The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students is now open for applications. If you are a previously disadvantaged or economically disadvantaged student from a rural or underprivileged community, and you are pursuing a career in agriculture, veterinary science, or food technology, this opportunity could help you fund your studies. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for supporting and developing the agricultural sector in South Africa, working to improve food security, strengthen rural communities, and promote sustainable farming practices. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what the bursary covers, and how to apply before the closing date.

About the Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture is responsible for supporting and developing the agricultural sector in South Africa. The department works to improve food security, strengthen rural communities, and promote sustainable farming practices across the country. It provides assistance to farmers through training, research, agricultural policies, and development programmes aimed at increasing production and creating jobs.

The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students intends to award comprehensive bursaries to qualifying applicants who are pursuing or planning to further their studies in identified agricultural fields for the 2027 academic year. These bursaries are aimed at previously disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly those from rural and underprivileged communities, helping to build the next generation of agricultural professionals and leaders. Persons with disability are encouraged to apply.

Organisation: Department of Agriculture (DoA) • Focus: Agricultural sector development, food security, rural communities • Programme: Comprehensive bursaries for 2027 academic year • Preference: Previously disadvantaged individuals, rural communities, persons with disability

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students will cover the following expenses for successful applicants:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Study materials
Meals
Monthly allowance

This is a comprehensive bursary that aims to remove financial barriers so that students can focus fully on their studies.

What Fields of Study Are Covered?

The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students is available for the following identified agricultural fields:

BSc Eng. Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering / Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc.)
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs.)
BHSc. Veterinary Technology
BSc Agric. Entomology
BSc Agric. Food Science
BSc Agric. Animal Health
BSc Agric. Plant Pathology
BSc Agric. Plant Science

BSc Agric. Soil Science
BSc Agric. Agronomy
BSc Agric. Viticulture and Oenology
BAS Food Science and Technology
Diploma in Food Technology
Advanced Diploma in agriculture related fields
BSc Agric. Honours: Plant Pathology
BSc Agric. Honours: Entomology

Important: Applicants who apply for fields of study that are not listed above will not be considered.

Minimum Subject Requirements by Field

The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students has specific minimum requirements for Mathematics and Physical Science based on the field of study:

Level 6 (70–79%) Required For:

BSc Eng. Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering / Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc.)

Level 5 (60–69%) Required For:

Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs.)
BHSc. Veterinary Technology
BSc Agric. Entomology
BSc Agric. Food Science
BSc Agric. Animal Health
BSc Agric. Plant Pathology
BSc Agric. Plant Science
BSc Agric. Soil Science
BSc Agric. Agronomy
BSc Agric. Viticulture and Oenology

Level 4 (50–59%) Required For:

BAS Food Science and Technology
Diploma in Food Technology

Relevant Undergraduate Qualifications Required For:

Advanced Diploma in agriculture related fields
BSc Agric. Honours: Plant Pathology
BSc Agric. Honours: Entomology

Eligibility Requirements for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students

Before you apply for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.

You must be a South African citizen
You must have completed your matric or currently be in matric
You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards one of the qualifications listed above in 2027
You must be previously disadvantaged

Important note: If you have not yet received your Matric final results or University acceptance letter, you may apply without it and submit the outstanding documents within 3 days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027.

Required Documents

To apply for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students, you will need to submit the following certified documents:

ID document (certified copy)
Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
Full academic record, if currently studying (certified copy)
University acceptance letter, if available (on tertiary 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, proof of unemployment from Department of Labour if unemployed, SASSA confirmation letter if applicable) (certified copies)

Important: Affidavits will not be accepted. All documents must be certified copies.

How to Apply for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students

Follow these steps to submit your application for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a previously disadvantaged South African citizen and meeting the minimum subject requirements for your chosen field.

Step 2: Download the Application Form

Download the application form from the departmental website (www.nda.gov.za – click on Vacancies).

🌾 Download Application Form

Direct application form link: https://www.nda.gov.za/images/Vacancies/2026-vacancies/2027-doa-full-time-bursary-application-form.pdf

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all sections of the application form carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the required certified documents listed above.

Step 5: Submit Your Application via Email

Send your completed application form and all supporting documents to:

Email: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za

Email subject line: DoA Bursary 2027

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

⏰ Closing Date for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students: 30 September 2026. No late application forms will be considered. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.

Important Notes for Applicants

Applicants must be South African citizens
Applicants must complete the relevant bursary application forms available from the departmental website: wwww.nda.gov.za(Click on Vacancies)
Applicants who apply for fields of study that are not listed above will not be considered
Please note that communication will be limited to successful applicants only. If you have not received any communication from the department within 14 days after the release of Grade 12 results, and after the National Bursary Committee has finalised the selection process, consider your application unsuccessful
Applicants who are not yet in possession of their university acceptance letters or results may still submit their applications while awaiting these documents. However, these outstanding documents must be submitted within three (3) days of the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027
No late application forms will be considered
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) reserves the right to determine the total number of bursaries to be awarded for the academic year based on the available budget
All completed bursary application forms, together with the required supporting documents, must be submitted to the email address provided. Affidavits will not be accepted

Contact Information

If you have any queries related to the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students, please contact the Department of Agriculture directly:

Ms Silindelo Domo – Tel: (012) 319 7848
Ms Bongiwe Shabalala – Tel: (012) 319 7136
Mr Sifiso Nkuno – Tel: (012) 319 7201

Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students – Quick Summary

Organisation: Department of Agriculture (DoA)
Bursary Name: DoA Full-Time Bursary Programme
Academic Year: 2027
Who can apply: Previously disadvantaged South African citizens
Education requirement: Completed matric or currently in matric
Study type: Full-time at recognised SA tertiary institution
Fields covered: Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Science, Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Technology, Entomology, Food Science, Animal Health, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Agronomy, Viticulture, Food Technology, and related Honours programmes
Minimum requirements: Ranges from Level 4 to Level 6 depending on field
What is covered: Tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, meals, monthly allowance
Application method: Download form and email to Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
Email subject line: DoA Bursary 2027
Closing date: 30 September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students

1. Can I apply if I am not yet in possession of my Matric results or university acceptance letter?

Yes. The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students allows you to apply without these documents. However, you must submit the outstanding documents within three days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027.

2. What does “previously disadvantaged” mean?

The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students is aimed at previously disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly those from rural and underprivileged communities. This includes individuals who were historically disadvantaged under apartheid due to race, economic status, or lack of access to quality education.

3. Can I apply if my field is not listed?

No. The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students only supports the specific agricultural and veterinary fields listed above. Applicants who apply for fields not listed will not be considered.

4. Are persons with disability encouraged to apply?

Yes. The Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students explicitly states that persons with disability are encouraged to apply.

5. What is the email subject line I should use?

You must insert the words “DoA Bursary 2027” in the email subject line when submitting your application for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students.

6. Will I receive confirmation that my application was received?

Communication is limited to successful applicants only. If you have not received any communication from the department within 14 days after the release of Grade 12 results, and after the National Bursary Committee has finalised the selection process, consider your application unsuccessful.

7. Are affidavits accepted as proof of income?

No. Affidavits will not be accepted for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027 for South African Students. You must submit certified copies of payslips, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour, or SASSA confirmation letters.

8. Where can I find more agricultural bursaries in South Africa?

Visit EduFunds agricultural bursaries page for more funding opportunities in agriculture and related fields.

Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za

Department of Agriculture (DoA)
Bursary Programme 2027 for South African Students
Building agricultural professionals • Strengthening rural communities • Improving food security