The National Department of Agriculture has opened its 2027 Bursary Programme, and it covers the full cost of study — tuition, accommodation, meals, study materials, and a monthly allowance. Applications close on 30 September 2026, and it’s aimed at South African students passionate about agriculture, food production, and scientific innovation.
If money has been the wall between you and a degree, this bursary is built to knock that wall down — provided you study in one of the approved fields.
What is the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 about?
This is a fully funded bursary designed to grow the next generation of agricultural talent in South Africa. The Department wants to invest in students whose qualifications matter for the country’s food security, agricultural development, and economy.
It’s not a small top-up either. The bursary is comprehensive, meaning successful applicants can focus on their studies instead of worrying about how to pay for them.
What does the bursary actually cover?
This is where the programme stands out from many others. The funding is genuinely all-inclusive and covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials
- Meals
- A monthly allowance
That combination is rare — many bursaries cover fees but leave students to scramble for living costs. This one closes that gap.
Which fields of study are funded?
The bursary funds selected qualifications across agricultural engineering, sciences, food technology, and veterinary fields. Here’s the breakdown.
Agricultural Engineering and Technology:
- BSc Engineering Agricultural (also known as Bioresource Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- BSc Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
Veterinary and Animal Sciences:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
- BHSc Veterinary Technology
- BSc Agricultural Animal Health
Agricultural Sciences:
- BSc Agricultural Entomology
- BSc Agricultural Food Science
- BSc Agricultural Plant Pathology
- BSc Agricultural Plant Science
- BSc Agricultural Soil Science
- BSc Agricultural Agronomy
- BSc Agricultural Viticulture and Oenology
Postgraduate and Advanced Qualifications:
- Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields
- BSc Agricultural Honours in Plant Pathology
- BSc Agricultural Honours in Entomology
Only the qualifications listed in the advert are eligible for funding, so make sure your course is on this list before applying.
What are the minimum requirements?
To qualify, you must be a South African citizen, either planning to study or already studying an approved agriculture-related qualification, and meeting the academic requirements for your chosen field.
The academic bar shifts depending on what you want to study:
- Engineering-related agricultural qualifications: Mathematics Level 6 (70–79%) and Physical Science Level 6 (70–79%)
- Veterinary and agricultural science qualifications: Mathematics Level 5 (60–69%) and Physical Science Level 5 (60–69%)
- Food technology qualifications: Mathematics Level 4 (50–59%) and Physical Science Level 4 (50–59%)
- Advanced Diploma and Honours programmes: You must already hold the relevant undergraduate qualification
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Don’t count yourself out if you’re still in matric. Grade 12 learners waiting on final results or a university acceptance letter can still apply — you just need to submit any missing documents within three days of your results being released in January 2027. The students who lose out are usually the ones who assumed they couldn’t apply yet. Get your application in now and chase the documents later.
What documents do you need to prepare?
Getting your paperwork ready early saves you from a last-minute panic. You’ll need:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your latest academic results
- Your matric certificate, if completed
- Proof of university application or acceptance
- Proof of residence, if requested
- Any additional supporting documents listed on the application form
Make sure every document is clear and certified where required. Note that affidavits will not be accepted in place of required supporting documents.
What else should you know before applying?
A few conditions are worth understanding upfront:
- Only South African citizens may apply.
- You must complete the official bursary application form correctly.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Communication will only be sent to successful applicants. If you don’t hear back within 14 days after Grade 12 results are released and selections are finalised, consider your application unsuccessful.
For enquiries, you can contact Ms Silindelo Dlomo on (012) 319 7848, Ms Bongiwe Shabalala on (012) 319 7136, or Mr Sifiso Nkuna on (012) 319 7201.
How do you apply for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027?
The process runs through email, so follow it exactly. First, download and complete the official bursary application form from the Department of Agriculture website. Then submit your completed form together with all supporting documents to the email address below.
Email applications to: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
The closing date is 30 September 2026. Apply early to avoid email delivery problems, missing documents, network issues, or last-minute mistakes.
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Final Thoughts
A bursary that covers tuition, accommodation, meals, materials, and a monthly allowance is the kind of opportunity that can change everything for a student and their family. The National Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 doesn’t just open a door to a degree — it removes the financial weight that stops so many talented young people from walking through it.
If agriculture, science, or food technology is your path, don’t wait until September. Prepare your documents, complete the form carefully, and submit early. The students who plan ahead are the ones who get funded.
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