Are you a passionate South African student, eager to pursue a career in environmental science, biodiversity, conservation, or any related field? Look no further! The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting full-time students to apply for bursaries for the 2025 academic year. These bursaries are designed to support students with a passion for environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and various scientific fields, ensuring that the future of South Africa’s environment is in capable hands.
Bursaries Availability Status
The DFFE bursaries are now available for the 2025 academic year, offering financial support to full-time students pursuing studies in various fields related to environmental management, biodiversity, and sustainability. These bursaries are aimed at providing opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals, South African citizens, and people living with disabilities.
DFFE Bursaries Overview
- Closing Date: 18 October 2024
- Bursary Amount: Up to R50,000 per annum
Tip: How to Apply for Bursaries for the 2025 Academic Year
Fields of Study
The DFFE bursaries cover a wide range of fields of study, ensuring that students from diverse academic backgrounds can benefit. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different categories and corresponding fields of study.
1. Biodiversity and Conservation (Ref: B&C/01/2025)
- ND Nature Conservation
- ND Ecotourism and Game Range Management
- B Degree/ Hons/ M Sc (Environmental: Management / Science/ Economics)
- B Sc Zoology and Botany
- B Sc Geology
- ND/ Adv Diploma/ B Degree/ Hons/ M Sc (Forestry)
- LLB / Environmental Law
- B Degree/ Hons/ M Sc (Geography)
- Cultural, Heritage, and Natural Resource Management
- B Degree/ Hons/ M Sc (Archaeology)
2. Chemicals and Waste Management (Ref: CWM/01/2025)
- ND/ B Tech/ M Tech/ D Tech (Environmental Science/ Environmental Management/ Environmental Health)
- ND/ B Tech/ M Tech/ D Tech (Waste Management/ Recycling Economy)
- B Degree/ Hons/ M Sc/ PhD (Environment and Development with a focus on waste management or resource efficiency)
- B Degree/ Hons/ M Sc/ PhD (Natural Sciences)
- B Degree/ Hons/ MA (Chemical Engineering)
- B Degree/ Hons/ M Sc/ PhD (Environmental Science/ Environmental Management)
3. Climate Change and Air Quality Management (Ref: CCAQ/01/2025)
- ND / B Sc (Environmental Science/ Environmental Management)
- B Degree Earth and Environmental Sciences
- B Sc Chemistry
- B Sc Geography / Archaeology and Environmental Studies
4. Environmental Programmes (Ref: EP/01/2025)
- ND/ B Tech/ Post Grad Dip (Project Management)
- B Sc/ Hons (Geographical Information System)
- B Degree/ Hons Wetland Science
- Post Grad Dip in Pesticide Risk Management
- M Sc in Chemicals Management
5. Forestry Management (Ref: FOR/01/2025)
- ND Forestry
- Advanced Diploma Forestry
- M Sc Forestry
- PhD in Forestry
- B Sc Hon Natural Resource Management
6. Fisheries Management (Ref: FISH/01/2025)
- Maritime Studies
- B Sc Ichthyology specializing in Aquaculture
- B Sc Marine Biology/ Aquaculture/ Environmental Science/ Fisheries Science/ Aquatic Science
7. Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring (Ref: RCSM/01/2025)
- BA Law/ LLB (majoring in Administrative law/ Legislative Drafting/ Environmental Law)
- LLM in Environmental Law
- B Sc Environmental Science/ Chemistry/ Geography/ Geoinformatics
8. Oceans and Coasts (Ref: OC/01/2025)
- B Sc/ M Sc/ PhD in Marine Biology, Biodiversity, Conservation, Oceanography
Requirements
To qualify for the bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a recognized South African higher education institution or currently completing their Grade 12.
- Consideration will be given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities.
- Applicants must not have previously participated in any public service internship program.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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How to Apply
The application process for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment bursary is straightforward, but it’s crucial to ensure that all required documents are submitted. Here’s what you need to do:
Required Documents:
- Motivation Letter – Explain why you deserve the bursary.
- Certified Copies of Qualifications – Include your academic records and proof of Grade 12 completion.
- Certified Copies of Identity Documents – Both yours and your parents’ or guardian’s.
- Proof of Registration – If already enrolled at a higher learning institution.
- Grade 12 Results – If you are currently in high school.
- Proof of Parents’ or Guardian’s Income – Include all necessary financial information.
- Proof if Parents Are Deceased – Provide documentation if applicable.
- Affidavit if Parents Are Not Working – A sworn statement to confirm unemployment status.
Submission Guidelines:
- Postal Address:
- Attention: Learning and Development (Bursary Section)
- The Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001
- Hand Deliveries (Pretoria):
- Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Cnr Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road, Arcadia, Pretoria
- Hand Deliveries (Cape Town):
- Foretrust Building, No 3 Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town
Contact Information:
For any queries, please reach out to the following contacts:
- Joshua Moepya: Tel: 012 399 8682
- Busisiwe Stemele: Tel: 012 399 8685
- Mokhobo Putu: Tel: 012 399 9018
For Cape Town queries:
- Kgomotso Moela: Tel: 021 402 3329
- Neliswa Magwala: Tel: 021 814 8089
- Tumeka Madolo: Tel: 021 402 3072
Read more: College vs University: Which Qualification Secures Better Jobs in South Africa
If you’re passionate about the environment and want to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s sustainable development, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity! Be sure to apply before the 18th of October 2024. Remember, incomplete applications won’t be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by January 2025.
If you’re ready to pursue your academic dreams in environmental sciences and related fields, now is the time to act. Secure your future and contribute to the well-being of South Africa’s natural resources.