DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DALRRD)

Categories

Science

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), two previous government agencies, merged in 2019 to form the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

Fair land access, food security, sustainable agriculture, and integrated rural development are all part of the DALRRD's objective.

FIELDS COVERED

Undergraduate bursaries will be given out for studies in the following agriculturally related fields:

  • Food Technology (Diploma)
  • Entomology (BSc Agric)
  • Agriculture-related fields (Advanced Diploma)
  • Veterinary Science (BVSc)
  • Plant Pathology (BSc Agric)
  • Food Science (BSc Agric)
  • Soil Science (BSc Agric)
  • Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
  • Viticulture and Oenology (BSc Agric)
  • Animal Science (BSc Agric)
  • Food Science and Technology (BAS)
  • Agronomy (BSc Agric)

BURSARY COVERAGE AND SELECTION

The following costs will be covered by the bursary: tuition, books, housing, food, and a month's allowance. The department's financial resources will determine how many bursaries are given out.

Following the release of the Matric final results and the completion of the selection process by the National Bursary Committee, successful applicants will be informed within 14 days. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you do not hear back from us within two weeks of the release of the Matric final results.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Before applying, candidates must meet the following minimal standards; if you don't meet them all, your application won't be taken into consideration.

  • You must be a citizen of South Africa.
  • You must be enrolled in or have finished your matriculation.
  • You must be pursuing one of the aforementioned undergraduate degrees full-time in 2026, or plan to do so.
  • You must be enrolled in or plan to enrol in a South African postsecondary institution that is recognized and accredited.
  • You had to have experienced adversity or poverty in the past.
  • You must be from a rural or impoverished location.
  • You cannot be an employee of the department.

If you are studying or want to study in one of the following subjects, you must have received at least a level 4 (50 to 59%) in mathematics and physical science in your matriculation:

  • Food Science and Technology (BAS)
  • Food Technology (Diploma)

If you are studying or want to study in one of the following subjects, you must have received at least a level 5 (60 to 69%) in mathematics and physical science in your matriculation:

  • Agronomy (Agric BSc)
  • Science of Animals (BSc Agric)
  • Entomology (Agricultural BSc)
  • Science of Food (BSc Agric)
  • Plant Pathology (Agriculture BSc)
  • Science of Soil (BSc Agric)
  • Oenology and Viticulture (BSc Agric)

If you are studying or want to study in one of the following subjects, you must have received at least a level 6 (70 to 79%) in mathematics and physical science in your matriculation:

  • Veterinary Science (BVSc) and Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
  • Applications from students with disabilities are encouraged.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE DALRRD BURSARY

Download and fill in theBursary Application Form 2026

Together with your filled-out application, send in clear copies of the following supporting papers (you must provide these documents; otherwise, your application may be rejected):

  • Identity document (certified copy)
  • latest results from Matric, if you're enrolled in Matric (certified copy)
  • If completed, a certified copy of your Matric certificate
  • Complete academic record (certified copy), if enrolled in classes
  • If available, a letter of admission from the university (on tertiary letterhead)
  • ID documents of parents or guardians (certified copies)
  • Death certificates from parents or guardians, if applicable (certified copies)
  • evidence of income from parents or guardians (certified copies of the most recent payslips if they are employed, the Department of Labor's evidence of unemployment if they are unemployed, or a SASSA confirmation letter if applicable)

Applications must be submitted via email to:Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za

(Insert the words “DALRRD Bursary 2026” in the email subject line).

CLOSING DATE 30 September 2025.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Please get in touch with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development directly if you have any questions about this bursary program:


Email:Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za


Contact:

Ms. Silindelo Dlomo

Tel: 012 319 7848.

Ms. Bongiwe Shabalala:

Tel: 012 319 7136

Mr. Sifiso Nkuna

Tel: 012 319 7201

 

For more related bursaries clickhere