Are you a young South African dreaming of a career in agriculture, food science, veterinary studies or farming technology? The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is giving you a chance to make that dream come true.
If you’re from a rural or disadvantaged community and want to study further after matric, keep reading — this bursary could change your life.
What is the DALRRD Bursary?
The DALRRD bursary is a full scholarship offered by the government to help South African students pay for their tertiary education in agriculture and related fields. It’s aimed especially at students who come from poor or rural communities.
This bursary is for undergraduate students who want to study in 2026 at a recognised university or college in South Africa.
Fields of Study Funded by the Bursary
If you’re interested in working with animals, plants, soil, food production or engineering systems for farming, you’re in luck. The DALRRD bursary covers many exciting study options:
- 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)
What Costs Are Covered?
The DALRRD bursary is a full-cost bursary, which means it covers all the major expenses a student needs to study:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
- A monthly allowance
This means you can focus on your studies without worrying about money.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the bursary, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in Grade 12 (Matric) currently OR have already completed Matric
- Want to study full-time in 2026 for one of the courses listed above
- Plan to study at an accredited university or college in South Africa
- Be previously disadvantaged or from an impoverished or rural background
- You must not be a staff member of the Department of Agriculture
- You must meet the minimum academic marks listed below
Minimum School Marks Needed
Your Matric marks in Mathematics and Physical Science will help decide which courses you qualify for:
| Course Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Food Science and Technology (BAS) or Food Technology (Diploma) | Level 4 (50%–59%) |
| Agronomy, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Viticulture and Oenology | Level 5 (60%–69%) |
| Agricultural Engineering or Veterinary Science | Level 6 (70%–79%) |
Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What Documents Must You Submit?
When applying, make sure to include certified copies of the following documents:
- Your South African ID
- Matric final results (if you’ve completed it)
- Latest Matric results (if you’re still in Grade 12)
- Full academic record (if you’re already studying)
- University acceptance letter (if you have one)
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents
- Death certificate(s) of parent(s) or guardian(s), if they have passed away
- Proof of income for your parent(s) or guardian(s)
- Payslip (if employed)
- Proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour (if unemployed)
- SASSA letter (if they receive social grants)
Important: If you don’t yet have your final Matric results or university acceptance letter, you can still apply now and send those documents within 3 days of the release of the Matric results in January 2026.
How to Apply
- Download the application form: Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF)
- Fill out the form completely and clearly.
- Scan all your certified documents and email them with your form to: Email: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
Subject Line: DALRRD Bursary 2026
Double check that everything is attached before sending the email.
Application Closing Date
The final day to send your application is: 30 September 2025
Applications received after this date will not be accepted — don’t miss out.
Who to Contact for Help
If you have any questions or problems, you can contact the Department directly:
- Ms Silindelo Dlomo – 012 319 7848
- Ms Bongiwe Shabalala – 012 319 7136
- Mr Sifiso Nkuna – 012 319 7201
Why You Should Apply
Many young South Africans have the passion to improve their communities, grow food sustainably, or care for animals — but money often stops them from studying further.
The DALRRD bursary was created to give a chance to those who need it most. If you’ve worked hard at school, come from a poor background, and want to build a better future, this bursary could open the door. Imagine being the first in your family to graduate.
Check also: SAVF Bursary Programme 2026
Don’t let fear or doubt stop you from applying. You don’t need perfect marks — you just need dedication, honesty and ambition. Every farmer, vet, soil scientist or agricultural engineer once sat in a classroom just like you, wondering if they could make it.
You can make it. And the Department of Agriculture is ready to help you get there.
