The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) invites eligible students from the Eastern Cape province to apply for the DEDEAT Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 December 2025
This bursary programme aims to support students from previously disadvantaged communities who wish to pursue studies aligned with economic development, environmental management, sustainability, and scientific research, while building critical skills needed by the province.
About the DEDEAT Bursary Programme
The DEDEAT Bursary Programme is designed to develop future professionals who will contribute to economic growth, environmental protection, sustainable development, and policy implementation in the Eastern Cape.
Through this bursary, DEDEAT seeks to strengthen capacity in key focus areas such as:
- Economic development planning
- Environmental management and conservation
- Climate change and pollution control
- Renewable and sustainable energy
- Research, statistics, and policy development
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the following priority fields:
Economic Development Fields
- Degree: Business Law
(Focus area: Consumer Studies) - BCom / BA: Statistics, Human Ecology and Community Development, Bachelor of Community Development, International Studies
(Focus areas: Statistics, Development Infrastructure, Transport Economics) - BSc: Energy Studies
- Masters: Renewable and Sustainable Development
(Focus area: Energy Studies) - BTech / BSc: Agri-Economics
(Focus areas: Manufacturing & Agricultural Sector Development, Urban Planning, Industrial Engineering)
Environmental Affairs Fields
- BSc: Environmental Science (Waste Management)
- BSc: Environmental Science (Air Quality Management)
(Focus area: Pollution & Waste Management) - Degree: Environmental Policy Planning, Environmental Design, Sociology, Environmental Economics
(Focus area: Environmental Research & Policy Development) - Degree: Environmental Management, Biodiversity, Coastal or Marine Management, Climate Change
(Focus area: Environmental Management) - BSc: Environmental Chemistry
- BSc: Marine Biology
(Focus area: Scientific Studies)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must reside in the Eastern Cape province
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intend to study in 2026 towards one of the listed qualifications
- Must be studying or intend to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Must be from a previously disadvantaged community
Preference Will Be Given To Applicants Who:
- Have not completed any qualification after Matric
- Have not previously received a DEDEAT bursary
- Have passed all relevant subjects required for their intended field of study
How to Apply for the DEDEAT Bursary 2026
Step 1: Collect an Application Form
Application forms can be collected in person from any of the following DEDEAT offices:
- Head Office (Bhisho) – Phalo House, Bhisho
Contact: Mr Thabo Manentsa
Email: Thabo.Manentsa@dedea.gov.za | Cell: 066 486 8229 - Alfred Nzo Regional Office (Maluti)
Contact: Ms Nontuthuzelo Magugu
Email: nontuthuzelo.magugu@dedea.gov.za | Tel: 039 256 0229 - Amathole Regional Office (East London)
Contact: Mr Vukile Mayisela
Email: vukile.mayisela@dedea.gov.za | Tel: 043 707 4000 - Chris Hani Regional Office (Komani)
Contact: Mr Nyhweba Dyani
Email: Nyhweba.dyani@dedea.gov.za | Tel: 045 809 4000 - Joe Gqabi Regional Office (Aliwal North)
Contact: Mr Thandile Tokwe
Email: Thandile.tokwe@dedea.gov.za | Tel: 051 633 2901 - OR Tambo Regional Office (Mthatha)
Contact: Ms Asanda Sogoni
Email: asanda.sogoni@dedea.gov.za | Tel: 047 531 1191 - Sarah Baartman Regional Office (Gqeberha)
Contact: Ms Ashley Poggenpoel
Email: ashley.poggenpoel@dedea.gov.za | Tel: 041 508 5826
Supporting Documents Required
Applicants must submit clear certified copies of the following documents with the completed application form:
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric final results / certificate
- Proof of acceptance or admission to a tertiary institution (on official letterhead)
- Full academic record (if currently studying)
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardian’s ID documents
- Proof of household income (payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of residence
❗ Missing documents may result in disqualification.
Closing Date
🗓 31 December 2025
Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Final Notes
The DEDEAT Bursary Programme provides an excellent opportunity for Eastern Cape students who are passionate about economic development, environmental protection, sustainability, and scientific research. If you meet the requirements and plan to study in one of the listed fields in 2026, this bursary could be your gateway to a meaningful and impactful career.
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