The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) invites qualifying South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities to apply for the DLRRD Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is offering bursary funding to students who want to pursue qualifications linked to land administration, surveying, geographic information systems and planning.
The programme targets students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities and supports selected undergraduate and postgraduate fields.
Bursary Programme Overview
Organisation: Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD)
Programme: DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027
Academic Year: 2027
Study Mode: Full-time
Target Group: Previously disadvantaged students and students from rural communities
Study Institution: Recognised and accredited South African university
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Method: Online or email
Fields of Study
The bursary supports studies in fields such as:
- BSc Geo-informatics.
- BSc Geographic Information Science.
- Diploma in Geomatics.
- Diploma in Surveying.
- Diploma in Geographic Information Systems.
- BSc Land Surveying.
- BSc Geomatics.
- Town Planning.
- Urban Planning.
- Regional Planning.
- Relevant degree programmes in Town, Urban and Regional Planning.
- Relevant Diploma programmes in Town, Urban and Regional Planning.
- Approved postgraduate studies in Geomatics and Planning.
Applicants should ensure that their intended qualification falls within the approved fields.
What the DLRRD Bursary Covers
The bursary provides financial assistance for:
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Books and study materials.
- Meals.
- Living allowance.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Come from a previously disadvantaged background or rural community.
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Be studying or intending to study full-time in one of the approved fields.
- Study at a recognised and accredited South African university.
- Meet the applicable academic requirements.
- Not be an employee of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.
Academic Requirements
For relevant BSc applications, applicants must have achieved at least:
- Level 5 / 60–69% in Mathematics; and
- Level 5 / 60–69% in Physical Science or Geography.
For relevant Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma applications, applicants must have achieved at least:
- Level 4 / 50–59% in Mathematics; and
- Level 4 / 50–59% in Physical Science.
Applicants should ensure they meet the academic requirements associated with the qualification they are applying for.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Certified copy of ID, not older than three months.
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
- Certified Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results if currently in Matric.
- Certified copy of Matric certificate if Matric has already been completed.
- Certified recent academic transcripts if currently studying.
- Proof of university registration or acceptance.
- Proof of address.
Applicants who do not yet have their university acceptance letter or final academic results may still apply and submit those documents later, according to the supplied information.
How to Apply for DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants must choose one application method only.
Online Application
Click here to apply for Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary Programme 2027
Email Application
Applicants who prefer email must download and complete the official bursary application form:
Click here to download the DLRRD Bursary Application Form 2027
Email the completed form and supporting documents to:
Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za
Use the subject line:
DLRRD Bursary Application 2027
Applicants should not submit both an online and email application.
Bursary Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
30 September 2026
Late applications will not be accepted according to the supplied information.
Important Application Notes
- The bursary is for the 2027 academic year.
- It targets students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities.
- Funding is available for Geomatics, GIS, Surveying, Land Surveying and Town and Regional Planning-related studies.
- The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, books, meals and a living allowance.
- Applicants must study full-time.
- Applicants must meet the applicable Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography requirements.
- Departmental employees are not eligible.
- Applicants may apply either online or by email, but should use only one method.
- Applications close on 30 September 2026.