Department of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture Bursary
Closes
30 September 2026
Value
Full tuition, accommodation, books, meals, stipend
Level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
For
Disadvantaged SA citizens
Sector
Agriculture & Farming
Type
Full-cost bursary
About this bursary
The Department of Agriculture provides comprehensive bursary funding for South Africans studying toward qualifications in the agricultural sector. This grant supports students entering the 2027 academic year by paying for tuition, housing, meals, textbooks, and monthly living expenses.
The program prioritizes applicants from rural and financially disadvantaged communities. By funding degrees in fields like bioresource engineering, veterinary science, and plant pathology, the department works to build skilled talent for South Africa's farming and food security sectors.
Applicants must meet specific academic marks in Mathematics and Physical Science based on their chosen study area. Students living with disabilities receive preference during the selection process.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- You must hold South African citizenship.
- You must be currently completing matric, already possess a matric certificate, or be studying at a recognized public South African tertiary institution.
- You must plan to register for full-time study in one of the listed fields for the 2027 academic year.
- Financial need is mandatory, with priority given to applicants from poverty-stricken and rural areas.
- Department of Agriculture staff members are not eligible to apply.
- Engineering and Veterinary Science applicants must score at least Level 6 (70%) in Matric Mathematics and Physical Science.
- BSc Science and Veterinary Nursing applicants must score at least Level 5 (60%) in Matric Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Diploma and BAS applicants must score at least Level 4 (50%) in Matric Mathematics and Physical Science.
You do not qualify if
- Permanent staff members of the Department of Agriculture.
- Foreign nationals and non-South African citizens.
- Part-time students or applicants studying at non-accredited private colleges.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copy of your Grade 12 mid-year results if currently in matric
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate if school is completed
- Certified copy of your official tertiary academic transcript if already studying
- Official university provisional admission letter if available
- Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents
- Certified death certificates for deceased parents if applicable
- Proof of household income using recent payslips, SASSA grant letters, or an unemployment affidavit from the Department of Labour
Certified copies are compulsory. Outstanding Grade 12 final results or university acceptance letters can be submitted within three days after matric results are released in January 2027.
How to apply
- 1Download and print the official bursary application form.
- 2Complete all required personal and academic sections thoroughly.
- 3Gather clear, certified copies of all supporting documentation.
- 4Compose an email with your completed form and attached documents.
- 5Type 'DoA Bursary 2027' in the email subject line.
- 6Send your application package to [email protected] before the closing date.
Applications received after 30 September 2026 will not be processed.