Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) Bursary Programme 2026 for young South Africans.

Application Deadline: October 3rd, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) Bursary Programme. The DFFE offers, to FULL-TIME STUDENTS enrolled with institution of higher learning or INDIVIDUALS in GRADE 12 (MATRIC) and NOT EMPLOYED, the Bursary Programme. The DFFE is inviting full-time students to apply for bursaries, to be awarded in the 2026 academic year. Call for applications closes on 03 October 2025. No late applications will be accepted.

Requirements

• the call for applications only applies to fulltime students enrolled with the institution of higher learning or to individuals in their grade 12 (matric) and not employed;
• students who have previously participated in the public service internship program are ineligible for consideration;
  • upon completion of your studies, participation in the internship program is mandatory as part of the bursary contract agreement;
  • it is important to note that regulations prohibit participation in the internship program more than once;
• please indicate clearly on the application form the reference number and the study field;
• incomplete applications will not be considered;
• application must be submitted on a prescribed bursary application form [MS Word – 107,2 kb];
• no faxed or emailed applications will be accepted.

Bursary Amount

• The maximum amount of the bursary is R50,000.00

Applcation Procedure:

All applications should be accompanied by the following documents:

• motivation as to why the bursary should be awarded to you;
• certified copies of qualifications and recent academic records;
• certified copies of identity document (applicant and both parents or guardian);
• proof of registration (if already enrolled with the institution of higher learning);
• latest grade 12 results (if currently in high school);
• proof of parents or guardian’s income;
• proof if parents are deceased;
• affidavit if parents are not working.

Note:

• Correspondence is only limited to shortlisted and successful candidates.
• If you have not been contacted by end of January 2026, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. 
• Successful applicants will be expected to sign a bursary contract.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the DFFE Internship Programme