DALRRD Bursary

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is pleased to announce its bursary programme for 2026, aimed at providing financial support to South African students pursuing undergraduate studies in various fields related to agriculture. This initiative is particularly targeted towards students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that those from poverty-stricken and rural communities have the opportunity to access quality higher education. The bursary covers a comprehensive range of expenses, including tuition fees, study materials such as books, accommodation costs, meal allowances, and even a monthly stipends to help with day-to-day living expenses. The fields of study eligible for the bursary include a variety of subjects within agriculture, such as Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science, Veterinary Science, among others. To qualify for this bursary, applicants must meet several specific criteria, including South African citizenship, current or completed Matric status, enrollment or intention to enroll in an accredited tertiary institution, and being from an impoverished or rural community. Academic performance is also critical—applicants must achieve specified minimum results in Mathematics and Physical Science during their Matric year, depending on their chosen field of study. Applications require the submission of various supporting documents, including certified copies of IDs, Matric results or certificates, proof of acceptance into a higher education institution, and financial information regarding the applicant's parents or guardians. Interested candidates must ensure their applications are submitted via email by the closing date of September 30, 2025, and late submissions will not be considered. Successful candidates will be notified within 14 days after the release of Matric final results, and those who do not hear back should assume their application was unsuccessful. This bursary not only reflects DALRRD's commitment to education and development but also plays a significant role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices in South Africa.