Department of Agriculture Opens Fully Funded Bursary Applications for the 2027 Academic Year

SAPlug1May 13, 2026

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The Department of Agriculture has opened applications for its 2027 bursary programme for South African students pursuing agricultural-related studies. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, study materials, and a monthly allowance for qualifying students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Department of Agriculture Announces 2027 Bursary Programme

The Department of Agriculture has officially opened applications for its comprehensive bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. The bursary initiative is aimed at supporting qualifying South African students who are pursuing or planning to pursue studies in identified agricultural fields.

The programme forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to strengthening South Africa’s agricultural sector while creating educational opportunities for students from previously disadvantaged and economically challenged communities.

According to the department, the bursaries are specifically intended to assist students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds who may not have the financial resources to access higher education opportunities in agriculture-related disciplines.

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026.

Comprehensive Financial Support for Successful Applicants

The bursary programme offers extensive financial support designed to remove barriers to higher education. Successful applicants will receive funding that covers:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Study materials
Meals
Monthly allowance

This comprehensive funding structure allows students to focus fully on their academic studies without the pressure of major financial constraints.

The programme also reflects the department’s broader goal of developing skilled agricultural professionals who can contribute to food security, research, rural development, and sustainable farming practices across South Africa.

Focus on Previously Disadvantaged and Rural Communities

The Department of Agriculture has indicated that the bursaries are primarily targeted at previously disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Special emphasis is placed on applicants from:

Rural communities
Underprivileged households
Historically disadvantaged backgrounds

The department has also encouraged persons living with disabilities to apply, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive access to educational opportunities.

Fields of Study Covered by the Bursary

The bursary programme supports a wide range of agricultural and science-related qualifications. These fields are considered critical for strengthening South Africa’s agricultural economy and food production systems.

Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Sciences

Students interested in engineering and animal health-related careers may apply for funding in the following fields:

BSc Engineering Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)

For these programmes, applicants are generally required to achieve strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science at National Senior Certificate level.

Agricultural Science and Food Science Programmes

The bursary also supports several agricultural science disciplines, including:

BSc Agric. Entomology
BSc Agric. Food Science
BSc Agric. Animal Health
BSc Agric. Plant Pathology
BSc Agric. Plant Science
BSc Agric. Soil Science
BSc Agric. Agronomy
BSc Agric. Viticulture and Oenology
BAS Food Science and Technology
Diploma in Food Technology

These programmes focus on critical areas such as crop production, soil management, food quality, disease control, and agricultural sustainability.

Postgraduate and Advanced Qualifications Included

The bursary programme also extends support to students pursuing advanced agricultural qualifications.

Eligible postgraduate-related programmes include:

Advanced Diploma in Agriculture-related fields
BSc Agric. Honours Plant Pathology
BSc Agric. Honours Entomology

This inclusion highlights the department’s commitment to developing highly skilled agricultural researchers and specialists capable of addressing challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Academic Requirements for Applicants

Applicants must meet the minimum National Senior Certificate requirements specified for their chosen fields of study.

The requirements include different achievement levels in Mathematics and Physical Science depending on the programme selected.

Examples include:

Level 6 (70–79%) for Agricultural Engineering programmes
Level 5 (60–69%) for Veterinary Science and Veterinary Nursing
Level 4 (50–59%) for several agricultural science qualifications

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the academic requirements before submitting applications.

Important Application Guidelines

The department has outlined several important conditions that applicants must follow to ensure their applications are considered.

South African Citizenship Required

Only South African citizens are eligible to apply for the bursary programme.

Official Application Form

Applicants must complete the official bursary application form available from the departmental website.

Applications for fields not listed in the programme will not be considered.

Outstanding Documents

Students who are still awaiting university acceptance letters or final examination results may still apply. However, outstanding documents must be submitted within three days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027.

No Late Applications

Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Communication Process

The department has stated that only successful applicants will be contacted after the selection process has been completed.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants are expected to submit completed application forms together with supporting documentation.

Required documents include:

Certified copy of South African ID
Academic records or Grade 12 results
Proof of university application or acceptance
Other supporting academic documents where applicable

The department has also noted that affidavits will not be accepted as substitutes for required documentation.

Submission Details and Closing Date

All completed bursary applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically to the designated application email address provided by the department.

Application Email Address

[email protected]

Closing Date

30 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid delays or technical issues.

Conclusion

The 2027 bursary programme offered by the Department of Agriculture presents an important opportunity for South African students who are passionate about agriculture and rural development.

By covering tuition, accommodation, meals, study materials, and monthly living expenses, the programme provides meaningful financial support to students who may otherwise struggle to access higher education.

With agriculture continuing to play a vital role in food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, initiatives such as this bursary programme are helping to develop the next generation of agricultural professionals and researchers in South Africa.

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