The National Department of Agriculture invites South African students to apply for the Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Bursary Programme Overview
The Department of Agriculture is offering bursary awards for the 2027 academic year to students who want to study agriculture-related qualifications.
This bursary is aimed at supporting South African students who are passionate about agriculture, food production, agricultural science, environmental sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector.
The bursary is especially helpful for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may need financial support to complete their studies.
What the Bursary Covers
The Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme may cover the following study costs:
Tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, meals and a monthly allowance.
Fields of Study Funded
The Department of Agriculture bursary funds selected qualifications in agriculture-related fields.
Agricultural Engineering and Technology
BSc Engineering Agricultural, also known as Bioresource Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
BSc Food Science and Technology
Diploma in Food Technology
Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
BHSc Veterinary Technology
BSc Agricultural Animal Health
Agricultural Sciences
BSc Agricultural Entomology
BSc Agricultural Food Science
BSc Agricultural Plant Pathology
BSc Agricultural Plant Science
BSc Agricultural Soil Science
BSc Agricultural Agronomy
BSc Agricultural Viticulture and Oenology
Postgraduate and Advanced Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields
BSc Agricultural Honours in Plant Pathology
BSc Agricultural Honours in Entomology
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the academic requirements for the qualification they want to study.
Engineering-Related Agricultural Qualifications
Applicants must have:
Mathematics Level 6, which is 70–79%
Physical Science Level 6, which is 70–79%
Veterinary and Agricultural Science Qualifications
Applicants must have:
Mathematics Level 5, which is 60–69%
Physical Science Level 5, which is 60–69%
Food Technology Qualifications
Applicants must have:
Mathematics Level 4, which is 50–59%
Physical Science Level 4, which is 50–59%
Advanced Diploma and Honours Programmes
Applicants must already have a relevant undergraduate qualification.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Students who are planning to study approved agriculture-related qualifications may apply.
Students who are already studying approved agricultural programmes may also apply.
Grade 12 learners who are waiting for final matric results or university acceptance letters may still apply. Missing documents must be submitted within three days after Grade 12 results are released in January 2027.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Important Notes
Applicants must complete the official bursary application form correctly.
Only the fields of study listed in the bursary advert will be considered.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Affidavits will not be accepted in place of required supporting documents.
Communication will only be sent to successful applicants. If you do not hear from the Department after Grade 12 results are released and after the National Bursary Committee has finalised selections, consider your application unsuccessful.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following supporting documents:
Certified copy of ID, latest academic results, matric certificate if completed, proof of university application or acceptance, and any additional supporting documents required on the application form.
Applicants must ensure that all documents are clear, certified where required, and submitted before the closing date.
How to Apply
Applicants must download and complete the official Department of Agriculture bursary application form.
Completed application forms and supporting documents must be emailed to:
Email: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
Click here to apply for National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027.
Enquiries
For enquiries, applicants may contact:
Ms Silindelo Dlomo
Tel: 012 319 7848
Ms Bongiwe Shabalala
Tel: 012 319 7136
Mr Sifiso Nkuna
Tel: 012 319 7201
Final Reminder
The closing date for the Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, check all documents carefully, use the correct email address and keep proof of submission.