Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary Applications

About DFFE

DFFE is a South African government department that stands for The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment. It is responsible for managing and protecting the environment and natural resources of South Africa. DFFE also regulates the sector and advises the South African government to formulate rules and regulations for the companies.

DFFE’s initiatives also help the South African citizens by ensuring good air and water quality in the region. Other focus areas include waste and chemical management, education, job creation, fighting crime, and sustainable development.

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary 2022

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is offering financial assistance to students who are in need of it. Known as the DFFE Bursary, it is offered in multiple fields of study, provided they’re related to the environment.

The fields of study eligible for this bursary programme are:

• Biodiversity and conservation (Ref no- B&C/01/2022)
• Fisheries management (FI/01/2022)
• Forestry management (FO/01/2022)
• Climate change & air quality & sustainable development (CCAS/01/2022)
• Chemicals and waste management (CWM/01/2022)
• Environmental programmes (EP/01/2022)
• Oceans and coast (OC/01/2022)
• Regulatory compliance and sector monitoring (RCSM/01/2022)

There are subjects within these fields of study. Not every subject or qualification is eligible. Within Biodiversity and conservation, here are some of the qualifications you should be pursuing to avail the bursary:

• Heritage Studies (degree/diploma)
• Biological Sciences (Degree/Hons BSc)
• Nature Conservation (Degree/Diploma/Hons)
• Environmental Sciences (Degree/Diploma/Hons)
• Environmental Management (Degree/Diploma/Hons)
• Wetlands Management and/or Ecosystem Approach (Degree/Diploma/Hons)

For the complete list of eligible programmes for the DFFE bursary, refer to the

The bursary will offer a maximum of R 40,000 to each student.

Bursary Eligibility Criteria

To select the bursars from the pool of applicants, DFFE has some eligibility criteria in place. Anyone applying for the bursary must fulfill all of the criteria. Failing to do so will result in the cancellation of the application. Since the number of bursaries is limited, DFFE cannot award them to everyone. Therefore, always cross-check with the criteria before applying.

The eligibility requirements for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary 2022 are:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be either completed Matriculation or currently be in Matric
• Must be willing to pursue a qualification in one of the fields of study mentioned above. The course must be mentioned in the advert
• Must be studying full-time and not part-time or in distance mode
• Must not be employed somewhere and receiving compensation for it
• Must have registered at the tertiary institution you’re willing to study at
• Must not be an employee of DFFE

For the DFFE bursary, preference is given to those who belong to a previously disadvantaged background. People with disabilities also get priority over others.

How to Apply?

If you consider yourself eligible based on the requirements mentioned above, go ahead and apply for the bursary. The application process is simple and short. It shouldn’t take you more than an hour to complete. Here are the steps to follow:

The first step is to download and complete the  It asks certain questions about yourself and your contact details. Provide the correct information so they can contact you further if required. You’d have to indicate the reference number (mentioned above) and qualification in the form.

Documents Required

The next step is to prepare the following documents:

• ID documents
• Latest Matric results, if currently in Matric; Matric certificate if completed
• Certificates received till now
• Most recent academic performance results, if presently studying
• Proof of registration, if accepted into an institution (on institution letterhead)
• Parents or guardians ID documents
• Proof of income or parents or guardians (payslips if employed; affidavit if not employed or if deceased; proof of grant if applicable)
• Research proposal if pursuing a Honours or Masters qualification
• A motivational letter supporting your case

Mail the documents and the completed application form to:

The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment
Private Bag X 447
Pretoria
0001

(Attention: Learning and Development – Bursary Section)

Closing Date

The last date to apply for the DFFE bursary is 26 November 2021

Contact Details

For more details on the bursary, get in touch with the following contact person:

• Joshua Moepya – 012 399 8682 / 067 417 3739
• Busisiwe Stemele – 399 8685 / 066 156 0042
• Mokhobo Putu – 399 9018 / 066 081 2662

If the bursary has already been closed, you are requested not to contact The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). View our other bursaries open for application here: