Environmental Science Bursaries in South Africa 2026

If you care about protecting the environment and building a more sustainable South Africa, a bursary can turn that calling into a qualification you can actually afford. Environmental science bursaries usually cover tuition, and many of the bigger ones also help with accommodation, a meals or book allowance, a laptop, and sometimes a monthly stipend, so you can focus on your studies instead of stressing about money. They tend to support a wide range of related fields too: environmental management, ecology and conservation, water and waste management, climate and sustainability, environmental health, geology and earth sciences, marine science and zoology, and the agricultural and forestry sciences. Some are tied to a specific degree, or even a particular university or TVET programme, so always read the fine print before you apply.

These bursaries come from a mix of places. Corporates in mining, energy, water, agriculture, forestry and manufacturing often fund environmental and sustainability students because they need these skills in-house, usually through their social or transformation programmes. Government departments and state-owned entities in the environment, water, agriculture and conservation space, along with the relevant SETAs, university faculties, research councils, and private trusts or foundations, also offer funding. Some come with a work-back agreement, meaning you commit to working for the funder for a set period after you graduate, which is a great way to walk straight into a job in the sector.

Eligibility usually rests on a few things: strong matric or NSC results, especially in Maths and Physical Sciences (or Life Sciences and Geography for some programmes), South African citizenship, and often proof of financial need. Many funders also look for genuine interest in the environment, so any volunteering, eco-club involvement or community projects can set you apart. A lot of corporate bursaries open in the second half of the year for the following academic intake, so get your documents ready early and apply the moment applications open.