Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary South Africa 2026

About the DALRRD

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was formed in 2019 after merging the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR). The department’s vision is to create fair access to land, ensure food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and support integrated rural development across South Africa. The DALRRD Bursary Programme is now open for applications for 2026 academic year.

FIELDS OF STUDY COVERED BY THE DALRRD BURSARY

The DALRRD is inviting applications for its 2026 bursary programme. The bursary is intended for undergraduate students in the agriculture sector, particularly those from disadvantaged and rural communities.

Fields of study covered include:

  • Agriculture-related fields (Advanced Diploma)
  • Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
  • Agronomy (BSc Agric)
  • Animal Science (BSc Agric)
  • Entomology (BSc Agric)
  • Food Science (BSc Agric)
  • Food Science and Technology (BAS)
  • Food Technology (Diploma)
  • Plant Pathology (BSc Agric)
  • Soil Science (BSc Agric)
  • Veterinary Science (BVSc)
  • Viticulture and Oenology (BSc Agric)

The aim of this programme is to help deserving students from poverty-stricken areas gain access to higher education in agricultural sciences.

DALRRD BURSARY VALUE AND BENEFITS

The bursary provides full or partial financial support, depending on budget availability. It typically covers:

  • Tuition fees
  • Textbooks
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Monthly allowance

SELECTION PROCESS

  • Shortlisted candidates will be notified within 14 days after the release of Matric results.
  • If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks of results being released, your application should be considered unsuccessful.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric.
  • Intend to study full-time in one of the listed fields at a recognised South African tertiary institution in 2026.
  • Be from a disadvantaged, impoverished, or rural background.
  • Must not be a staff member of DALRRD.

Academic requirements:

  • Food Science and Technology (BAS) / Food Technology (Diploma): minimum Level 4 (50–59%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.
  • Agronomy, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Viticulture & Oenology (BSc Agric): minimum Level 5 (60–69%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.
  • Agricultural Engineering (BSc Eng) / Veterinary Science (BVSc): minimum Level 6 (70–79%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.

Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY?

  1. Download and complete the DALRRD Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf).
  2. In the section asking how you heard about the bursary, state “Grads24.co.za”.
  3. Submit the form along with the following certified supporting documents:
    • ID document
    • Latest Matric results (if still in school) or Matric certificate (if completed)
    • Full academic record (if already studying)
    • University acceptance letter (if available)
    • Parents/guardians’ ID documents
    • Parents/guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips, unemployment confirmation, or SASSA letter)
    • Death certificates of parents/guardians, if applicable

Important: If you don’t yet have your Matric final results or university acceptance, you may still apply, but you must submit the outstanding documents within 3 days after results are released in January 2026.

Email your completed application form and documents to: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
(Use the subject line: DALRRD Bursary 2026)

CLOSING DATE

30 September 2025
Late applications will not be accepted.

BURSARY CONTACT DETAILS

For bursary queries, contact DALRRD directly: