The Department of Agriculture invites South African students to apply for the Agriculture Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Bursary Location: South Africa (National)
Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2026
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) is offering comprehensive bursaries to deserving students pursuing or intending to pursue careers in the agriculture sector in 2026. This opportunity targets previously disadvantaged individuals from rural and poverty-stricken communities.
The bursary covers the full cost of study including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks
- Meals
- Monthly allowance
Fields of Study Funded
Applicants may apply for bursaries in the following agriculture-related disciplines:
| Field of Study | Minimum Requirements (NSC Level) |
|---|---|
| BSc Eng. Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 6 (70–79%) |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc.) | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 6 (70–79%) |
| BSc Agric. Entomology | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%) |
| BSc Agric. Food Science | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%) |
| BSc Agric. Animal Science | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%) |
| BSc Agric. Plant Pathology | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%) |
| BSc Agric. Soil Science | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%) |
| BSc Agric. Agronomy | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%) |
| BSc Agric. Viticulture and Oenology | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%) |
| BAS Food Science and Technology | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 4 (50–59%) |
| Diploma in Food Technology | Mathematics & Physical Science: Level 4 (50–59%) |
| Advanced Diploma in Agriculture-related fields | Relevant academic qualifications |
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Department of Agriculture bursary, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently in Grade 12 (Matric) or have completed Matric
- Intend to study full-time in one of the listed fields at a South African tertiary institution
- Be from a previously disadvantaged, rural, or poverty-stricken community
- Not be a staff member of the Department of Agriculture
- Meet the required academic performance criteria for your chosen field
- Be a person living with a disability (encouraged to apply)
Important Notes
- Application forms are available at: www.nda.gov.za (Click on Vacancies)
- Incomplete applications or those for unlisted fields will not be considered
- Applications may be submitted while awaiting Matric results or university acceptance letters, but these must be emailed within 3 days after results are released in January 2026
- Only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 days after Matric results are published
- Affidavits will not be accepted in place of supporting documentation
How to Apply
- Download the DALRRD Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF)
- Complete the application form and gather the required certified supporting documents
- Email your application and documents to: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
- Use the subject line: “DALRRD Bursary 2026”
Contact Details for Enquiries
- Ms Silindelo Dlomo – (012) 319 7848
- Ms Bongiwe Shabalala – (012) 319 7136
- Mr Sifiso Nkuna – (012) 319 7201
Closing Date
30 September 2025
(Late applications will not be considered)