Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027: Requirements and Closing Date
The national Department of Agriculture (DoA) has opened applications for its 2027 Full-Time Bursary Programme, offering comprehensive funding to South African students pursuing careers in agriculture, veterinary science and food technology. The Department is responsible for supporting and developing South Africa’s agricultural sector, working to improve food security, strengthen rural communities and promote sustainable farming across the country.
If you are a previously disadvantaged South African student from a rural or underprivileged community with a passion for agriculture, this is one of the more comprehensive government-funded bursaries available for the 2027 academic year.
What the Bursary Covers
The DoA Bursary is a comprehensive funding package covering:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials
- Meals
- A monthly allowance
This is designed to remove financial barriers entirely, so successful applicants can focus fully on their studies rather than juggling part-time work or financial stress alongside a demanding agricultural science curriculum.
Fields of Study Covered
The Department funds a specific list of agricultural, veterinary and food-related qualifications. Applying for a field not on this list will disqualify your application. Covered qualifications include:
- 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
Minimum Subject Requirements by Field
Mathematics and Physical Science minimums vary depending on which qualification you are applying for:
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, 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, and BSc Agric. Viticulture and Oenology
Level 4 (50-59%) required for:
- BAS Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
Relevant undergraduate qualification required for:
- Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields
- BSc Agric. Honours: Plant Pathology
- BSc Agric. Honours: Entomology
Check your specific field carefully against this list before applying, since the Mathematics and Physical Science thresholds differ significantly between the Engineering and Veterinary Science tracks versus the Diploma-level options.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have completed matric, or currently be in matric
- Be studying, or intend to study, at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Be studying, or intend to study, full-time toward one of the listed qualifications in 2027
- Be previously disadvantaged
Persons with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.
Applying Before You Have Your Results
If you have not yet received your Matric final results or a university acceptance letter, you may still apply. Outstanding documents must be submitted within three days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027, so keep a close eye on the results release date and be ready to submit immediately.
Required Documents
All documents must be certified copies. Affidavits will not be accepted under any circumstances. You will need:
- ID document
- Matric latest results, if currently in matric
- Matric certificate, if matric is already completed
- Full academic record, if currently studying
- University acceptance letter, if available (on tertiary institution letterhead)
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Parents’ or guardians’ death certificates, if applicable
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips if employed, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour if unemployed, or a SASSA confirmation letter where applicable)
Closing Date
Applications close on 30 September 2026. No late applications will be considered under any circumstances, so submit well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days.
How to Apply
- Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements and that your chosen field is on the approved list.
- Download the official application form from the Department of Agriculture’s website at www.nda.gov.za, under the Vacancies section.
- Complete every section of the form in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Gather all required certified supporting documents.
- Email your completed form and supporting documents to Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za.
- Use the exact subject line “DoA Bursary 2027” when sending your email.
Visit the official website to apply
What Happens After You Apply
Communication is limited to successful applicants only. If you have not heard back within 14 days after the release of Grade 12 results, and after the National Bursary Committee has finalised its selection process, you should consider your application unsuccessful. The Department also reserves the right to determine the total number of bursaries awarded each year, based on available budget.
Contact Information
For queries relating to the application process, applicants can 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027? Previously disadvantaged South African citizens who have completed or are currently in matric, studying or planning to study full-time toward an approved agricultural or veterinary qualification.
When does the DoA Bursary close? Applications close on 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Can I apply if I don’t have my Matric results yet? Yes. You may apply without your results or acceptance letter, but must submit them within three days of Grade 12 results being released in January 2027.
Are affidavits accepted for proof of income? No. Only certified copies of payslips, Department of Labour unemployment proof, or SASSA confirmation letters are accepted.
What happens if my field of study isn’t on the approved list? Your application will not be considered. Only the specific qualifications listed in the official advert qualify for funding.
How do I submit my application? By emailing your completed form and certified documents to Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za, with “DoA Bursary 2027” as the subject line.
Looking for another opportunity?
Search Youth Opportunities Hub for jobs, bursaries, internships, learnerships, scholarships and more.
