Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary South Africa 2025 – 2026

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary South Africa

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary is an initiative by the South African government aimed at supporting students who wish to pursue careers in agriculture, land reform, and related fields. This bursary aligns with the department’s goal to develop a skilled workforce capable of addressing critical issues in food security, sustainable agriculture, land redistribution, and rural development.

The DALRRD Bursary provides financial assistance to academically deserving and financially needy students, ensuring that young South Africans have access to education in fields that are vital for the country’s socio-economic growth.

Bursary Details:

• Bursary Provider: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD)
• Fields of Study: The bursary is offered for full-time studies in the following critical areas:
  • Agriculture:
    • Animal Science
    • Crop Science
    • Agricultural Economics
    • Soil Science
    • Horticulture
    • Plant Pathology
  • Land and Rural Development:
    • Geomatics (Surveying)
    • Land/Property Valuation
    • Land Reform and Development
  • Other Fields:
    • Environmental Science
    • Food Technology
    • Forestry
    • Water Management
    • Veterinary Science

Bursary Value:

The DALRRD Bursary covers the following expenses for the duration of the recipient’s studies:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the chosen course.
• Accommodation: Financial support for housing, whether on-campus or off-campus.
• Study Materials: Provision for textbooks, stationary, and other learning resources.
• Living Allowance: A stipend for daily expenses such as food and transport.

In addition to financial support, bursary recipients may be offered opportunities for vacation work, internships, or job placements within DALRRD upon graduation, depending on departmental needs.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the DALRRD Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
2. Academic Requirements: Applicants must have good academic performance in subjects relevant to their chosen field of study. For example:
   • Matric/Grade 12 with high performance in subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences (depending on the field of study).
3. Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide evidence of inability to fund their studies independently.
4. Field of Study: Applicants must be pursuing or planning to pursue studies in one of the listed critical skills areas at a recognized South African institution.
5. Preference: Priority is given to students from rural and underprivileged communities.

How to Apply:

1. Download the Application Form: Obtain the application form from the DALRRD website or the department’s offices.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out all sections of the form accurately and legibly.
3. Prepare the Required Documents: Submit certified copies of the following documents:
   • South African ID
   • Matric certificate or latest academic results
   • Proof of university acceptance (if applicable)
   • Parent/guardian proof of income (or an affidavit if unemployed)
   • A motivational letter outlining your interest in the field and how the bursary will help you achieve your goals.
4. Submit the Application: Applications must be submitted either via post or hand-delivered to the address specified in the bursary application form.

Closing Date:

• Application Deadline: 31 December 2024 (Late applications will not be considered).

Contact Information:

For queries or additional information regarding the DALRRD Bursary, contact the department using the details below:

• Website: www.dalrrd.gov.za
• Phone: +27 12 319 6000
• Email: recruitment@dalrrd.gov.za
• Postal Address: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Private Bag X250, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.

Additional Information:

• Post-Graduation Requirements: Some recipients may be required to work for DALRRD or within the agricultural sector for a specific period upon graduation.
• Vacation Work: Students may be required to participate in experiential learning programs during their holidays to gain practical experience in their field of study.

Final Thoughts:

The DALRRD Bursary offers a valuable opportunity for students passionate about agriculture, rural development, and land reform to achieve their academic goals while contributing to South Africa’s development. If you meet the requirements and are dedicated to making a difference in these critical fields, consider applying for this bursary to secure funding for your studies and a potential career in the sector.