Department of Agriculture Bursary: Requirements & How to Apply

Key Facts

Status: Applications Closed
Provider: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery
Field of Study: Government
Study Level: Matric

Undergraduate

Honours
Academic Year: 2027
Application Closes: Wed, 30 Sep 2026 - 12:00

Reviewed & Verified by Makona Mandla Lead Editor, Bursary Verification

Closed Closed

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 - 12:00

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen
Planning to study, or already studying, an approved agriculture programme
Meets the minimum marks for your field
Advanced diploma and honours applicants hold a relevant undergraduate qualification

Documents Needed

Certified copy of your ID
Latest academic results
Matric certificate, if completed
Proof of university application or acceptance
Proof of residence, if requested

The department does not accept affidavits in place of required documents.

About Department of Agriculture Bursary

The Department of Agriculture Bursary funds full-time study in agriculture-related fields at tertiary level. The national Department of Agriculture runs the programme, and a National Bursary Committee selects the recipients. The bursary pays for far more than tuition, so it can make a real difference to students who need full support.

The 2027 call closed on 30 September 2026, and the department said it would not consider late applications. We relied on a published copy of the advert, so confirm any details with the department directly.

Funding Details

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Study materials
Meals
A monthly allowance

The advert summary does not state the allowance amount or the total value. It also does not describe a work-back requirement. Ask the department about both, because government bursaries often come with a service contract.

Also ask how the department pays the allowance and when the first payment arrives. Your first weeks on campus can be expensive, so you may need a plan for any delay.

Where You Can Study

The summary of the advert we reviewed does not name specific universities. You need proof of application or acceptance at the institution that offers your approved programme. Grade 12 learners may apply before they receive final results or an acceptance letter.

Apply to more than one institution if you can, as space in programmes such as veterinary science is limited. Keep every application reference, since you may need to prove them when you send documents.

About Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery

About the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, usually shortened to DAFF, was the national government department in charge of farming, forestry and fish…

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Address: Agriculture Place, 20 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
Phone: +27 12 319 6000

Fields of Study & Who Can Apply

This agriculture bursary covers four broad groups: engineering and food technology, veterinary and animal sciences, agricultural sciences such as soil, plant and crop science, and postgraduate or advanced programmes. Only the qualifications listed in the advert qualify, so check your exact course against the list.

Minimum marks depend on your field. Engineering needs Mathematics and Physical Science at Level 6. Veterinary and agricultural sciences need Level 5, while food technology needs Level 4. Advanced diploma and honours applicants need a relevant undergraduate qualification. The department also encourages people with disabilities to apply.

Agriculture offers a wider range of careers than many students expect. Graduates work in food safety, animal health, soil and crop research, farm management and agricultural engineering. Think about the kind of work you want, and then match it to a listed qualification. Your form must show the correct qualification, so check the spelling and title against your university's prospectus.

Application Procedure

Complete the department's application form and email it with your documents to Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za during an open call. Learners waiting for results had to send missing documents within three days of the January release. For queries, call (012) 319 7848, (012) 319 7136 or (012) 319 7201.

Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.