Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary 2027

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Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027: Fully Funded Engineering and Built Environment Bursaries in the Western Cape

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) has opened applications for its 2027 bursary programme. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and a living allowance for students pursuing Geomatics, GIS, Land Surveying, Town and Regional Planning, and related fields. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Opens Applications for 2027 Bursary Programme

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) has officially opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, offering comprehensive financial support to deserving South African students pursuing studies in critical fields linked to land development, planning, surveying, and geographic information systems.

The bursary programme aims to develop highly skilled professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s land reform initiatives, spatial planning, rural development, and infrastructure growth. Through this initiative, the department seeks to invest in future experts who will help shape sustainable communities and support national development priorities.

For students facing financial barriers to higher education, this bursary presents a valuable opportunity to access quality education while receiving extensive financial assistance.

What the DLRRD Bursary Covers

The Department has announced that successful applicants will receive a comprehensive bursary package covering essential study-related expenses.

The bursary includes:

Full tuition fees
Accommodation costs
Meals
Prescribed books and study materials
Living allowance

This financial support is designed to allow students to focus on their studies without the burden of educational expenses.

The department has also indicated that preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities, reflecting its commitment to promoting equitable access to higher education.

Fields of Study Supported

The bursary programme targets qualifications that align with the Department’s mandate and future skills requirements.

Funding is available for students pursuing the following qualifications:

Undergraduate Degrees

BSc in Land Surveying / Geomatics
BSc in Town and Regional Planning
BSc in Geo-Informatics / Geographic Information Science

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor of Land Surveying / Geomatics
Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning

Diplomas

Diploma in Geomatics / Surveying / GIS
Diploma in Town and Regional Planning

Postgraduate Studies

Funding is also available for postgraduate students pursuing:

Advanced Diplomas
Postgraduate Diplomas
Honours Degrees
Master’s Degrees
PhD Programmes

Postgraduate studies must be related to:

Geomatics
Land Surveying
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Town and Regional Planning

Minimum Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements applicable to their chosen field of study.

Degree Programmes

For BSc qualifications in:

Land Surveying / Geomatics
Town and Regional Planning
Geo-Informatics / Geographic Information Science

Applicants should have achieved:

Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography
Achievement Level 5 (60–69%)

Who Can Apply?

The bursary programme is open to:

South African citizens
Current learners planning to study in 2027
Students already enrolled in qualifying programmes
Postgraduate students pursuing advanced qualifications in relevant fields

The department specifically encourages applications from talented students who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to contributing to South Africa’s development.

Important Application Requirements

The Department has outlined several important conditions for applicants.

South African Citizenship

Applicants must be South African citizens.

Online Application Form

Candidates must complete the official bursary application form available through the Department’s website.

Approved Fields Only

Applications for study fields not listed under the bursary programme will not be considered.

Academic Documentation

Applicants must submit certified copies of:

South African ID
Academic transcripts
Grade 12 results (where applicable)
Relevant academic certificates

Pending Results

Students who have not yet received university acceptance letters or final academic results may still submit their applications while awaiting these documents.

Selection Process

The Department has indicated that bursary awards will depend on:

Academic merit
Available funding
Departmental skills requirements

Because bursary allocations are limited and highly competitive, meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding.

Successful applicants will be selected based on the department’s overall allocation budget and strategic workforce development priorities.

Why This Bursary Matters

South Africa continues to face a growing demand for professionals in spatial planning, land administration, geographic information systems, and rural development.

These disciplines play a critical role in:

Infrastructure planning
Land reform implementation
Urban development
Environmental management
Rural development projects
Sustainable spatial planning

By funding students in these specialised fields, the DLRRD is investing in the future capacity of the country while helping young people access valuable career opportunities.

Graduates from these programmes often find employment in:

Government departments
Municipalities
Consulting firms
GIS and mapping companies
Surveying practices
Environmental organisations
Urban and regional planning agencies

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the official bursary application form available from the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.

Application Website

Applicants can access the bursary application form through the DLRRD website:

www.dlrrd.gov.za

The bursary application form can be downloaded and completed online.

Submission Email

Completed application forms together with all required certified supporting documents must be emailed to:

[email protected]

Enquiries

Ms Leah Nqotjana
Tel: (012) 372 8382
Tel: (012) 312 8352

Mr Emmanuel Molefe
Tel: (082) 027 6245
Tel: (012) 312 8337

Closing Date

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Closing Date: 30 September 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

Final Thoughts

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary 2027 offers a significant opportunity for South African students pursuing careers in Geomatics, GIS, Land Surveying, and Town and Regional Planning. With comprehensive funding covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and living expenses, the programme provides the financial support needed to succeed in higher education.

Students with a passion for shaping South Africa’s future through land development, planning, and spatial innovation are encouraged to apply before 30 September 2026 and take advantage of this fully funded educational opportunity.

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Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary 2027

Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Opens Applications for 2027 Bursary Programme

What the DLRRD Bursary Covers