Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary South Africa 2026

Review the requirements, funding details, and key dates before applying at the official source.

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01

At a glance

Summary

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), was previously known as the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) before the name was changed in April 2021. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is a department of the South African government, formed in 2019 as the result of a merger between the Department of Environmental Affairs and the forestry and fisheries part of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The DFFE is responsible for the protection, improvement and conservation of the environment and natural resources in South Africa.

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What’s covered

Funding details

The bursary will be awarded for the maximum value of R50 000. After graduation, bursary recipients will be required to participate in the internship program. www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the DFFE Bursary. Successful candidates will be contacted by no later than 31 January 2026 – if you do not receive any feedback by this date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. Successful bursary recipients will be required to sign a bursary contract with the department.

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Check your match

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered): You must be a South African citizenYou must be currently in Matric or you have completed MatricYou must be studying or intend on studying full time, towards a qualification in one of the fields listed aboveYou must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South AfricaYou must NOT be employedYou must NOT be an employee of the DFFEYou must NOT have previously participated in the public service internship programPreference will be given to previously disadvantaged candidates and those living with disabilities

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Prepare ahead

Application requirements

Information not available

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Your next steps

How to apply

Download and complete the:DFFE Bursary Application Form 2026(.docx) Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DFFE bursary. Indicate the relevant reference number and qualification you are applying for, on the application form: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION (Ref: B&C/01/2026)CHEMICALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT (Ref: CWM/01/2026)CLIMATE AND CHANGE AND AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (Ref: CCAQ/01/2026)ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES (Ref: EP/01/2026)FISHERIES MANAGEMENT (Ref: FISH/01/2026)FORESTRY MANAGEMENT (Ref: FOR/01/2026)OCEANS AND COASTS (Ref: OC/01/2026)REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SECTOR MONITORING (Ref: RCSM/01/2026) Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified): ID document (certified copy)Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)Qualifications or certificates completed, if applicable (certified copies)Most recent academic records, if currently studying (certified copies)Proof of registration, if enrolled (on institutes letterhead)Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ proof ofsassagrant or pension if applicable/ affidavit or death certificates if deceased)Motivational letter to support your application and explain why you should be awarded the bursary (read our tips onhow to write a motivational letter for your bursary application) Applications must be submitted via courier or hand delivery, to the following addresses:– Pretoria:Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentEnvironment House473 Steve Biko StreetCnr Steve Biko and Soutpansberg RoadArcadiaPRETORIA0001 – Cape Town:Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentForetrust Building3 Hammerschlag WayForeshoreCAPE TOWN8000 – Post:The Director GeneralDepartment of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentPrivate Bag X447Pretoria0001Attention: Learning and Development (Bursary Section) Note: applications submitted via fax or email will NOT be accepted.

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