The National Department of Agriculture invites South African students to apply for the Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027
The National Department of Agriculture has opened applications for the 2027 Bursary Awards.
This bursary programme is aimed at students who are passionate about agriculture, food production, environmental sustainability and scientific innovation within the agricultural sector.
The programme supports students who want to pursue agriculture-related qualifications that are important for South Africa’s food security, agricultural development and economy.
What the Bursary Covers
The Department of Agriculture bursary provides financial support to successful applicants.
The bursary covers:
Tuition fees.
Accommodation.
Study materials.
Meals.
Monthly allowance.
Fields of Study Funded
The Department of Agriculture will fund selected qualifications in agricultural sciences, engineering, food technology, veterinary sciences and related fields.
Agricultural Engineering and Technology
The following qualifications are funded:
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
The following qualifications are funded:
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
BHSc Veterinary Technology.
BSc Agricultural Animal Health.
Agricultural Sciences
The following qualifications are funded:
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
The bursary also funds selected postgraduate and advanced qualifications, including:
Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields.
BSc Agricultural Honours in Plant Pathology.
BSc Agricultural Honours in Entomology.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must be planning to study or already studying an approved agriculture-related qualification.
Applicants must meet the academic requirements for their chosen field of study.
Requirements for Engineering-Related Agricultural Qualifications
Applicants need:
Mathematics Level 6, which is 70% to 79%.
Physical Science Level 6, which is 70% to 79%.
Requirements for Veterinary and Agricultural Science Qualifications
Applicants need:
Mathematics Level 5, which is 60% to 69%.
Physical Science Level 5, which is 60% to 69%.
Requirements for Food Technology Qualifications
Applicants need:
Mathematics Level 4, which is 50% to 59%.
Physical Science Level 4, which is 50% to 59%.
Requirements for Advanced Diploma and Honours Programmes
Applicants must already have relevant undergraduate qualifications.
Important Application Notes
Only South African citizens may apply for this bursary.
Applicants must complete the official bursary application form correctly.
Only the qualifications listed in the advert are eligible for funding.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Affidavits will not be accepted in place of required supporting documents.
Grade 12 learners who are still waiting for final results or university acceptance letters may still submit applications.
Missing documents must be submitted within three days after Grade 12 results are released in January 2027.
Communication to Applicants
Communication will only be sent to successful applicants.
If applicants do not receive feedback within 14 days after Grade 12 results are released and after the National Bursary Committee finalises selections, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
Certified copy of ID.
Latest academic results.
Matric certificate, if completed.
Proof of university application or acceptance.
Proof of residence, if requested.
Any additional supporting documents required on the application form.
Applicants must ensure that all documents are clear and certified where necessary.
How to apply
Click here to apply for National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 by emailing your completed application form and supporting documents to:
Email: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
Applicants must first download and complete the official bursary application form from the Department of Agriculture website before submitting their application.
Application Tips
Applicants should complete the application form carefully and avoid missing information.
Make sure your contact details are correct.
Ensure that all required signatures are included.
Choose the correct qualification on the application form.
Attach all required supporting documents.
Submit your application before the closing date.
Enquiries
For bursary enquiries, applicants may contact the following officials:
Ms Silindelo Dlomo
Tel: (012) 319 7848
Ms Bongiwe Shabalala
Tel: (012) 319 7136
Mr Sifiso Nkuna
Tel: (012) 319 7201
Closing Date
The closing date for the National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid email delivery problems, missing documents, network issues or last-minute mistakes.
Final Thoughts
The National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 is a valuable opportunity for South African students who want to pursue careers in agriculture, food technology, veterinary science, agricultural engineering and related fields.
Students who meet the requirements should apply before 30 September 2026 and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.