Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary 2026 – Closing Date: 30 September 2025

Hey future changemakers and agriculture enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of a career that helps grow South Africa’s land, food, and rural communities? The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary 2026 is here to make that dream a reality for passionate students like you! Let’s dive into how this incredible opportunity can fund your studies and kickstart your journey in vital fields.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was formed in 2019 by merging two key government departments. Their mission? To ensure all South Africans have fair access to land, food security, sustainable agriculture, and integrated rural development. This bursary programme is their way of investing in bright, dedicated students who want to be part of this crucial vision for South Africa’s future.

This DALRRD bursary is specifically designed to support ambitious students from previously disadvantaged and impoverished backgrounds, especially those from rural communities across South Africa. It’s an opportunity to get full financial support for your studies in essential agricultural and related fields, helping you achieve your academic dreams and contribute directly to the nation’s well-being.

Who Can Apply?

Before you get too excited, let’s check if you meet the criteria! You need to tick all these boxes for your application to be considered:

You must be a South African citizen.
You must currently be in Matric, or have already completed Matric.
You must be studying or planning to study full-time for an undergraduate qualification in one of the fields listed below, starting in the 2026 academic year.
You must be studying or intending to study at a recognised and accredited university or TVET college in South Africa.
You must come from a previously disadvantaged or impoverished background, particularly from a poverty-stricken or rural community.
You must NOT be a current staff member of the DALRRD department.
Academic Requirements: Your Matric results are important!

If you’re eyeing Food Science and Technology (BAS) or Food Technology (Diploma), you need a minimum of Level 4 (50-59%) for both Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric.
For Agronomy (BSc Agric), Animal Science (BSc Agric), Entomology (BSc Agric), Food Science (BSc Agric), Plant Pathology (BSc Agric), Soil Science (BSc Agric), or Viticulture and Oenology (BSc Agric), you’ll need a minimum of Level 5 (60-69%) for both Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric.
If Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng) or Veterinary Science (BVSc) is your goal, you’ll need a minimum of Level 6 (70-79%) for both Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric.

Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply – the DALRRD values diversity and inclusivity!

What Does It Cover?

This bursary is super comprehensive, aiming to remove financial barriers so you can focus on your studies! If successful, the DALRRD Bursary will cover:

Tuition fees: Say goodbye to those hefty university bills!
Books: All your essential textbooks and study materials are covered.
Accommodation: Your place to stay while studying will be taken care of.
Meals: No need to worry about where your next meal is coming from.
Monthly allowance: A bit of extra cash for your day-to-day needs.

The number of bursaries awarded each year depends on the department’s budget, so make your application shine!

Fields of Study Covered:

Agriculture related fields (Advance 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)

Successful applicants are usually contacted within 14 days after Matric final results are released, once the National Bursary Committee has completed its selection process. If you don’t hear back within two weeks after Matric results, please consider your application unsuccessful this time.

How to Apply?

Ready to apply? Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Download the Application Form: Get your hands on the official DALRRD Bursary Application Form 2026. Fill it out completely and accurately!
Gather Your Documents: Make sure you have clear, certified copies of all the following supporting documents. Missing even one could lead to your application being disqualified!

Your ID document (certified copy).
Your latest Matric results, if you’re currently in Matric (certified copy).
Your Matric certificate, if you’ve already completed Matric (certified copy).
Your full academic record, if you’re currently studying at tertiary level (certified copy).
Your university acceptance letter, if you have one (on the tertiary institution’s 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, official proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour if unemployed, or SASSA confirmation letter if applicable) (certified copies).

Quick Tip: If you haven’t received your Matric final results or university acceptance letter yet, don’t worry! You can still apply, just make sure to submit these outstanding documents within 3 days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2026.

Submit Your Application: Send everything via email to: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za. Make sure to use “DALRRD Bursary 2026” as the subject line of your email!

The closing date for the DALRRD Bursary is 30 September 2025. Remember, applications submitted after this date unfortunately won’t be accepted, so get yours in well before the deadline to ensure it’s considered!

Got questions? You can reach out directly to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for any queries about this bursary programme:

Email: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
Contact Persons:

Ms Silindelo Dlomo – Tel: 012 319 7848
Ms Bongiwe Shabalala – Tel: 012 319 7136
Mr Sifiso Nkuna – Tel: 012 319 7201

So, if you’re ready to cultivate your future and make a real impact in South Africa’s agriculture and land development, don’t let this incredible DALRRD Bursary 2026 slip away! Apply now, follow the instructions carefully, and get ready to grow your dreams. Remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you discover more amazing funding opportunities!