Digby Wells Environmental

About Digby Wells Environmental

Digby Wells Environmental is a consultancy that works only on environmental and social issues. It was founded in 1995 and carries the name of Digby Wells, a pioneer of environmental management in South Africa. The head office is in Bryanston, Johannesburg, and the firm is owned by its employees. This ownership model gives staff a direct stake in the business, and the firm says it invests in its people so they can serve each project and community well.

Over the years, the company has grown well beyond South Africa. It has offices in Botswana, Tanzania, Mali, Zambia, the United Kingdom and Jersey, and it reports thousands of completed projects in more than 70 countries. Its clients come from mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, renewable energy and agriculture. Services include environmental and social impact assessments, biodiversity studies, water geosciences, stakeholder engagement, and mine closure and rehabilitation. Because these projects involve land, water and nearby communities, graduates can work on issues with a visible effect on the real world.

How Digby Wells supports students

Digby Wells treats people development as part of its business. It runs graduate, internship and leadership programmes, and it offers a bursary for students who want a career in the environmental industry. The Digby Wells Environmental Bursary is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students at South African institutions.

The qualifying fields change from year to year. Recent lists included environmental sciences, geography, hydrogeology, hydrology, zoology, community development and research psychology. Earlier lists also named botany, soil science and aquatic health. The bursary may cover tuition fees, a book allowance and a laptop. Students can also gain vacation work, mentorship and a chance of employment after graduation. Together, these extras give bursary holders a head start, since they meet working consultants before they finish their degrees.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens who are in matric or have completed it. For undergraduate study, the usual requirement is at least 60% for Mathematics, 60% for English and a 65% overall average. Postgraduate applicants need a 65% overall average. Beyond marks, the firm looks for dedication, a real interest in environmental sustainability and a wish to contribute to society.

Applications go through the company's online recruitment platform. You will need certified copies of your ID and results, proof of registration or acceptance, a CV and a motivational letter about your goals in the environmental sector. The closing date is not fixed, and it can differ by year. For that reason, check the official Digby Wells website for the current call. If you have volunteered, joined an environmental club or done fieldwork, mention it in your motivational letter. Details of any work-back obligation should be read in the bursary agreement before you accept an offer.