The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen from a previously disadvantaged background or rural community, currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and you are pursuing full-time studies in Geomatics, Surveying, GIS, or Town and Regional Planning, this opportunity could help you fund your education. The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is responsible for driving land reform, promoting rural development, and ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s land resources. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD)
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) is a South African government department responsible for driving land reform, promoting rural development, and ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s land resources. Its mission is to address historical land ownership imbalances, improve access to land, and support the social and economic development of rural communities.
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) • Focus: Geomatics, Surveying, GIS, Town and Regional Planning • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded for studies within the Geomatics and Town/Urban and Regional Planning fields, including the following:
Undergraduate Studies
- Geo-informatics / Geographic Information Science (Bachelors degree / BSc)
- Geomatics / Surveying / GIS (Diploma)
- Land Surveying / Geomatics (BSc)
- Town / Urban and Regional Planning (Bachelors degree / BSc / Diploma)
Postgraduate Studies
- Geomatics / Planning: Postgraduate studies (Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Masters, and PhD)
What Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 will provide cover for the following expenses:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Books
- Meals
- Living allowance
Eligibility Requirements for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027, 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 be from a previously disadvantaged background or rural community
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards a qualification within one of the fields listed above
- You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa
- You must NOT be a staff member of the department
Minimum Matric NSC Results
- BSc students: A minimum of level 5 (60-69%) for Mathematics and Physical Science/Geography
- Bachelors degree students: A minimum of level 4 (50-59%) for Mathematics and Physical Science
- Diploma students: A minimum of level 4 (50-59%) for Mathematics and Physical Science
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
- ID document
- Parents or guardians ID documents
- Grade 11 final results and Matric latest results, if currently in Matric
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric
- Recent academic transcripts, if currently studying
- Proof of university registration / acceptance
- Proof of address
Note: If you do not have your university acceptance letter or results yet, you may apply without these documents while you wait for them.
Important Information
- Successful candidates for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 will be contacted within 14 days after the release of the Matric results. If you do not receive any feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful
How to Apply for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027. Please apply using only one method.
Option 1: Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official DLRRD application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct online application link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=NSp5H6cCPk6eev9ArjkMtuaX2A0iefdNvcrkuGSUQWNUOEZLQldEWklIMUZUV1E1N0xGSkpBUUszTy4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl
Option 2: Email Application
Download and complete the application form, then submit via email.
Direct form link: https://www.dlrrd.gov.za/images/Vacancies/bursaries/2026/2027_dlrrd_bursary_application_form.pdf
Email address: Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za
Email subject line: DLRRD Bursary Application 2027
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027: 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) directly:
- Ms Leah Ngoetjana – Mobile: (060) 972 8820 / Tel: (012) 312 8352
- Mr Emmanuel Molefe – Mobile: (082) 827 6245 / Tel: (012) 312 8337
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD)
- Bursary Name: DLRRD Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens from previously disadvantaged or rural backgrounds
- Fields of study: Geomatics, Surveying, GIS, Town and Regional Planning (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
- Institution type: Recognised and accredited South African university
- Minimum Matric requirements: Level 5 (BSc) or Level 4 (Bachelors/Diploma) for Mathematics and Physical Science/Geography
- What is covered: Tuition, accommodation, books, meals, living allowance
- Required documents: ID, parents’ ID, results, academic transcripts, proof of registration/acceptance, proof of address
- Application methods: Online via Microsoft Forms OR email (download form first)
- Email subject line: DLRRD Bursary Application 2027
- Closing date: 30 September 2026
- Notification period: Within 14 days after Matric results release
Frequently Asked Questions About the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am not from a rural or previously disadvantaged background?
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 specifically targets students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds or rural communities. Applicants should meet this criterion to be considered.
2. What is the minimum requirement for BSc students?
BSc students applying for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 must have achieved a minimum of level 5 (60-69%) for Mathematics and Physical Science/Geography in their Matric NSC finals.
3. Can I apply if I don’t have my university acceptance letter yet?
Yes. The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 allows you to apply without your university acceptance letter or results while you wait for them. You can submit these documents later.
4. Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?
Yes. The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 covers postgraduate studies in Geomatics and Planning, including Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Masters, and PhD.
5. What are the application methods?
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 offers two application methods: online via Microsoft Forms, or email (download the form first and send it to Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za). Please use only one method.
6. When will I know if my application was successful?
Successful candidates for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 will be contacted within 14 days after the release of the Matric results. If you do not receive feedback by this time, consider your application unsuccessful.
7. Can I apply if I am a staff member of the department?
No. The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursary South Africa 2027 specifies that applicants must NOT be staff members of the department.
8. Where can I find more surveying and geomatics bursaries?
Visit EduFunds surveying bursaries page or geomatics bursaries section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD)
Bursary Programme 2027
Driving land reform • Developing rural communities • Building surveying and planning skills