The Department of Agriculture has officially opened applications for its Bursary Awards for the 2027 academic year. The bursary is aimed at qualifying South African students who are pursuing or planning to pursue studies in agriculture-related fields.
The bursary programme is designed to assist previously disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged students, especially those from rural and underprivileged communities.
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive bursary package that covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials
- Meals
- Monthly allowance
Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Fields of Study
Applications are open for students studying or planning to study the following qualifications:
Degree Programmes
- BSc Engineering Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering / Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc.)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (B Vet Nurs.)
- BSc Agriculture Entomology
- BSc Agriculture Food Science
- BSc Agriculture Animal Health
- BSc Agriculture Plant Pathology
- BSc Agriculture Plant Science
- BSc Agriculture Soil Science
- BSc Agriculture Agronomy
- BSc Agriculture Viticulture and Oenology
Diploma Programmes
- BAS Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
Postgraduate / Advanced Qualifications
- Advanced Diploma in Agriculture-related fields
- BSc Agriculture Honours: Plant Pathology
- BSc Agriculture Honours: Entomology
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following academic requirements:
Mathematics and Physical Science Level 6 (70–79%)
- Agricultural Engineering
- Veterinary Science
Mathematics and Physical Science Level 5 (60–69%)
- Veterinary Nursing
- Agricultural Science programmes
Mathematics and Physical Science Level 4 (50–59%)
- Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
Applicants for advanced qualifications must have relevant undergraduate qualifications.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be studying or intending to study in one of the listed agricultural fields
- Complete the official bursary application form
- Submit all required supporting documents
Applicants who apply for fields not listed by the department will not be considered.
Important Notes
- Applicants awaiting university acceptance letters or Grade 12 results may still apply.
- Outstanding documents must be submitted within three days after Grade 12 results are released in January 2027.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
- No late applications will be accepted.
- Affidavits will not be accepted in place of required supporting documents.
How to Apply for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027
Applicants must download and complete the official bursary application form from the Department of Agriculture website.
Step 1: Visit the official Department of Agriculture vacancies page:
Department of Agriculture Vacancies Page
Step 2: Download the 2027 DOA Full-Time Bursary Application Form.
Step 3: Submit your completed application form together with all required supporting documents to:
Application Email Address: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
Enquiries
For enquiries, applicants may contact:
- Ms Silindelo Dlomo — Tel: (012) 319 7848
- Ms Bongiwe Shabalala — Tel: (012) 319 7136
- Mr Sifiso Nkuna — Tel: (012) 319 7201
Closing Date
30 September 2026 — Late applications will not be considered.
