Department of Land Reform and Rural Development invites South African students to apply for the DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary South Africa 2027
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is inviting students to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary is aimed at South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities who want to study in fields linked to land reform, rural development, planning, surveying and geomatics.
Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at recognised and accredited universities in South Africa.
Fields of Study Covered
The DLRRD Bursary will fund studies within the Geomatics and Town, Urban and Regional Planning fields.
Undergraduate Studies
Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate qualifications in the following fields:
Geo-informatics / Geographic Information Science, Bachelor’s Degree or BSc.
Geomatics / Surveying / GIS, Diploma.
Land Surveying / Geomatics, BSc.
Town / Urban and Regional Planning, Bachelor’s Degree, BSc or Diploma.
Postgraduate Studies
Bursaries will also be awarded for postgraduate studies in:
Geomatics.
Planning.
Advanced Diploma.
Postgraduate Diploma.
Honours.
Masters.
PhD.
What the Bursary Covers
The DLRRD Bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:
Tuition fees.
Accommodation.
Books.
Meals.
Living allowance.
This support can help students focus on their studies without carrying the full burden of study-related costs.
Selection Process
Successful candidates will be contacted within 14 days after the release of the Matric results.
Applicants who do not receive feedback by this time should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must be from a previously disadvantaged background or rural community.
Applicants must be currently in Matric or must have completed Matric.
Applicants must be studying or intending to study full-time towards one of the listed qualifications.
Applicants must be studying or intending to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
Applicants must not be staff members of the Department.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum Matric NSC final results:
For BSc studies, applicants must have a minimum of Level 5, which is 60% to 69%, for Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography.
For Bachelor’s Degree studies, applicants must have a minimum of Level 4, which is 50% to 59%, for Mathematics and Physical Science.
For Diploma studies, applicants must have a minimum of Level 4, which is 50% to 59%, for Mathematics and Physical Science.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
Certified copy of ID document, not older than 3 months.
Certified copies of parents or guardians ID documents.
Certified copy of Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results, if currently in Matric.
Certified copy of Matric certificate, if Matric has been completed.
Certified recent academic transcripts, if currently studying.
Proof of university registration or acceptance.
Proof of address.
Applicants who do not yet have university acceptance letters or results may still apply while waiting for these documents.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways (only apply via 1 method):
- Online application: DLRRD Bursary Application 2027
(Insert the words “DLRRD Bursary Application 2027” in the email subject line).
Email application – download and complete the: DLRRD Bursary Application 2027 (.pdf)
Applications must be submitted via email to: Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za
Email: Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za
Applicants must insert the words DLRRD Bursary Application 2027 in the email subject line.
Bursary Enquiries
For enquiries related to the DLRRD Bursary Programme, applicants may contact:
Ms Leah Ngoetjana
Mobile: 060 972 8820
Tel: 012 312 8352
Mr Emmanuel Molefe
Mobile: 082 827 6245
Tel: 012 312 8337
Closing Date
The closing date for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary South Africa 2027 is 30 September 2026.
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The DLRRD Bursary South Africa 2027 is a valuable opportunity for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities who want to study Geomatics, GIS, Land Surveying, Town Planning or related fields.
Students who meet the requirements should apply before 30 September 2026 and ensure that all supporting documents are submitted correctly.