Hey future agricultural leaders of KwaZulu-Natal! Are you a graduate looking to kickstart your career with real-world experience and get paid while you’re at it? Well, listen up, because the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) has an amazing opportunity that could be perfect for you!
This KZN DARD Agricultural Bursary is actually a fantastic 24-month paid opportunity designed to give unemployed South African graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal invaluable professional and technical workplace experience within the public service! Think of it as a launchpad for your career, offering practical skills and a chance to contribute to advancing agriculture, food security, land care, and rural economic development in KZN. The Department is committed to empowering youth, and this bursary helps you build serious capacity in the public sector. Plus, you get a monthly stipend based on your NQF level – how awesome is that?
Who Can Apply?
Ready to jumpstart your career? To be eligible for this KZN DARD Agricultural Bursary, you need to meet a few key requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen and currently reside in KwaZulu-Natal.
- You need to be unemployed and applying for a public service opportunity like this for the very first time.
- You must hold a completed National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification in one of the relevant fields listed below.
- You’ll need to submit all required supporting documents (we’ll get to those in a bit!).
- Of course, you must meet the specific qualification requirements for the particular field you’re interested in.
Heads up: They give preference to previously disadvantaged groups, persons living with disabilities, and applicants from specified areas. Also, if you’ve been an intern in the public service before, unfortunately, you cannot apply for this one.
Available Fields & Reference Numbers:
KZN DARD is looking for talent across a wide range of exciting fields! Here’s a quick look:
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degrees
- Grassland Science – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/19/2025
- Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/20/2025
- Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/22/2025
- Entomology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/23/2025
- Biometry/Statistics – 1 post – Ref: HR5/24/2025
- Agriculture: Horticulture – 1 post – Ref: HR5/25/2025
- Agriculture: Pasture Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/26/2025
- Advanced Diploma/BSc Consumer Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/27/2025
- Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post – Ref: HR5/28/2025
National Diplomas & ND/B-Tech Qualifications
- Animal Health – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/29/2025
- Office Administration / Management Assistance / Business Management – 11 posts – Ref: HR5/30/2025
Agriculture, Engineering & Management Fields
- BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/1/2025
- BTech/Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/2/2025
- Advanced Diploma: Agriculture/BTech Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/3/2025
- ND/Advanced Diploma: Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts – Ref: HR5/4/2025
- Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/5/2025
- ND/Degree in Human Resource Development/Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/6/2025
- ND/Degree in Labour Relations – 1 post – Ref: HR5/7/2025
- Operations Management/Production Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/8/2025
- ND/BTech/BCom: Financial Management/Accounting – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/9/2025
- Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post – Ref: HR5/10/2025
- ND/Diploma/BTech: Supply Chain Management – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/11/2025
- ND/Degree Postgraduate/Honours: Public Policy – 1 post – Ref: HR5/12/2025
- ND/Diploma/Degree: Information Technology – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/13/2025
- ND/BTech: Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post – Ref: HR5/14/2025
Science & Agriculture Specialisations
- BSc Agriculture (Soil Science) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/15/2025
- BSc GIS (Technologist) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/16/2025
- BSc Agrometeorology & Hydrology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/17/2025
What Does It Cover?
This fantastic KZN DARD Bursary isn’t just about gaining experience; it offers real support! Here’s what you can expect:
- A 24-month paid opportunity, running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028.
- A competitive monthly stipend, which is determined by your NQF level and adheres to DPSA guidelines.
- Invaluable professional and technical workplace experience within the public service. This is your chance to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting!
- The opportunity to work in diverse fields such as scientific research, agricultural practices, various engineering disciplines, administration, and management within the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
How to Apply?
Alright, ready to submit your application and get one step closer to your agricultural career dreams? Follow these simple steps carefully:
Step 1: Download the Z83 Application Form
First things first, you’ll need the official Z83 application form. You can easily get it from the Department of Public Service and Administration website: www.dpsa.gov.za.
Step 2: Prepare Your Certified Supporting Documents
Make sure you have all these documents ready and certified (copies must be certified, not originals):
- A compelling application letter (don’t forget to quote the correct reference number for the position you’re applying for!).
- A certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Certified copies of all your academic qualifications and their corresponding statement of results.
- Your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- An affidavit confirming your residential address (this is super important!).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once everything is prepared, you can either mail your application or hand-deliver it to one of the KZN DARD offices. Remember, no emails or faxes will be accepted, so choose your method wisely!
📬 Postal Address:
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg
3200
📍 Hand Delivery – Cedara Offices:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
R103, Cedara Road
Reception Area, Ground Floor, Main Building
📍 Hand Delivery – South Service Centre:
4 Pin Oak Avenue
Hilton
3245
📍 Hand Delivery – North Service Centre – Richards Bay:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street
Velden Vlei, Richards Bay
Important Notes:
- Always use the correct reference number for the specific position you’re applying for.
- Only postal or hand-delivered applications will be considered.
- They can’t contact everyone, so only shortlisted candidates will receive feedback.
- If you haven’t heard back within three months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
If this sounds like the perfect launchpad for your career in agriculture and rural development, don’t wait — gather your documents and apply now! And remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you explore more amazing bursaries and opportunities to fund your future!
