The DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027 is open for South African students who want to study in fields linked to land surveying, geomatics, geographic information systems, town planning and rural development. This comprehensive bursary can cover tuition, accommodation, prescribed books, meals and a living allowance for qualifying applicants.
This opportunity is especially important for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities.
For students who want to build a career in land development, mapping, planning or geographic information science, this bursary can remove a major financial barrier.
What Is The DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027?
The DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027 is a funding opportunity from the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.
It supports students who want to study in priority fields linked to land administration, spatial planning, surveying, geomatics and geographic information systems.
The department uses this bursary to help develop skilled professionals who can contribute to land reform, rural development, mapping, planning and spatial transformation.
Therefore, applicants should only submit an application if their field of study appears on the approved list.
Why Is This Bursary Worth Considering?
Many students qualify for university but struggle to continue because study costs are too high.
This bursary can help reduce that pressure by covering several major study-related expenses.
In addition, it supports specialised fields that South Africa needs for land management, infrastructure planning, mapping and rural development.
This makes the bursary valuable for students who want both funding and a career path linked to national development.
What Does The Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants may receive comprehensive financial support.
The bursary may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks
- Meals
- Living allowance
This support allows students to focus more fully on their academic work.
However, applicants should remember that bursary awards depend on available departmental funding and the department’s final allocation decisions.
Which Fields Of Study Are Supported?
The DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027 supports selected fields linked to land reform, geomatics, surveying and planning.
Supported Bachelor’s degree fields include:
- BSc Land Surveying
- BSc Geomatics
- BSc Town and Regional Planning
- BSc Urban and Regional Planning
- BSc Geo-informatics
- BSc Geographic Information Science
- Bachelor in Geomatics
- Bachelor in Surveying
- Bachelor in Town and Urban Planning
- Bachelor in Regional Planning
Diploma fields include:
- Diploma in Geomatics
- Diploma in Surveying
- Diploma in Geographic Information Systems
- Diploma in Town and Regional Planning
- Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning
Postgraduate funding may also be available for:
- Advanced Diploma
- Honours
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral studies
Postgraduate research must align with DLRRD priority research projects.
What Are The Academic Requirements?
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen qualification and institution.
For certain Bachelor of Science programmes, applicants may need:
- Mathematics Level 5, which is 60–69%
- Physical Science or Geography Level 5, which is 60–69%
For other Bachelor and Diploma qualifications, applicants may need:
- Mathematics Level 4, which is 50–59%
- Physical Science Level 4, which is 50–59%
These requirements matter because surveying, geomatics, GIS and planning programmes often need strong mathematical and scientific foundations.
Therefore, applicants should check both the bursary advert and the university admission rules before submitting.
Who Should Consider This Bursary?
This bursary is suitable for students who want to enter land, planning, mapping and rural development-related fields.
It may be a good fit if you are:
- A Grade 12 learner
- A current university student
- A TVET graduate progressing to university
- A student entering postgraduate studies
- From a rural community
- From a previously disadvantaged background
- A person living with a disability
- Interested in surveying, planning, geomatics or GIS
The department also encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
What Are The General Eligibility Requirements?
Applicants should meet the basic requirements before submitting their details.
You should:
- Be a South African citizen
- Apply for an approved field of study
- Meet the minimum academic requirements
- Meet the admission requirements of your institution
- Complete the official application process
- Submit before the closing date
- Provide accurate supporting documents
Students who are still waiting for final university acceptance or results may still submit their bursary application while waiting for those documents.
However, they should submit the missing documents as soon as they become available.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should prepare their documents before starting the online form.
You may need:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Grade 12 certificate, if completed
- University academic record, if already studying
- University acceptance letter, if available
- Proof of registration, if available
- Certified copies of relevant certificates
- Any additional documents requested on the application form
Make sure every document is clear, readable and correctly uploaded.
Also, check that your name and ID number match across all documents.
How Can You Submit Your Application?
Applications must be submitted through the official online application form.
Before you start, prepare your documents and check that your internet connection is stable.
Read every question carefully.
In addition, make sure you choose the correct field of study because applications for fields outside the approved list may not be considered.
When Is The Closing Date?
The closing date for the DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026. Public 2027 bursary information lists this as the deadline for applications.
Applicants should not wait until the final day.
Online forms can become slow near deadline periods, and missing documents can delay your submission.
Submit early so you still have time to fix mistakes before the bursary closes.
Why Should Students Take This Bursary Seriously?
The DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027 supports fields that play a major role in land administration, mapping, town planning and rural development.
These careers help shape how land is measured, planned, managed and developed.
For students from rural or previously disadvantaged communities, the bursary can open access to specialised qualifications that may otherwise be difficult to afford.
In short, this bursary does not only fund studies. It supports future professionals who can help shape South Africa’s land and planning systems.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before submitting, make sure your field of study matches the approved bursary list exactly. If your qualification name differs slightly, check with your institution or the department before applying. A strong application starts with proving that your programme fits the bursary requirements.
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Final Thoughts
The DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027 is a valuable funding opportunity for South African students who want to study land surveying, geomatics, geographic information systems, town planning or related postgraduate fields.
The bursary may cover tuition, accommodation, prescribed textbooks, meals and a living allowance.
Applicants should be South African citizens, meet the academic requirements and submit only for approved fields of study.
Finally, prepare your documents early and submit your application before 30 September 2026.
