Digby Wells Bursary 2027

About the Provider

Digby Wells Environmental is a leading provider of environmental and social consulting services to the mineral resources and energy industries in South Africa and internationally. Founded in 1995 and named after the late Mr Digby Wells, a pioneer in the South African environmental management field, the company has grown into one of the continent's most respected environmental consultancies.

The company's capabilities span a comprehensive range of services including environmental impact assessments, social and heritage services, mine rehabilitation and closure planning, water geosciences, renewable energy consulting, and stakeholder engagement. This multidisciplinary approach allows Digby Wells to address the complex environmental and social challenges that arise from mining, energy, and development projects.

Digby Wells was formed by three partners from the Environmental Management Department of Rand Mines, bringing deep industry knowledge and a commitment to responsible resource development. Over nearly three decades, the company has maintained its founding principle that economic development and environmental stewardship can coexist when managed with expertise and integrity.

The company's commitment to developing young talent is reflected in its bursary programme, which supports students who share its passion for environmental sustainability. By investing in the next generation of environmental professionals, Digby Wells ensures a pipeline of skilled practitioners who can address the growing demand for environmental and social services across Africa.

Digby Wells operates from offices in Johannesburg and has project experience across multiple African countries, giving bursary recipients exposure to a company with both local depth and continental reach.

About the Program

The Digby Wells Bursary Programme supports students pursuing qualifications in environmental and social sciences at recognised South African tertiary institutions. The company is committed to developing young talent and strengthening the environmental sector by funding hardworking, motivated, and high-achieving students who want to build careers in environmental management and related fields.

Bursaries are available across ten specialised fields: Aquatic Ecology, Community Development, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Social Sciences, Sociology, and Stakeholder Engagement. This broad range of disciplines reflects the multidisciplinary nature of modern environmental consulting.

The bursary covers tuition fees, a book allowance, and provides a laptop to support academic work. While the financial package focuses on direct study costs, the programme's real value lies in the professional development opportunities it offers through vacation work and internships at Digby Wells Environmental during university holidays.

Bursary recipients may be required to complete vacation work or internships at the company, providing hands-on experience in real environmental consulting projects. This practical exposure is invaluable for students entering a field where applied skills and fieldwork experience are highly valued by employers.

After graduation, recipients may be requested to work for Digby Wells Environmental for a period equivalent to the duration of their bursary funding. This arrangement provides graduates with guaranteed employment in their field while allowing the company to develop professionals who understand its operations and values.

Bursary Benefits

• Full tuition fees covered at your chosen tertiary institution
• Book allowance for prescribed and recommended study materials
• Laptop provision to support academic work and research
• Vacation work opportunities at Digby Wells Environmental during university holidays
• Internship placements providing hands-on environmental consulting experience
• Potential employment at Digby Wells after graduation
• Mentorship from experienced environmental professionals
• Exposure to real projects in mining, energy, and environmental management

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend to study full-time towards a qualification in one of the approved environmental/social science fields
• You must be enrolled or intend to enrol at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record and be dedicated to your studies
• You must be passionate about environmental sustainability
• You must have a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to contributing to society and the environment

Required Documents

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric latest results or Matric certificate
• Academic transcripts or latest results if currently studying
• Proof of registration or provisional acceptance at a tertiary institution
• Updated CV with contact details
• Motivational letter stating why you wish to pursue a career in the environmental sector and how you align with Digby Wells' values

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility criteria to confirm you meet all requirements, particularly your field of study and passion for environmental sustainability.
2. Prepare all required supporting documents: certified ID copy, Matric results or certificate, academic transcripts, proof of registration or acceptance, updated CV, and motivational letter.
3. Visit the official Digby Wells Bursary Application portal online.
4. Complete the online application form thoroughly and accurately.
5. Upload clear, legible copies of all supporting documents.
6. Write a motivational letter explaining why you wish to pursue a career in the environmental sector and how you align with Digby Wells' values of sustainability and responsible resource management.
7. Submit your completed application as soon as possible — the closing date has not been disclosed, so early submission is strongly recommended.

Tips for Success

• Demonstrate genuine passion for environmental sustainability in your motivational letter. Digby Wells specifically seeks students who care about the environment, not just those seeking funding.
• Research Digby Wells before applying. Understanding their services, values, and the industries they work in will help you write a more compelling application.
• Highlight any environmental experience — volunteering, school projects, community clean-ups, or environmental awareness activities all demonstrate commitment.
• Show strong academic performance — the programme targets high-achieving students, so ensure your transcripts reflect consistent effort.
• Apply as early as possible — the closing date is not disclosed, meaning applications may close without warning once sufficient candidates are received.
• Tailor your CV to highlight skills relevant to environmental work: fieldwork experience, data analysis, report writing, and teamwork.
• Be specific about your career goals in the environmental sector. Generic statements are less compelling than focused aspirations.
• Mention your willingness to do vacation work — this shows you understand and accept the programme's practical components.
• Ensure all documents are current — academic transcripts should reflect your most recent results.
• Proofread everything — attention to detail matters in environmental consulting, and your application is your first demonstration of this skill.

Career Prospects

Graduates from the Digby Wells Bursary Programme are well-positioned for careers in one of South Africa's growing professional sectors. Environmental consulting has expanded significantly as mining, energy, and development companies face increasing regulatory requirements and social expectations around environmental management.

Career paths for environmental science graduates include:

• Environmental impact assessment — evaluating proposed developments for environmental and social effects
• Aquatic ecology — monitoring and protecting freshwater ecosystems affected by mining and development
• Hydrogeology and hydrology — managing groundwater and surface water resources
• GIS and spatial analysis — mapping environmental data and supporting decision-making
• Mine rehabilitation and closure — planning and implementing post-mining landscape restoration
• Stakeholder engagement — facilitating community consultation for development projects
• Social impact assessment — evaluating how projects affect communities and livelihoods
• Renewable energy consulting — supporting the transition to sustainable energy sources
• Environmental compliance — ensuring companies meet regulatory requirements
• Research positions at universities and science councils

Digby Wells' international presence means graduates may also access opportunities beyond South Africa, with the company operating across Africa and internationally in the mineral resources and energy sectors.

The growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting by listed companies has created strong demand for environmental professionals, making this a field with excellent long-term career prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fields of study are covered?

Ten fields are funded: Aquatic Ecology, Community Development, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, GIS, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Social Sciences, Sociology, and Stakeholder Engagement.

Can I study at any university?

Yes. The bursary is available for study at any recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa. You are not restricted to a specific university.

Is there a work-back obligation?

Bursary recipients may be requested to work for Digby Wells for a period equivalent to the duration of funding received. This provides guaranteed employment after graduation.

What does the bursary cover?

The bursary covers tuition fees, a book allowance, and provides a laptop. It does not cover accommodation or living expenses.

Do I need to do vacation work?

Bursary recipients may be required to complete vacation work or internships at Digby Wells during university holidays. This provides valuable practical experience.

When does the application close?

The closing date has not been disclosed. Apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

Can Matric students apply?

Yes. Both current Matric students and those who have already completed Matric are eligible to apply.

What should my motivational letter focus on?

Your letter should explain why you want to pursue a career in the environmental sector and how your values align with Digby Wells' commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.

Applications Closing

The closing date has not been disclosed — apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

About the Organization

Tel: 011 789 9495 Email: bursary@digbywells.com