 2024 Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bursary has already closed on 27 October 2023.

However, this guide is still valuable for future applicants, as the application period typically opens again later in the year.

I recommend keeping an eye on the DFFE website for updates on the next application cycle.

For any further inquiries related to the DFFE Bursary, you can contact the department’s Learning and Development Unit directly through any of the following numbers:

Pretoria contacts:

  1. Joshua Moepya (Tel: 012 399 8682 / Cell: 067 417 3739)
  2. Busisiwe Stemele (Tel: 012 399 8685 / Cell: 066 156 0042)
  3. Mokhobo Putu (Tel: 012 399 9018 / Cell: 066 081 2662)

Cape Town contacts:

  1. Kgomotso Moela (Tel: 021 402 3329 / Cell: 081 492 5570)
  2. Mooketsa Mabe (Tel: 021 402 3412 / Cell: 071 540 2685)
  3. Neliswa Magwala (Tel: 021 814 8089 / Cell: 066 081 9858)