Department of Agriculture Bursary Awards 2027 Now Open
The South African Department of Agriculture has officially opened applications for its Department of Agriculture Bursary Awards 2027. The bursary supports students who want to pursue careers in agriculture, food production, veterinary sciences, engineering, environmental sustainability, and scientific research.
Designed to help financially deserving students, the bursary covers major study expenses including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, study materials, and a monthly allowance. It is aimed at strengthening South Africa’s agricultural sector by investing in future professionals who will contribute to food security, innovation, and sustainable development.
Employer
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Department of Agriculture |
| Programme | Department of Agriculture Bursary Awards 2027 |
| Location | South Africa |
| Opportunity Type | Bursary |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
Opportunity Overview
The Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme provides financial assistance to eligible South African students pursuing qualifications in critical agricultural disciplines. Funding is available for undergraduate, advanced diploma, honours, and selected postgraduate studies that support the country’s agricultural development priorities.
Why This Bursary Matters
Agriculture remains one of South Africa’s most important economic sectors. Through this bursary programme, the Department aims to develop highly skilled professionals in agricultural engineering, veterinary sciences, food technology, plant sciences, soil sciences, and other scarce skills needed to improve food production and sustainable farming.
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary supports qualifications including:
Agricultural Engineering & Technology
- BSc Engineering Agricultural (Bioresource Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- BSc Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
Veterinary & Animal Sciences
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs.)
- BHSc Veterinary Technology
- BSc Agricultural Animal Health
Agricultural Sciences
- BSc Agricultural Entomology
- BSc Agricultural Food Science
- BSc Agricultural Plant Pathology
- BSc Agricultural Plant Science
- BSc Agricultural Soil Science
- BSc Agricultural Agronomy
- BSc Agricultural Viticulture and Oenology
Postgraduate Qualifications
- Advanced Diploma in Agriculture-related fields
- BSc Agricultural Honours (Plant Pathology)
- BSc Agricultural Honours (Entomology)
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be studying or intending to study an approved agriculture-related qualification
- Meet the minimum academic requirements for their chosen qualification
- Complete the official bursary application form
- Submit all required supporting documents before the closing date
Minimum Academic Requirements
Engineering Programmes
- Mathematics Level 6 (70–79%)
- Physical Science Level 6 (70–79%)
Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences
- Mathematics Level 5 (60–69%)
- Physical Science Level 5 (60–69%)
Food Technology
- Mathematics Level 4 (50–59%)
- Physical Science Level 4 (50–59%)
Advanced Diploma & Honours
- Relevant undergraduate qualification
What the Bursary Covers
Successful applicants will receive funding for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials
- Meals
- Monthly allowance
Documents Needed
Prepare the following:
- Completed Department of Agriculture bursary application form
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Matric certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of university application or acceptance
- Certified qualification certificates (where applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents requested by the Department
Note: Affidavits will not be accepted in place of required supporting documents.
How to Apply
- Download the official Department of Agriculture bursary application form.
- Complete the application form carefully.
- Prepare all supporting documents.
- Email your completed application and supporting documents to:
Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za - Submit your application before 30 September 2026.
Official Application Link
Applicants should download the official bursary application form from the Department of Agriculture website and submit their completed application via:
Email: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
Important Notes
- Grade 12 learners awaiting final results may apply.
- Outstanding documents such as final matric results or university acceptance letters must be submitted within three days after the release of the 2026 NSC results.
- Only approved agricultural qualifications qualify.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Expert Guidance (YouthScope Editorial Team)
Career experts at YouthScope Editorial Team advise applicants to prepare all required documents before applying. Ensure your application form is completed accurately, your academic results and ID are certified where required, and your contact details are correct. Submit your application well before the closing date to avoid email delivery issues, and always keep proof of submission for your records.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
South African citizens studying or intending to study approved agriculture-related qualifications.
Is the bursary fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, study materials, and a monthly allowance.
Can Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Learners awaiting final matric results or university admission may still submit applications.
Can current university students apply?
Yes, provided they are enrolled in an approved field of study.
Are students with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. The Department encourages applications from persons with disabilities.
What happens if I apply late?
Late applications will not be considered.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Where do I submit my application?
Email your completed application and supporting documents to Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za.
Disclaimer
YouthScope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official organisations to help South Africans access education and career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information through the official Department of Agriculture website before applying.
Opportunity Verification
✅ Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team
✅ Last Updated: 22 July 2026
✅ Information Source: Official Department of Agriculture bursary announcement
✅ Status: Reviewed for accuracy
YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm the latest details with the Department of Agriculture before submitting an application.
The YouthScope Editorial Team publishes verified South African learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and career opportunities. Our team researches opportunities from official employers, government departments, SETAs, universities, and trusted organisations to provide accurate career information for South African youth.