Land Bank

About Land Bank

The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa, known as Land Bank, is a development finance institution for farming and agribusiness. It operates under the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa Act of 2002. That law requires it to promote and support agricultural development, financial inclusion and a sustainable farming sector.

In practice, Land Bank lends money to the agricultural sector, and its mandate also includes transformation. It therefore works in an area where access to finance can decide whether a new farmer succeeds. A 2022 reply to Parliament from the National Treasury confirmed that this mandate comes from the 2002 Act, and that the government had no plan to change it.

This focus shapes the skills the bank wants to build. Farming today depends on more than crops and livestock. It also relies on sound finance, water planning, risk management, new technology and strong extension services. As a result, the bank's bursary list runs from animal production and soil science to agricultural economics and precision agriculture.

How Land Bank supports students

Land Bank runs an External Bursary Programme for undergraduate students. The bursary pays full tuition at agricultural colleges registered with the Council on Higher Education. It also pays for prescribed books and study materials, and it provides a monthly living allowance. Accommodation and meal allowances are available where they apply.

The programme targets South Africans aged 18 to 28 with strong academic results and a real interest in agriculture. It gives preference to candidates from rural and historically disadvantaged backgrounds. A published copy of an earlier advert also mentioned mentorship, vacation work and an alumni programme, although you should confirm these extras with the bank.

You can read the current terms on our Land Bank Bursary page.

What to know before applying

Check the closing date first, because late applications are a common reason for missing out. Land Bank lists 30 November 2026 for its current call. You apply by email, so prepare the form and your documents early and keep your files clear and easy to read.

The official page does not mention a work-back obligation, and an earlier advert copy said there was none. Even so, read any contract before you sign it, and ask what happens if you fail a module or change your course.

Send bursary questions to bursaries@landbank.co.za, with "bursary query" in the subject line. The general lines are 012 686 0500 and 0800 00 52 59. You should never have to pay anyone to apply, so report any person who asks you for a fee.