The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is calling on South African youth from rural and disadvantaged communities to apply for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. If you are passionate about agriculture, land development or food security and dream of studying further but lack the funds, this opportunity might be your gateway to success.
What is the DALRRD?
The DALRRD is a government department formed in 2019 from the merger of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR). The department works to ensure fair land access, food security, and integrated rural development in South Africa.
By offering bursaries, DALRRD aims to empower youth from previously disadvantaged backgrounds—especially those living in poverty-stricken and rural areas—by helping them gain qualifications in agriculture and related fields.
Fields of Study Covered
DALRRD is offering bursaries for undergraduate qualifications in the following areas:
- Advance Diploma in Agriculture-related Fields
- BSc in Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering
- BSc Agric in Agronomy, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Viticulture and Oenology
- BAS in Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
- BVSc in Veterinary Science
These fields are vital to growing South Africa’s food security, land reform efforts, and rural development plans.
What the Bursary Covers
This bursary is comprehensive and takes care of the full cost of your studies, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Prescribed textbooks
- Monthly allowance
The number of bursaries awarded will depend on available budget and will be decided by the National Bursary Committee. Successful applicants will be informed within two weeks after the release of Matric results.
Who Should Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be in Matric in 2025 or already have a Matric certificate.
- Be accepted or planning to study full-time at a recognised South African tertiary institution in 2026.
- Be from a disadvantaged or rural background.
- Not be employed by DALRRD or related government departments.
- Meet academic performance standards based on your intended field of study (see below).
Minimum Academic Requirements:
| Field of Study | Minimum Requirement (Matric) |
|---|---|
| Food Science and Technology (BAS), Food Technology (Diploma) | Level 4 (50–59%) in Maths and Physical Science |
| Agronomy, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Viticulture & Oenology | Level 5 (60–69%) in Maths and Physical Science |
| Agricultural Engineering (BSc Eng), Veterinary Science (BVSc) | Level 6 (70–79%) in Maths and Physical Science |
DALRRD also strongly encourages students with disabilities to apply.
How to Apply for the DALRRD Bursary
Application Process
- Download the DALRRD Bursary Application Form 2026
- Fill in the form completely and honestly.
- Submit your application via email:
- Send to: [email protected]
- Subject line: DALRRD Bursary 2026
Required Supporting Documents (Certified Copies):
- South African ID
- Matric results (if still in school) or Matric certificate (if completed)
- University acceptance letter (if available)
- Full academic record (if already studying)
- ID documents of parents/guardians
- Death certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of income (payslips, UIF, SASSA, or Department of Labour documentation)
Important: If you’re waiting for your Matric results or university acceptance, you can still apply now and send the missing documents within 3 days after results are released in January 2026.
Deadline and Contact Details
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Contact Information:
- Ms Silindelo Dlomo: 012 319 7848
- Ms Bongiwe Shabalala: 012 319 7136
- Mr Sifiso Nkuna: 012 319 7201
- Email: [email protected]
Check also: Complete Guide to Bursaries and Scholarships in South Africa 2025 – How to Apply and Secure Funding
Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity to secure your future through education. Apply now and build a career that not only benefits you but helps improve rural and agricultural development in our country.
