DEDEAT Bursary South Africa – Complete Guide

The DEDEAT bursary is an external funding programme offered by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in the Eastern Cape. It aims to support students from disadvantaged or under-resourced backgrounds to access tertiary education in fields that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability and community development within the province.

The bursary seeks applicants who intend to study in strategic courses that will contribute to social, environmental and economic progress.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the DEDEAT bursary you must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Reside in the Eastern Cape province and provide proof of residence
• Have completed Matric (Grade 12) or be about to complete it, and plan to study full time at a recognised South African tertiary institution
• Demonstrate financial need — often indicated through household income or parent/guardian income affidavits
• Preferably be from a previously disadvantaged community or rural area
• Not already hold a tertiary qualification (applicants seeking their first qualification are preferred)

Fields of Study Covered

DEDEAT supports a variety of study areas under two main streams — Economic Development (or Commerce/Social/Economic/Infrastructure related studies) and Environmental / Environmental-Management / Ecology studies. Eligible courses often include (but are not limited to):

• Commerce and Economic Development: Economics, Development Studies, Public Finance, Statistics, Tourism Economics, Social Development, Community Development and related studies
• Environmental and Sustainability Sciences: Environmental Science and Management, Pollution and Waste Management, Air Quality Management, Biodiversity & Marine/Coastal Management, Climate Change Studies, Environmental Policy and Planning, Environmental Economics, Marine Biology or Environmental Chemistry
• Social Sciences and Community-Oriented Programmes: Community Development, Human Ecology, Social Studies, Public Administration or similar disciplines

This range allows students interested in economics, environment, social development or sustainability to apply under DEDEAT’s bursary scheme.

What the Bursary Covers

If awarded, the DEDEAT bursary can help cover:

• Tuition fees at the registered tertiary institution
• Study materials and prescribed academic resources (books, possibly supplies)
• Depending on available funding and stream — in some cases support may also include aspects like registration or related academic costs

Because funding depends on budget and stream, the bursary may be full or partial. Applicants should review the bursary offer carefully to understand what is covered.

What You Need to Apply

When applying for the DEDEAT bursary, you generally need to submit:

• A completed bursary application form (from DEDEAT regional or head office or relevant download source)
• Certified copy of a South African identity document
• Proof of residence within the Eastern Cape (municipal bill or address affidavit)
• Certified Matric results (if fresh applicant) or latest academic transcript (if already studying)
• Proof of acceptance or provisional registration at a recognised tertiary institution (or application evidence if you apply before admission)
• Proof of household income or parent/guardian income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of social grants)
• A motivational letter or personal statement explaining background, financial need, study intentions and why you should be considered

The deadline usually falls toward the end of the calendar year — for example, for the 2026 intake the closing date is 31 December 2025. It is important to submit before this date to ensure your application is considered.

What DEDEAT Looks For / Preference Criteria

Priority tends to be given to applicants who:

• Are first-time tertiary students (no previous post-matric qualifications)
• Have not previously received a DEDEAT bursary
• Come from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds
• Show strong academic results and commitment
• Provide complete and certified documentation when applying

Meeting the basic eligibility does not guarantee funding — the selection depends on funds available and comparative merit/performance among applicants.

Why the DEDEAT Bursary is a Good Opportunity

For young people in the Eastern Cape — especially those from communities with fewer resources — DEDEAT can open doors to degrees in economics, environment, social development, and sustainability. The bursary reduces financial burden, enabling students to focus on their studies without worrying about tuition or study-related costs. For fields like environmental science, community development, economics or marine/coastal studies, this support can provide a strong foundation for contributing to provincial growth, environmental protection or social upliftment after graduation.

Final Thoughts

If you are from the Eastern Cape, meet the eligibility criteria, and are committed to pursuing a degree in one of the eligible fields, the DEDEAT bursary could be a great chance to access tertiary education without major financial strain. Gather all required documents, fill out the application carefully, and submit early — this bursary can offer real support towards your academic dreams and future career in economic development, environmental management, or social impact in South Africa.