Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027: Full-Time Undergraduate Bursary for South African Students Join us now

Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027: Full-Time Undergraduate Bursary for South African Students

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If you are a South African student who is passionate about agriculture and looking for a way to fund your university studies, this is one opportunity you do not want to sleep on. The Department of Agriculture (DoA) has announced bursary awards for the 2027 academic year, and applications are open right now.

This bursary is not just financial aid. It is a full package designed to remove every barrier that stands between you and your degree. Here is everything you need to know.

What Is the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027?

The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 is a comprehensive funding programme offered by the national Department of Agriculture to support South African students who want to build careers in the agricultural sector. The bursary specifically targets previously disadvantaged individuals and those from poverty-stricken and rural communities across the country.

This means that if you have been held back by financial constraints and you have the drive to study in an agriculture-related field, this is the bursary made for you.

Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027

What Does the Bursary Cover?

This is a full, comprehensive bursary. If you are selected, the Department of Agriculture will fund the following:

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation
  • Prescribed textbooks and study materials
  • Meals
  • A monthly allowance

There are no hidden costs or partial awards. The goal is to ensure that recipients can focus fully on their studies without worrying about money.

Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027

Fields of Study

The bursary is available for specific agriculture-related fields of study only. Applicants who apply for qualifications not listed below will not be considered, so please read this section carefully.

The qualifying fields and their minimum National Senior Certificate (NSC) requirements are:

Mathematics and Physical Science: Level 6 (70 to 79%)

  • BSc Engineering in Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc.)

Mathematics and Physical Science: Level 5 (60 to 69%)

  • BSc Agriculture in Entomology
  • BSc Agriculture in Food Science
  • BSc Agriculture in Animal Science
  • BSc Agriculture in Plant Pathology
  • BSc Agriculture in Soil Science
  • BSc Agriculture in Agronomy
  • BSc Agriculture in Viticulture and Oenology

Mathematics and Physical Science: Level 4 (50 to 59%)

  • BAS in Food Science and Technology
  • Diploma in Food Technology

Relevant Academic Qualifications:

  • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture-related fields

If your intended field of study appears on this list, you are in the right place.

Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027

Who Can Apply?

Before you put together your application, make sure you meet the minimum requirements. The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 is available to students who:

  • Are South African citizens
  • Are currently in Grade 12 or have already completed Matric
  • Intend to study full-time at a recognised South African public higher education institution
  • Wish to pursue one of the listed agriculture-related qualifications
  • Come from previously disadvantaged, rural, or poverty-stricken backgrounds
  • Are not currently employed by the Department of Agriculture

People living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Important Notes Before You Apply

There are a few things you must keep in mind to avoid having your application disqualified:

  • Your application must include all required supporting documents. Affidavits will not be accepted as supporting documents.
  • If you are still waiting for your university acceptance letter or your Grade 12 results, you may still submit your application. However, these documents must be emailed within three days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027.
  • No late applications will be accepted under any circumstances.
  • Only successful applicants will be contacted. If you have not received feedback from the department within 14 days after the release of Grade 12 results and after the National Bursary Committee has concluded its selection process, please consider your application unsuccessful.
  • The Department reserves the right to determine the total number of bursary allocations based on the available budget for the year.

How To Apply

Applying for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 is straightforward. You need to download, complete, and submit the official application form along with your supporting documents.

Once you have completed the application form, submit it together with all your supporting documents to the official email address:

Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za

Do not submit incomplete applications. Make sure every section of the form is filled in and all required documents are attached before you hit send.

Enquiries

If you have questions about the application process or need clarity on any of the requirements, you can contact the Department of Agriculture directly:

  • Ms Silindelo Dlomo: (012) 319 7848
  • Ms Bongiwe Shabalala: (012) 319 7136
  • Mr Sifiso Nkuna: (012) 319 7201

You can also visit the Department of Agriculture website at www.nda.gov.za and navigate to the Vacancies section for the latest updates.

Why You Should Not Miss This Opportunity

Agricultural  science is one of the most critical and scarce skills sectors in South Africa. A qualification in agriculture does not just open doors to government employment. It positions you to contribute meaningfully to food securitent, and the country’s economy as a whole.

The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 is one of the most comprehensive government bursaries available to South African youth. It covers all your study costs, gives you a monthly allowance to live on, and sets you on a career path in a sector that is actively looking for skilled, qualified professionals.

If you qualify, there is every reason to apply and no reason to wait. Submit your application as early as possible, because spaces are limited and the department will not consider any applications received after the closing date.

Good luck!

Share this post with a friend or family member who could benefit from this bursary. Someone out there is waiting for exactly this opportunity.

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