Department of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture Bursary
Closes
30 September 2026
Value
Full tuition, housing, books, meals, stipend
Level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
For
Disadvantaged SA citizens
Sector
Agriculture
Type
Full-cost bursary
About this bursary
The Department of Agriculture provides full bursaries for South Africans studying agricultural, engineering, and veterinary qualifications at accredited public tertiary institutions. Funding covers annual tuition, university accommodation, meal allowances, prescribed textbooks, and monthly living stipends.
This initiative aims to support candidates from rural communities and low-income households. It builds expertise across key sectors, including crop science, biosystems engineering, food technology, and animal health.
Applicants living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Employees of the department do not qualify for funding through this programme.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must hold South African citizenship and come from a low-income or rural community.
- You must be currently in matric or finished school, planning full-time study in 2027.
- Engineering and Veterinary Science degrees require at least level 6 (70%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.
- BSc agricultural programmes and Veterinary Technology require a minimum level 5 (60%) in Maths and Science.
- Diploma and BAS courses in Food Technology require at least level 4 (50%) in both subjects.
- Honours and Advanced Diploma candidates must hold an appropriate completed degree.
- Department of Agriculture staff members are not eligible to apply.
You do not qualify if
- Non-South African citizens do not qualify.
- Department of Agriculture employees cannot apply.
- Part-time studies and unaccredited private colleges are excluded.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Certified copy of Grade 12 latest results or final Matric certificate
- Certified full academic transcript if currently enrolled at university
- Official university acceptance letter if available
- Certified copies of identity documents for parents or guardians
- Proof of household income such as payslips, SASSA grant letters, or affidavits
- Death certificates of parents if applicable
Outstanding final matric results or university acceptance letters may be submitted within three days after Grade 12 results are released in January 2027.
How to apply
- 1Download the official Department of Agriculture bursary application form.
- 2Fill out all required details clearly and completely.
- 3Gather certified copies of your supporting documents.
- 4Email your completed form and attachments to [email protected] with 'DoA Bursary 2027' in the subject line.
Submit your documentation before the closing date on 30 September 2026.