South African students interested in agricultural engineering, civil engineering or veterinary medicine can apply for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary is described as comprehensive and may cover tuition, accommodation, books, meals and a monthly allowance, subject to the availability of funds. Applications close on 30 October 2026 at 16:00.
LDARD Bursary 2027: What You Need to Know
LDARD is offering external bursary funding for selected fields linked to engineering and veterinary medicine.
The official LDARD bursary page confirms that the department provides bursary opportunities for learners pursuing tertiary studies and publishes its current bursary advertisements and application forms on its website.
For 2027, the advertised fields include:
- BSc Agricultural Engineering
- National Diploma Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
The available information also indicates that the bursary is intended for South African applicants and gives consideration to previously and financially disadvantaged applicants, particularly those from rural and poverty-stricken communities.
Opportunity Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bursary | LDARD External Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Organisation | Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Fields | Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering and Veterinary Medicine |
| Funding | Comprehensive bursary, subject to available funds |
| Closing date | 30 October 2026 at 16:00 |
| Application method | Official LDARD External Bursary Application Form |
The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s student notice also confirms the 30 October 2026 deadline and identifies the three advertised study fields.
What Does the LDARD Bursary Cover?
The 2027 bursary is described as a comprehensive bursary.
According to the available 2027 information, funding may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books
- Meals
- Monthly allowance, depending on the availability of funds
Applicants should understand that the funding package is subject to available departmental funds. It should therefore not be interpreted as an unconditional payment of every study-related expense.
Who Can Apply?
The available 2027 bursary information identifies South African citizens as eligible applicants.
The programme is aimed at applicants pursuing or intending to pursue one of the specified qualifications.
The advertised academic fields are:
- BSc Agricultural Engineering
- National Diploma Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
The available 2027 information also states that consideration is given to previously and financially disadvantaged applicants, particularly applicants from rural and poverty-stricken communities. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Academic Requirement
Applicants should pay particular attention to the subject requirements.
The available 2027 bursary information states that applicants require:
- Mathematics at Level 6
- Physical Science at Level 6
Level 6 corresponds to a mark range of 70%–79% in the South African National Senior Certificate rating scale.
Because the bursary is restricted to specific qualifications, applicants should also confirm that their intended programme matches one of the fields listed in the official advertisement before submitting an application.
What Can Applicants Study?
BSc Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural engineering combines engineering principles with agricultural applications. Students interested in this route should check the admission requirements of the university offering the qualification separately from the bursary requirements.
National Diploma Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is another field listed in the LDARD 2027 bursary information.
Applicants should make sure that the exact qualification they intend to study corresponds with the qualification specified in the bursary advertisement.
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine is the third field identified in the 2027 LDARD bursary opportunity.
Students considering this option should check both the university’s admission requirements and LDARD’s bursary requirements before applying.
What Applicants Should Prepare
The official application process requires applicants to complete the LDARD External Bursary Application Form and provide the supporting information and documentation requested in the application.
The available 2027 information indicates that applicants should:
- Complete the official application form.
- Provide the required supporting documents.
- Clearly indicate the qualification being applied for.
- Ensure the application is properly completed and submitted through the prescribed process.
- Submit the application before the stated deadline.
The exact supporting documents should be checked against the current official application form rather than relying on a generic bursary checklist. LDARD publishes the external bursary application form on its official bursaries page.
How to Apply for the LDARD Bursary 2027
Applicants should use the official LDARD bursary information and application form as the final reference.
Step 1: Check the eligible field
Confirm that your intended qualification is one of the three fields advertised for the 2027 bursary:
- BSc Agricultural Engineering
- National Diploma Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
Step 2: Check your academic results
Confirm that you meet the stated Mathematics and Physical Science requirements before completing the application.
Step 3: Download the application form
Visit the official LDARD Bursaries page, where the department publishes its external bursary application form and advertisement.
Step 4: Complete the application carefully
Provide the information requested on the official form and ensure that the application is complete.
Step 5: Include the required supporting documents
Use the current application form and advertisement to confirm exactly which supporting documents apply to your situation.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline
The closing date is:
30 October 2026 at 16:00
Late applications should not be left until the final hours, particularly where applicants need to obtain or certify supporting documentation.
Important Date
LDARD Bursary 2027 closing date: 30 October 2026 at 16:00.
Applicants should rely on the official LDARD advertisement and application form for the final submission instructions.
Why This Bursary May Be Relevant to Students
The LDARD bursary is particularly relevant to students whose academic and career plans are connected to the three fields specified for the 2027 intake.
It also connects with the department’s broader focus on developing skills relevant to agriculture and rural development. LDARD has previously highlighted the importance of scarce skills, including engineering and veterinary-related skills, within the department.
For a student considering agricultural engineering or veterinary medicine, the important point is that the bursary is field-specific rather than a general funding opportunity for every qualification.
Related Youthscope Bursary Opportunities
Students looking for additional 2027 funding opportunities can also explore:
- IDC Bursary Programme 2027
- Samancor Chrome Bursary 2027
- Tomorrow Trust Bursary 2027
- NSFAS Applications for 2027
- AfriSam Bursary 2027
- Etion Create Bursary 2027
- Implats Bursary Programme 2027
Final Reminder for Applicants
Before submitting an application, check the current LDARD advertisement and application form carefully.
Pay particular attention to:
- Your South African citizenship status
- The eligible qualification
- Mathematics and Physical Science requirements
- Required supporting documents
- The prescribed application procedure
- The 30 October 2026 at 16:00 closing time
LDARD maintains a dedicated bursaries section on its official website where its bursary advertisements and application forms are published.
Official source
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development — Bursaries
The official LDARD website states that its bursaries are advertised on its website and provides the external bursary application form and advertisement.
The 2027 deadline and advertised fields are also independently reflected in a University of KwaZulu-Natal student notice dated 21 September 2026.
Author/Updated Information
Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 22 September 2026
Updated: 22 September 2026
Information checked: 22 September 2026
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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