DFFE Bursary 2026

By | November 15, 2024
0 Comment

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened their 2026 DFFE Bursary and is inviting all interested applicants to apply .

The Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries is one of the departments of the South African government. It is responsible for protecting, conserving and improving the South African environment and natural resources

ENDING DATE: This bursary will end on 26 November 2026.

LOCATION: South Africa

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be currently in Matric or you must have completed Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full time, in one of the fields listed above, for 2026
  • You must be registered to study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
  • You must NOT be an employee of the DFFE
  • Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged candidates and those living with disabilities

BURSARY COVERAGE:

This bursary will be awarded for the maximum value of R40 000 in the following fields:

Biodiversity and Conservation:

  • Biological Sciences (Degree/ Hons BSc)
  • Environmental Management (Diploma/ Degree/ Hons)
  • Environmental Science (Diploma/ Degree/ Hons)
  • Environmental Strategy Development and Implementation or Environmental Law including Advanced Legislative Drafting (Diploma/ Degree/ Hons)
  • Global change dynamics (Climate Change, drought, biodiversity loss) (Diploma/ Degree/ Hons)
  • Heritage Studies (Diploma/ Degree)
  • Nature Conservation (Diploma/ Degree / Hons)
  • Natural Science / Environmental Science/Management majoring in Ecology, Resources Management and Geographical Information System (BSc/ Hons/ MSc)
  • Risk management or Policy Development (Diploma/ Degree/ Hons)
  • Wetlands Management and/or Ecosystem Approach (Diploma/ Degree/ Hons)

Chemicals and Waste Management:

  • Biochemistry/ Microbiology (MSc/ M Tech)
  • Chemical Engineering/ Chemistry (MSc/ M Tech)
  • Eco-toxicology of environmental pollutants (Masters/ PhD)
  • Ecoxicology (B Hons/ M Sc)
  • Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (Masters/ PhD)
  • Environmental Science (B Degree/ M Tech/ Hons/ MSc)
  • Epidemiology of environmental pollutants (Masters/ PhD)
  • Impacts and synergistic effects of environmental pollutants on the environment (Masters/ PhD)
  • Toxicology (Masters/ PhD)
  • Waste Management (B Degree/ Hons/ MSc)

Climate Change, Air Quality and Sustainable Development:

  • Chemistry (BSc)
  • Conservation (National Diploma/ B Degree)
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences (National Diploma/ B Degree)
  • Environmental Management (BSc/ National Diploma)
  • Environmental Science (BSc/ National Diploma)
  • Geography, Archaeology and Environmental (BSc)
  • Natural Science (National Diploma/ B Degree)
  • Sustainable Development (National Diploma/ B Degree)

Environmental Programmes:

  • Environmental Science (National Diploma)
  • Environmental Science: Biological Resources (BSc Degree/ Hons/ Masters)
  • Environmental Science: Environmental Economics (BSc Degree/ Hons/ Masters)
  • Environmental Science: Environmental Law/ Biological Sciences (BSc Degree/ Hons/ Masters)
  • Environmental Science: People and the Environment (BSc Degree/ Hons/ Masters)
  • Environmental Science: Water Resources (BSc Degree/ Hons/ Masters)
  • Horticulture (National Diploma/ Adv Diploma)
  • Landscape Technology (National Diploma/ Adv Diploma)
See also  Cape Peninsula University of Technology Prospectus 2026

Forestry Management:

  • Environmental Science or Management (National Diploma/ B Degree/ Hons/ MSc)
  • Forestry (National Diploma/ AdvDip/ B Degree/ Hons/ Master’s Degree)
  • Forestry (B Degree / Hons / Master’s Degree)
  • Forestry, Wood Science (BTech/ M Sc)
  • Game Ranch management (National Diploma/ AdvDip/ Hons/ MSc/ PhD)
  • Nature Conservation (National Diploma/ AdvDip/ Hons/ MSc/ PhD)
  • Nature Conservation, Botany, Marine Science (National Diploma/ BTech/ BDegree/ Hons/ MSc)
  • Veld Fire Management (Higher Certificate)
  • Wood Technology (National Diploma/ AdvDip/ Hons/ MSc/ PhD)

Fisheries Management:

  • Environmental Science (B Degree/ Hons/ MSc)
  • Ichthyology specialising in Aquaculture (BSc)
  • Marine Biology (BSc)
  • Oceanography (National Diploma)
  • Oceanography and Marine Biology (BSc)

Oceans and Coast:

  • Applied Aquaculture
  • Aquatic Veterinary Science
  • Biochemistry (Genetics) (Hons/ MSc)
  • Botany (Coastal-related) (Hons/ MSc)
  • Chemistry (Heavy metals pollution in the Marine Environment) (MSc)
  • Chemistry (Hydro-Carbons) (MSc)
  • Data Analyst and statistical modelling
  • Ecological modelling (MSc)
  • Ecophysiology (Hons/ MSc)
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental/ Maritime Law
  • Environmental Science (BSc/ Honours/ Masters/ PhD)
  • GIS emphasis on Spatial analysis (Hons/ MSc)
  • Information Technology and GIS (Marine)
  • Marine Science/ Environmental Science (BTech)
  • Marine Spatial Planning
  • Marine Protected Areas Management
  • Maritime Law (BSc)
  • Maritime Security
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nature Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management (BSc)
  • Ocean Governance
  • Ocean Noise (Physics & Biology Oceanography) (PhD)
  • Operations Management (BTech)
  • Resource/ Environmental Economics
  • Taxonomy (Systematics) and Biodiversity (MSc)

Regulatory Compliance and Sector Monitoring:

  • Botany (BSc)
  • Chemistry (BSc)
  • Environmental Management majoring in Environmental Impact Assessment (Bachelors Degree)
  • Environmental Sciences (majoring in Animal and wildlife) (Bachelors Degree)
  • Geography (BSc Honours)
  • Geography, Geoinformatics (BSc)
  • Law (B.A)
  • LLB (Major courses: Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Legislative Drafting)
  • LLM
  • Paralegal (National Diploma/ Degree)

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Download this form below to apply:

DFFE-Bursary-Application-FormDownload

Candidates are required to indicate the reference number and qualification they are applying for, on the application form:

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
  • Biodiversity and Conservation (Reference: B&C/01/2026)
  • Chemicals and Waste Management (Reference: CWM/01/2026)
  • Climate Change, Air Quality and Sustainable Development (Reference: CCAS/01/2026)
  • Environmental Programmes (Reference: EP/01/2026)
  • Forestry Management (Reference: FO /01/2026)
  • Fisheries Management (Reference: FI/01/2026)
  • Oceans and Coast (Reference: OC/01/2026)
  • Regulatory Compliance and Sector Monitoring (Reference: RCSM/01/2026)

Related Resources

🎓 Bursary Applications South Africa Latest bursary opportunities and application guides

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

See also  How do I check my University of Pretoria online application status 2026?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: