Department of Agriculture (DoA) Bursary 2027

## About the Provider The Department of Agriculture is the national authority responsible for supporting and developing South Africa's agricultural sector. Its mandate is broad: it promotes food security, strengthens rural communities, and drives sustainable farming practices across the country. The Department works directly with commercial and emerging farmers, providing training, research, agricultural policies and structured development programmes that aim to increase production, create jobs and grow the rural economy. Agriculture is a critical pillar of South Africa's economy, contributing meaningfully to employment, exports and the country's food supply. Despite the rise of services and industry in the national economy, the agricultural sector remains essential to the livelihoods of millions of South Africans, particularly in rural provinces. The Department plays a central role in keeping the value chain working, from supporting farmers in the field to managing the regulatory environment that protects animal and plant health. The Department also focuses heavily on responsible resource management. Programmes target the sustainable use of natural assets such as water, soil and land, and aim to balance the needs of large commercial producers with those of smallholder and emerging farmers. Considerable emphasis is placed on supporting **emerging and small-scale farmers** by improving their access to opportunities, markets, modern farming methods and financial tools. This is particularly important in rural communities where farming is often a primary source of income and food. As part of its long-term human capital strategy, the Department invests in the next generation of agricultural professionals through structured bursary programmes. The bursary funds South African students who plan to pursue qualifications that respond to the country's most pressing agricultural and rural development needs, from agronomy and animal health to food science and bio-resource engineering. By doing so, the Department is building the technical capacity that South African agriculture will rely on for decades to come. This programme is targeted at students who are previously disadvantaged or impoverished, with a strong focus on those from poverty-stricken and rural areas. The aim is to ensure that high-potential young people who would otherwise be excluded from higher education on financial grounds can access world-class agricultural training and contribute meaningfully to the sector. For learners with strong Mathematics and Science results and a real interest in agriculture, this is one of the most direct routes to a fully funded career pathway in food and farming.

## About the Program The DoA Bursary is offered for the **2027 academic year** to South African students who plan to study, or are already studying, towards a qualification within an agricultural-related field. The programme deliberately funds a wide range of disciplines that mirror the technical and operational needs of South African agriculture, animal health and food production: - **Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)** - **Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BEng)** - **Agricultural Agronomy (BSc)** - **Agricultural Animal Health (BSc)** - **Agricultural Entomology (BSc)** - **Agricultural Food Science (BSc)** - **Agricultural Plant Pathology (BSc)** - **Agricultural Plant Science (BSc)** - **Agricultural Soil Science (BSc)** - **Agricultural Viticulture and Oenology (BSc)** - **Agriculture related fields (Advanced Diploma)** - **Entomology (BSc Agric. Honours)** - **Food Science and Technology (BAS)** - **Food Technology (Diploma)** - **Plant Pathology (BSc Agric. Honours)** - **Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)** - **Veterinary Science (BVSc)** - **Veterinary Technology (BHSci)** The Department reserves the right to determine the total number of bursaries awarded in any given year, based on the funding available. As a result, applicants should expect a competitive process. A defining feature of the DoA Bursary is its targeted social focus. The programme is aimed at **previously disadvantaged and impoverished students** from poverty-stricken areas and rural communities. This shapes the eligibility criteria and the documentation required, especially around proof of income and family circumstances. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply, in line with national transformation goals. Funding is intended to remove the most common barriers preventing rural learners from pursuing higher education. The bursary covers core academic costs, accommodation, study materials, meals and a monthly allowance, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than juggling tuition fees with day-to-day survival. Successful applicants will be contacted within 14 days after Matric final results are released, once the National Bursary Committee has finalised its selection process. Applicants who have not yet received their Matric final results or university acceptance letter at the time of submission may still apply, provided they undertake to submit the outstanding documents within 3 days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027.

## Bursary Benefits The DoA Bursary is structured as a comprehensive support package, designed to remove most of the financial barriers facing rural and disadvantaged students. Specific benefits include: - **Tuition fees** at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution. - **Accommodation** for students who need to live away from home to study, particularly important for rural learners. - **Study materials**, including prescribed textbooks and basic equipment for the funded qualification. - **Meals**, providing daily nutrition during the academic year so that students can focus on their studies. - **A monthly allowance** to cover transport, toiletries, data and other day-to-day costs. - Access to a structured government talent pipeline, with a clear focus on agriculture, food security and rural development. - Indirect benefits such as exposure to government processes, agricultural networks and potential future opportunities to work in the public sector or agricultural industry after graduation. The Department of Agriculture reserves the right to determine the total number of bursaries awarded in any given year based on available funding. Students should plan to combine the bursary with other support such as NSFAS, university scholarships or family contributions where required, particularly for any costs that fall outside the bursary's specific categories.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must satisfy each of the following criteria. Failure to meet any one of them will result in disqualification. - You must be a **South African citizen**. - You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric. - You must be studying or intending to study **full-time** towards one of the qualifications listed in 2027. - You must be studying or intending to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa. - You must be **previously disadvantaged or impoverished**, in line with national transformation criteria. - You must be from a **poverty-stricken area** or rural community. - You must NOT be a staff member of the Department of Agriculture. **Subject-specific Matric requirements:** - Minimum **level 4 (50–59%) for Mathematics and Physical Science** for Food Science and Technology (BAS) and Food Technology (Diploma). - Minimum **level 5 (60–69%) for Mathematics and Physical Science** for Agricultural Agronomy, Animal Health, Entomology, Food Science, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Viticulture and Oenology, Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Technology. - Minimum **level 6 (70–79%) for Mathematics and Physical Science** for Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering and Veterinary Science. - For **Advanced Diploma** in agriculture-related fields, **Entomology Honours** and **Plant Pathology Honours**, you must have completed a relevant undergraduate qualification. Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of every document below along with your completed application form. Missing or unclear documents are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected. - Certified copy of your South African ID document. - Certified copy of your Matric latest results, if currently in Matric. - Certified copy of your Matric certificate, if you have already completed Matric. - Full academic record, on the institution's letterhead, if you are currently studying. - University acceptance letter on the tertiary institution's letterhead, if available. - Certified copies of your parents' or guardians' ID documents. - Certified copies of your parents' or guardians' death certificates, if applicable. - Proof of parents' or guardians' income (latest payslips if employed, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour if unemployed, SASSA confirmation letter if applicable), all certified. If you have not yet received your Matric final results or university acceptance letter at the time of submission, you may apply without them and submit the outstanding documents within 3 days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027. Make sure that your scans are clear, complete and not password protected.

## How to Apply 1. Carefully read every eligibility requirement and confirm that you qualify, particularly regarding citizenship, financial background and Matric subject results. 2. Download the official DoA Bursary Application Form 2027 from the Department's website. 3. Complete the application form in full, paying attention to your contact details, ID number, intended qualification and university of choice. 4. Where requested, indicate clearly how you heard about the bursary in the relevant field. 5. Compile certified copies of every required supporting document, including ID, Matric results, parents' or guardians' documents, and proof of income. 6. If you have not yet completed Matric or do not yet have a university acceptance letter, note this clearly and commit to submitting the outstanding documents within 3 days after Grade 12 results are released in January 2027. 7. Combine your completed application form and all supporting documents into a clear, well-named PDF or set of PDFs. 8. Email your application to **Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za** with the subject line **"DoA Bursary 2027"** so the bursary office can route it correctly. 9. Submit your application before the **closing date of 30 September 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. 10. After Matric final results are released, monitor your email and phone closely. Successful applicants will be contacted within 14 days; if you do not hear back in this window, consider your application unsuccessful.

## Tips for Success The DoA Bursary is competitive, but it is also one of the most generous government bursaries available to rural and disadvantaged students. Use these tips to make your application stronger: - **Match your subject choice to your field.** Mathematics and Physical Science levels matter. If you are aiming for engineering or veterinary science, aim well above the minimum level 6, since competition for these spots is very high. - **Apply broadly within the funded list.** Many strong applicants have a clear first choice, such as Veterinary Science, but a realistic second option such as Animal Health, Agronomy or Food Technology. Indicate this clearly in your application where possible. - **Strengthen your proof of financial need.** Include certified payslips, an affidavit for unemployed parents and SASSA letters where applicable. Death certificates for deceased parents or guardians should also be included if relevant. The clearer your evidence, the easier it is for the Bursary Committee to assess your case. - **Keep documents recent and certified.** SAPS stations and post offices can be busy near deadlines. Aim to have everything certified within the last three months and at least two weeks before submission. - **Highlight your rural or disadvantaged background.** Briefly explain your circumstances in a short motivational note where space allows. Mentioning the village, township or community you come from helps demonstrate alignment with the bursary's social mission. - **Show genuine interest in agriculture.** Mention any school agricultural projects, farming experience, livestock, food gardens, science fair projects or community work that links you to agriculture or food security. - **Use a professional email address.** A simple firstname.surname-style email is far more credible than informal nicknames. Check your inbox, spam and promotions folders during the review period. - **Submit early.** Avoid the last-minute rush before 30 September 2026. Late submissions are rejected automatically. - **Stay reachable in January 2027.** Successful applicants are contacted within 14 days of Matric results. Make sure your phone number, email address and postal address are kept up to date and that your phone is on and charged during this period. - **Apply for backup funding.** Even with a strong profile, only a limited number of bursaries are awarded each year. Combine this application with NSFAS, the Funza Lushaka Bursary (if you are aiming for teaching), university financial aid and other agricultural bursaries.

## Career Prospects Graduates funded by the DoA Bursary enter a sector that sits at the heart of South Africa's economy and food security strategy. Agriculture is a major source of employment, exports and rural development, and the disciplines funded by this bursary are particularly important for the country's long-term sustainability. Graduates in **Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering** typically work in irrigation design, mechanisation, post-harvest engineering, water management and farm infrastructure. They are employed by engineering consulting firms, agricultural cooperatives, large commercial farms, water utilities and government departments. With experience, they progress into project leadership, design management and senior advisory roles, and some specialise in climate adaptation, precision farming or sustainable energy on farms. **Agronomists, plant scientists and soil scientists** form the backbone of crop production and land management. They work for seed companies, fertiliser manufacturers, large commercial farms, research institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council, and government extension services. Roles include crop advisor, agronomist, research scientist, soil specialist and farm manager. Career progression can lead to head of research, agronomy lead, technical manager or independent consultant. **Animal health, veterinary nursing, veterinary technology and veterinary science graduates** work as veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal health technicians, laboratory specialists and inspectors. They serve in private practices, government veterinary services, abattoirs, dairy and meat producers, animal welfare NGOs and research institutions. Some pursue further specialisation in livestock, wildlife, equine medicine or veterinary public health. **Food science, food technology and viticulture graduates** find roles across food manufacturing, beverage production, quality assurance, product development and food safety regulation. South Africa has a strong wine, beer, dairy, meat and fast-moving consumer goods sector, all of which need trained food professionals. Graduates can grow into roles such as product developer, quality manager, plant manager, R&D leader or technical director, and some go on to start their own food and beverage businesses. **Entomologists and plant pathologists** play critical roles in pest and disease management, biosecurity and integrated pest management. They work for government, research bodies, the citrus and grain industries, and global agribusinesses. Strong research skills, especially at honours level, position graduates well for postgraduate study and international careers. More broadly, DoA bursars are well placed for careers across **government, parastatals, agricultural development banks, NGOs and international organisations** such as the FAO and Africa-focused agricultural agencies. Some bursars also use their qualifications to support family farms, build small-scale agribusinesses or start agritech ventures. With agriculture being a core priority for the country, graduates who combine technical knowledge with leadership and entrepreneurial skills will continue to be in strong demand.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the DoA Bursary? South African citizens who are currently in Matric or have completed Matric, intending to study full-time towards one of the listed agricultural qualifications, from a previously disadvantaged or rural background, and not currently employed by the Department of Agriculture. ## Which fields of study does the bursary cover? A wide range of agricultural, food science, engineering and veterinary qualifications, from advanced diplomas through to BSc Agric. Honours and Veterinary Science. Refer to the eligibility section for the full list and minimum subject requirements. ## What expenses does the bursary cover? Tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, meals and a monthly allowance, subject to available funding. ## What Matric results do I need? The minimum requirement for Mathematics and Physical Science depends on the field of study, ranging from level 4 (50–59%) for some food technology programmes to level 6 (70–79%) for engineering and veterinary science. Honours qualifications require a relevant undergraduate degree. ## When do applications close? Applications close on **30 September 2026**. Late submissions will not be accepted. ## What if I have not yet received my Matric final results or university acceptance letter? You may still apply. The Department allows 3 days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027 to submit the outstanding documents. ## How will I know if my application was successful? The Department will contact successful applicants within 14 days after the release of Matric final results. If you do not hear back during this window, consider your application unsuccessful. ## How do I submit my application? Download the official DoA Bursary Application Form, complete it, attach all required documents and email your full application to **Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za** using the subject line "DoA Bursary 2027". ## Are students with disabilities eligible? Yes. Students living with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply and should include relevant medical documentation with their application. ## Do I have to work for the government after graduating? The specific work-back terms are set out in the bursary agreement. As with most public-sector bursaries, you should expect that placement and service obligations may form part of the contract.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 September 2026. Submit early and prepare to provide outstanding documents within 3 days of Matric results being released in January 2027.

About the Organization

Department of Agriculture Email: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za Ms Silindelo Dlomo: 012 319 7848 Ms Bongiwe Shabalala: 012 319 7136 Mr Sifiso Nkuna: 012 319 7201