External Bursary Programme 2026 – DEDEAT

The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) invites suitably qualified applicants from the Eastern Cape Province to apply for external bursary funding for the 2026 academic year, targeting candidates pursuing or intending to pursue studies in Economic Development and Environmental Management fields. This bursary opportunity aims to support individuals from previously disadvantaged communities who meet the required criteria, including submission of a completed application form, proof of acceptance or application to a recognised institution, certified academic records, proof of income, and confirmation of residency within the Eastern Cape.

Position: External Bursary Programme 2026
Duration: Full academic year (2026)
Location: Eastern Cape Province
Closing Date: 31 December 2025

Preference will be given to applicants without post-matric qualifications, those who have not previously received DEDEAT funding, and candidates who have passed all relevant subjects, with emailed applications accepted until 31 December 2025.

EXTERNAL BURSARY INVITATION 2026

The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) intends to award bursaries to qualifying applicants, with particular focus on candidates from previously disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape Province who are pursuing or intending to pursue studies in Economic Development and Environmental Management-related academic courses during the 2026 academic year.

The focus will be on the following areas/streams:

Programme: Economic Development
Focus Area: Consumer Studies
Qualification: Degree in Business Law

Programme: Economic Development
Focus Area: Energy Studies
Qualification: BSc: Energy Studies
Qualification: Masters in Renewable and Sustainable Development

Programme: Economic Development
Focus Area: Manufacturing and Agricultural Sector Development, Urban Planning, Industrial Engineering
Qualification: BTech/BSc: Agri-Economics
Qualification: Industrial Engineering
Qualification: Urban Planning

Programme: Economic Development
Focus Area: Statistics, Development Infrastructure, Transport Economics
Qualification: BCom: Statistics
Qualification: BA: Human Ecology and Community Development
Qualification: Bachelor of Community Development
Qualification: International Studies
Qualification: Transport Economics

Programme: Environmental Affairs
Focus Area: Pollution and Waste Management
Qualification: BSc: Environmental Science (Waste Management)
Qualification: BSc: Environmental Science (Air Quality Management)

Programme: Environmental Affairs
Focus Area: Environmental Research and Policy Development
Qualification: Degree in Environmental Policy, Planning, Design, Sociology & Environmental Economics

Programme: Environmental Affairs
Focus Area: Environmental Management
Qualification: Degree in Environmental Management
Qualification: Biodiversity
Qualification: Coastal or Marine Management
Qualification: Climate Change

Programme: Environmental Affairs
Focus Area: Scientific Studies
Qualification: BSc: Environmental Chemistry
Qualification: BSc in Marine Biology

Requirements

• Completed bursary application form
• Certified copy of ID document
• Acceptance letter/proof of application from a recognised higher education institution
• Certified copy of Grade 12 results (or latest academic progress report for current students)
• Parents’/guardian’s proof of income (payslip) or affidavit if unemployed
• Proof of residential address and affidavit confirming that the applicant resides in the Eastern Cape Province

Only applicants from the Eastern Cape Province will be considered.

Preference will be given to:

• Applicants who do not yet hold any post-matric qualification
• Applicants who have never received a DEDEAT bursary before
• Candidates who have passed all relevant subjects

Applicants applying for second-year funding for the first time must submit their first-year academic results.

NB: Emailed applications will be accepted.

Application forms are available from the following offices:

• Head Office (Bhisho)
  Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
  First Floor, Chungwa Building, Bhisho 5605
  Private Bag X0054, Bhisho, 5605
  Enquiries: Mr Thabo Manentsa
  Cell: 066 486 8229 | Email: [email protected]

Regional Offices

• Amathole – Mr Vukile Mayisela
  Alderwood House, Palm Square Business Park, Beacon Bay, East London
  Tel: 043 707 4000 | Cell: 078 801 5814 | [email protected]
• Chris Hani – Mr Nyhweba Dyani
  Komani Office Park, Komani
  Tel: 045 809 4000 | Cell: 083 382 1704 | [email protected]
• Sarah Baartman – Mr Ashley Poggenpoel
  Cnr Athol Fugard & Castle Hill, Central
  Tel: 041 508 5826 | Cell: 069 007 2148 | [email protected]
• Joe Gqabi – Mr Thandile Tokwe
  27 Queen Terrace, Old Library Building, Aliwal North 9750
  Tel: 051 633 2901 | Cell: 066 689 5572 | [email protected]
• OR Tambo – Ms Asanda Sogoni
  Corner Owen & Leeds Street, 5th Floor, Botha Sigcau Building, Mthatha 5099
  Tel: 047 531 1191 | Cell: 071 683 0219 | [email protected]
• Alfred Nzo – Ms Nontuthuzelo Magugu
  ERF 206 Magistrate Street, Maluti 4740
  Tel: 039 256 0229 | Cell: 083 254 8462 | [email protected]

Closing date: 31 December 2025

Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only.

DEDEAT is an equal opportunity employer; applicants from designated groups are encouraged to apply.