The Department of Agriculture has officially opened applications for the 2027 Department of Agriculture Bursary Awards, offering financial support to students pursuing agriculture-related qualifications in South Africa.
This bursary programme is aimed at helping students who want to build careers within agriculture, food production, agricultural science, environmental sustainability, veterinary fields, and agricultural engineering. The initiative is especially important for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who may struggle to afford university studies.
Bursary Overview
- Programme: Department of Agriculture Bursary Awards 2027
- Location: South Africa
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
What the Bursary Covers
Successful applicants may receive funding for:
- tuition fees
- accommodation
- study materials
- meals
- monthly allowance
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is open to:
- South African citizens
- students planning to study agriculture-related qualifications
- students already registered for approved agricultural programmes
Qualifications Supported by the Bursary
The Department funds several agriculture-related qualifications considered important for South Africa’s food security, agricultural development, and environmental sustainability goals.
Agricultural Engineering and Technology
Supported qualifications include:
- BSc Engineering Agricultural (Bioresource Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- BSc Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Students may also apply for funding in areas such as:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs.)
- BHSc Veterinary Technology
- BSc Agricultural Animal Health
Agricultural Science Fields
The bursary also supports qualifications including:
- 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
Funding may also be available for:
- Advanced Diploma programmes in agriculture-related fields
- BSc Agricultural Honours in Plant Pathology
- BSc Agricultural Honours in Entomology
These qualifications contribute directly to scientific research, sustainable agriculture, and food production systems within South Africa.
Academic Requirements
The Department has outlined different academic requirements depending on the qualification being pursued.
Engineering-Related Agricultural Qualifications
Applicants must achieve:
- Mathematics Level 6 (70–79%)
- Physical Science Level 6 (70–79%)
Veterinary and Agricultural Science Qualifications
Applicants need:
- Mathematics Level 5 (60–69%)
- Physical Science Level 5 (60–69%)
Food Technology Qualifications
Applicants require:
- Mathematics Level 4 (50–59%)
- Physical Science Level 4 (50–59%)
Advanced Diploma and Honours Programmes
Applicants applying for postgraduate studies must already hold relevant undergraduate qualifications.
Important Information Applicants Should Know
Only South African citizens are eligible for this bursary programme.
Applicants must complete the official bursary application form from the Department’s website accurately and fully.
Funding is limited to the qualifications specifically listed in the bursary advert.
Applicants who do not receive feedback:
- within 14 days after Matric results are released, and
- after the National Bursary Committee finalises selections
should consider their application unsuccessful.
Students waiting for:
- final Matric results
- university acceptance letters
may still submit applications.
Outstanding documents must however be submitted within three days after Matric results are released in January 2027.
Applications received after the closing date are unlikely to be considered.
The Department specifically stated that affidavits may not be used as substitutes for required supporting documents.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- certified copy of South African ID
- latest academic results
- Matric certificate (if completed)
- proof of university application or acceptance
- proof of residence if required
- any additional supporting documents requested
Application Process
Step 1: Download the Application Form
Applicants must download and complete the official bursary application form from the Department’s website.
Download the bursary application form here
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Ensure all required supporting documents are ready before submission.
Step 3: Complete the Form Carefully
Avoid common mistakes such as:
- missing information
- incomplete signatures
- incorrect contact details
- selecting the wrong qualification
Many bursary applications are rejected because forms are incomplete.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Completed applications and supporting documents must be emailed to:
Important Closing Date
The official application closing date is:
30 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid:
- email delivery issues
- missing documents
- network problems
- last-minute mistakes
Contact Persons for Enquiries
Applicants may contact the following individuals for bursary-related enquiries:
Mr Sifiso Nkuna — (012) 319 7201
Ms Silindelo Dlomo — (012) 319 7848
Ms Bongiwe Shabalala — (012) 319 7136
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