Agriculture now reaches far beyond farms and fields. It includes food science, engineering, animal health, plant production, soil science and sustainability. The Department of Agriculture Bursaries 2027 give qualifying South African students a chance to receive funding for selected agriculture-related qualifications.
Submissions close on 30 September 2026, so students should prepare their documents early and send everything to the correct email address before the deadline.
What is the Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme?
The Department of Agriculture is offering bursary awards for the 2027 academic year.
This programme supports South African students who want to study approved agriculture-related qualifications.
It focuses on important fields linked to food production, veterinary support, agricultural engineering, plant sciences, soil science and food technology.
What does the bursary cover?
The bursary may support several study-related costs.
These costs include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials
- Meals
- Monthly allowance
As a result, the bursary can help students who need financial support to continue or begin their studies.
Who should consider this bursary?
South African students who want to study approved agricultural fields should consider this bursary.
Students who are already studying one of the listed qualifications may also submit.
In addition, Grade 12 learners waiting for final results or university admission letters may still submit their forms. However, they must send missing documents within three days after Grade 12 results are released in January 2027.
Which fields of study are funded?
The Department funds selected agriculture-related qualifications only.
Applicants must choose one field of study that matches their intended or current qualification.
The funded fields include agricultural engineering, veterinary science, veterinary nursing, animal health, food technology, agricultural sciences, advanced diplomas and honours studies.
Which engineering and technology fields are included?
The bursary includes the following engineering and technology-related fields:
- BSc Eng. Agricultural, also known as Bioresource Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- BAS Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
These fields may suit students who enjoy Mathematics, Physical Science, technology, food systems and practical problem-solving.
Which veterinary and animal-related fields are included?
The bursary also supports selected veterinary and animal-related qualifications.
These include:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
- BHSci Veterinary Technology
- BSc Agricultural Animal Health
Therefore, students interested in animal health, veterinary support, livestock systems and agricultural biosecurity should review these options carefully.
Which agricultural science fields are included?
Students who are interested in crops, soil, plant health and agricultural production may consider the following fields:
- 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
These qualifications can support future careers in research, crop protection, food systems, soil management and agricultural production.
Are advanced diploma and honours studies funded?
Yes. The bursary also includes selected advanced and honours qualifications.
These include:
- Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields
- Advanced Diploma in Plant Production
- Advanced Diploma in Animal Production or Animal Science
- Advanced Diploma in Agriculture Management
- Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension
- Advanced Diploma in Food Science and Technology
- BSc Agricultural Honours in Plant Pathology
- BSc Agricultural Honours in Entomology
Applicants for advanced diploma and honours studies need a relevant undergraduate qualification.
What are the minimum academic requirements?
Applicants must meet the academic requirements for their chosen qualification.
For Agricultural Engineering and Bachelor of Veterinary Science, applicants need:
- Mathematics Level 6, which is 70–79%
- Physical Science Level 6, which is 70–79%
For Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Technology and Agricultural Science fields, applicants need:
- Mathematics Level 5, which is 60–69%
- Physical Science Level 5, which is 60–69%
For BAS Food Science and Technology and Diploma in Food Technology, applicants need:
- Mathematics Level 4, which is 50–59%
- Physical Science Level 4, which is 50–59%
For Advanced Diploma and Honours programmes, applicants need a relevant undergraduate qualification.
Who can submit for this bursary?
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Current students in approved agricultural programmes may submit.
Prospective students who plan to study approved agriculture-related qualifications may also submit.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to submit their applications.
Which documents are required?
Applicants must attach certified copies of the required documents.
The required documents include:
- Applicant’s identity document
- Parent or guardian identity documents
- Death certificates, if applicable
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Academic record or Grade 12 results and university admission letter
- Family income proof, such as salary advice not older than three months
- SASSA confirmation letter, if applicable
- Proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour, if applicable
The Department will not accept affidavits in place of required supporting documents.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Start with income documents first. Many bursary submissions fail because students prepare their results and ID copies but forget parent or guardian income proof. Also, keep every certified copy clear and readable before emailing your documents.
What important rules must applicants remember?
Applicants must complete the official bursary application form correctly.
They should use block letters, give clear answers and mark the correct boxes where required.
Also, applicants must choose only one field of study from the listed options.
Most importantly, the Department will only consider fields that appear in the official bursary advert.
How should candidates submit their forms?
Candidates must download and complete the official bursary application form.
After completing the form, candidates must email the form and supporting documents to:
Before sending, applicants should check every attachment, confirm that certified copies are included where required and keep proof that the email was sent.
Who can applicants contact for enquiries?
For bursary enquiries, applicants may contact:
Ms Silindelo Dlomo
Tel: 012 319 7848
Ms Bongiwe Shabalala
Tel: 012 319 7136
Mr Sifiso Nkuna
Tel: 012 319 7201
Applicants should use these contacts for bursary-related questions only.
When is the closing date?
The closing date for the Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 is:
30 September 2026
Late submissions will not be considered.
Therefore, applicants should submit early, use the correct email address and keep proof of submission.
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Final Thoughts
The Department of Agriculture Bursaries 2027 offer valuable support for South African students who want to study important agriculture-related qualifications.
The funded fields cover engineering, food science, veterinary studies, plant sciences, soil science, animal health and advanced agricultural qualifications.
For this reason, applicants should choose the correct field, complete the official form carefully, attach all required supporting documents and email everything to Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za before 30 September 2026.
