DALRRD Bursary South Africa 2026 – Agriculture & Rural Development
Apply for the DALRRD Bursary 2026 – full funding for agriculture studies, covering tuition, books, meals & allowance.
About the Bursary Provider – DALRRD
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was formed in 2019 after the merger of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR).
Its mission: to ensure fair access to land, strengthen food security, support sustainable agriculture, and promote integrated rural development across South Africa.
About the DALRRD Bursary – 2026
The DALRRD is offering bursaries to previously disadvantaged and financially needy students, particularly from rural and poverty-stricken areas, for undergraduate studies in the agriculture sector.
Fields Covered:
- Agriculture-related fields (Advanced Diploma)
- Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
- Agronomy (BSc Agric)
- Animal Science (BSc Agric)
- Entomology (BSc Agric)
- Food Science (BSc Agric)
- Food Science and Technology (BAS)
- Food Technology (Diploma)
- Plant Pathology (BSc Agric)
- Soil Science (BSc Agric)
- Veterinary Science (BVSc)
- Viticulture & Oenology (BSc Agric)
Bursary Coverage
✅ Tuition fees
✅ Books
✅ Accommodation
✅ Meals
✅ Monthly allowance
The number of bursaries depends on available budget.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in Matric or have completed Matric
- Intend to study full-time in one of the listed fields at an accredited South African tertiary institution in 2026
- Be from a previously disadvantaged, rural, or poverty-stricken community
- Not be a DALRRD staff member
Minimum Matric Requirements:
- Level 4 (50–59%): Food Science & Technology (BAS), Food Technology (Diploma)
- Level 5 (60–69%): Agronomy, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science (BSc Agric), Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Viticulture & Oenology
- Level 6 (70–79%): Agricultural Engineering (BSc Eng), Veterinary Science (BVSc)
📢 Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Step 1: Download & complete the DALRRD Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)
Step 2: Prepare certified copies of:
- ID document
- Latest Matric results (if in Matric) or Matric certificate
- Full academic record (if at tertiary)
- University acceptance letter (if available)
- Parents/guardians ID & proof of income or unemployment
- SASSA letter (if applicable)
- Death certificates (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit via email to: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
📌 Use subject line: “DALRRD Bursary 2026”
Note: Missing documents may result in disqualification. Outstanding results/acceptance letters must be submitted within 3 days of final Matric results release in Jan 2026.
Closing Date
📅 30 September 2025 – Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Details
Email: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
Contact Persons:
- Ms Silindelo Dlomo – 📞 012 319 7848
- Ms Bongiwe Shabalala – 📞 012 319 7136
- Mr Sifiso Nkuna – 📞 012 319 7201
Let me know if you need assistance.