Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
DLRRD Bursary
Closes
30 September 2026
Value
Full tuition, housing, meals, books, stipend
Level
Diploma to PhD
For
SA citizens from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds
Sector
Government
Type
Full-cost bursary
About this bursary
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development offers comprehensive funding for students in spatial planning and geomatics disciplines. Funding is available for both undergraduate diplomas and degrees as well as postgraduate studies up to the doctoral level.
This scheme intends to build technical capacity within South Africa for land administration, cadastral surveying, and spatial management. Priority goes to applicants from rural areas and historically disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to study full-time at accredited South African public universities.
Applicants can apply using an online Microsoft Form or by submitting a completed PDF application form via email. Employees of the department are not eligible to apply for this bursary.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must hold South African citizenship and come from a rural community or previously disadvantaged background.
- Candidates need to be currently in matric or have completed matric, intending to study full-time towards an approved field at a recognized South African university.
- BSc applicants require a minimum level 5 (60% to 69%) in final Matric examinations for Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography.
- Bachelors degree and Diploma applicants require at least a level 4 (50% to 59%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Staff members working at the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development may not apply.
You do not qualify if
- Non-South African citizens.
- Current employees of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.
- Part-time tertiary students or those attending non-accredited private institutions.
- Applicants who fail to meet the required matric subject percentages.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of South African identity document (certified within the last 3 months)
- Certified copies of parent or guardian identity documents
- Certified copy of Grade 11 final results and latest matric results for current matriculants
- Certified copy of National Senior Certificate if matric is completed
- Certified copy of recent academic records for current tertiary students
- Proof of university registration or official acceptance letter
- Proof of residential address
Applications can still be submitted if you are currently waiting for tertiary acceptance letters or final results.
How to apply
- 1Select one preferred application channel, choosing either the online form or email submission.
- 2For online submission, access the official Microsoft Form link and complete all required sections.
- 3For email submission, download the official PDF application form.
- 4Fill in the PDF form completely and gather all certified supporting documents.
- 5Email your completed form and documentation to [email protected] with the subject line 'DLRRD Bursary Application 2027'.
Do not submit duplicate applications via both online and email methods.
How you are selected
Forms, downloads and links
Application form
forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=NSp5H6cCPk6eev9ArjkMtuaX2A0iefdNvcrkuGSUQWNUOEZLQldEWklIMUZUV1E1N0xGSkpBUUszTy4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturlApplication form (PDF)
dlrrd.gov.za/images/Vacancies/bursaries/2026/2027_dlrrd_bursary_application_form.pdfEmail the bursary team
[email protected]