Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Bursary 2025-2026
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – DALRRD
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was established in 2019 following the merger of two previous government departments: the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR). DALRRD’s overarching vision is to ensure that citizens have equitable access to land, promote food security, foster sustainable agriculture, and encourage integrated rural development.
ABOUT THE DALRRD BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is pleased to announce its bursary program for the 2025-2026 academic year. These bursaries are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in fields related to agriculture, land reform, and rural development. The specific fields of study covered by the bursary include:
Undergraduate Studies:
- Animal Science (BSc)
- Bioresource Engineering (Agricultural Engineering) (BSc)
- Entomology (BSc)
- Food Science (BSc)
- Food Technology (National Diploma)
- Geo-Informatics/Geographic Information Science (BSc or BA)
- Land Surveying/Geomatics (BSc)
- Land Surveying/Geomatics/GIS (National Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree)
- Pasture Science (BSc)
- Plant Pathology (BSc)
- Soil Science/Agronomy (BSc)
- Town/Urban and Regional Planning (National Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree)
- Town/Urban and Regional Planning (BSc)
- Veterinary Science (BVSc)
- Viticulture and Oenology (BSc)
Postgraduate Studies:
- Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development priority research projects (Adv Diploma, B Tech, BSc Hons, MSc, DTech, or PhD)
RELATED BURSARIES
For additional government bursary opportunities or science-related bursaries and scholarships, visit the links provided.
MORE ABOUT THE DALRRD BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED & SELECTION
The DALRRD bursary program, as detailed by Uni24.co.za, covers a range of expenses including tuition fees, books, accommodation, meals, and a monthly allowance. The number of bursaries awarded will depend on the department’s budget availability.
Applicants who are successful in their bursary applications will be contacted within 14 days following the release of Matric final results and the completion of the National Bursary Committee’s selection process. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks after the release of Matric final results, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DALRRD BURSARY
To qualify for the DALRRD Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
For Undergraduate Students:
- South African citizenship
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Pursuing or intending to pursue one of the undergraduate qualifications listed
- Enrolled or planning to enroll at a recognized and accredited South African tertiary institution
- Hailing from a previously disadvantaged or impoverished background
- Residing in a poverty-stricken area or rural community
- Not employed by the department
- Aspiring to pursue a career within the agriculture, land reform, and rural development sector
- Minimum Matric results:
- Level 4 (50 to 59%) for Mathematics and Physical Science (if studying or intending to study certain fields)
- Level 5 (60 to 69%) for Mathematics and Physical Science (if studying or intending to study certain fields)
- Level 6 (70 to 79%) for Mathematics and Physical Science (if studying or intending to study certain fields)
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
For Postgraduate Students:
- South African citizenship
- Completed Matric
- Pursuing or intending to pursue one of the postgraduate qualifications listed
- Enrolled at a recognized and accredited South African tertiary institution
- Hailing from a previously disadvantaged or impoverished background
- Residing in a poverty-stricken area or rural community
- Not employed by the department
- Aspiring to pursue a career within the agriculture, land reform, and rural development sector
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE DALRRD BURSARY
Here’s how to apply for the DALRRD Bursary:
- Download and complete the relevant bursary application form:
- For undergraduate studies: DALRRD Bursary Application Form 2025-2026 (Undergraduate) (.pdf)
- For postgraduate studies: DALRRD Bursary Application Form 2025-2026 (Postgraduate) (.pdf)
- When completing the application form, indicate that you heard about the DALRRD Bursary through “Uni24.co.za.”
- Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form. Ensure that all documents are certified copies. Failure to submit any required documents may disqualify your application.
For Undergraduate Students:
- ID document
- Matric latest results (if currently in Matric) or Matric certificate (if completed Matric)
- Full academic record (if currently studying)
- University acceptance letter (if available, on tertiary letterhead)
- Parents or guardians’ ID documents
- Parents or guardians’ death certificates (if applicable)
- Parents or guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips if employed, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour if unemployed, SASSA confirmation letter if applicable)
Note: If you have not yet received your Matric final results or a university acceptance letter, you may still apply and submit the outstanding documents as soon as they become available.
For Postgraduate Students:
- ID document
- Full academic record (certified copy)
- Qualification/certificates (certified copies)
- University acceptance letter (on tertiary letterhead)
- Parents or guardians’ ID documents (certified copies)
- Parents or guardians’ death certificates (if applicable, certified copies)
- Parents or guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips if employed, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour if unemployed, SASSA confirmation letter if applicable, certified copies)
Submit your application in one of the following ways:
- Email: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za (Include “DALRRD Bursary Application 2025-2026” in the email subject line.)
- Post: The Director Sector Education and Training Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Private Bag X250 Pretoria 0001
- Delivery: Agriculture Place 20 Steve Biko (formerly Beatrix) Street Arcadia Pretoria 0002
CLOSING DATE FOR THE DALRRD BURSARY
The closing date for the DALRRD Bursary is October 31. Make sure to submit your application before this deadline to ensure it is considered.
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any inquiries related to this bursary program, please contact the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development directly through the following contacts:
- Mr. Tshianeo Khangala – Tel: 012 319 7015
- Mr. Vusimuzi Mngomezulu – Tel: 012 319 7923
- Ms. Nozipho Mtshali – Tel: 012 312 8339 / Cell: 083 708 9650
- Mr. Emmanuel Molefe – Tel: 012 312 8337 / Cell: 082 827 6245
