Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Bursary South Africa 2025
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – DRDAR
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is a government entity in South Africa dedicated to sustainable rural development and promoting agricultural growth in the Eastern Cape Province. DRDAR's mission is to empower rural communities by enhancing food security, improving access to economic opportunities, and supporting smallholder farmers through innovative agricultural programs and infrastructure development. The department collaborates with local stakeholders to drive land reform, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the province's socio-economic transformation.
ABOUT THE DRDAR BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The DRDAR is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2025 academic year. Bursaries will be awarded for Bachelor of Social Science Degree studies within the following fields:
Agricultural Engineering
Bio-Resource Engineering
MORE ABOUT THE DRDAR BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED & OBLIGATION
The bursary will cover the following expenses:
Registration fees
Tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks
Accommodation
Meals
Note: The bursary will not cover any outstanding student debt.
Bursary recipients will be required to work/serve the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform as part of their contractual obligation for a period equivalent to their funded study time.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DRDAR BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum criteria before applying (failure to meet all requirements will result in disqualification):
You must be a South African citizen.
You must be unemployed.
You must have completed Grade 12/Matric/NCV with Mathematics and Physical Science.
You must be studying or intend on studying towards a degree in one of the fields listed above.
Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
You must be studying or registered/accepted to study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
Your total household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum (or R600,000 per annum if living with a disability).
Preference will be given to unemployed youth from designated groups residing within the Eastern Cape province (students from other provinces are also encouraged to apply).
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE DRDAR BURSARY
Download and complete the DRDAR Bursary Application 2025 (.pdf)
Alternatively, application forms can be collected from a nearest DRDAR office.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
ID document (certified copy)
Matric latest results or Matric certificate (certified copy)
Full academic record, if currently studying
Proof of admission/provisional admission/proof of registration from a registered Higher Education Institution
Proof of residence from local municipality (less than 3 months old)
Parents or guardians ID documents
Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/affidavit if unemployed/proof of pension or grant if applicable)
Details of any other bursary or sponsorship currently received, if applicable
Note: Applications must be submitted via email to: bursary@drdar.gov.za
(Insert the words “DRDAR Bursary 2025” in the email subject line).
Important: Applications submitted via fax or hand delivery will NOT be accepted.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE DRDAR BURSARY
24 January 2025
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) directly:
Contact people: Ms N Guzana / Ms N Mnyenyevu
Tel: 083 451 7445 / 060 560 0143
Let me know if you need assistance.