National Department of Agriculture Bursaries 2027: A Practical Guide for South African Students

The National Department of Agriculture Bursaries 2027 programme has opened a significant opportunity for South African students who want to build careers in agriculture, food production, veterinary sciences, agricultural engineering, food technology and related scientific fields.

Applications for the 2027 Bursary Awards are now open, with the closing date set for 30 September 2026. The bursary is available to South African citizens who are planning to study, or are already studying, approved agriculture-related qualifications at recognised institutions.

At a time when agriculture remains central to South Africa’s food security, rural development, job creation and environmental sustainability, the programme is more than a financial aid opportunity. It is also part of a wider effort to develop the next generation of professionals who can support the country’s agricultural economy through science, technology, animal health, plant production, food systems and sustainable farming innovation.

Why This Bursary Matters

Agriculture is not only about farms and food production. It connects with engineering, biotechnology, environmental science, veterinary health, food safety, climate adaptation, soil management, water use, rural livelihoods and national economic development.

For many students, however, the cost of higher education remains a major barrier. Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, transport and living expenses can make it difficult for talented learners to complete their studies, especially in specialist fields that require laboratory work, field training or professional placements.

The National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 is designed to reduce that burden by providing comprehensive financial support to successful applicants. According to the available bursary details, the award covers:

• Tuition fees.
• Accommodation.
• Study materials.
• Meals.
• Monthly allowance.

This makes the bursary especially important for students who have the academic ability and interest to pursue agriculture-related careers but need financial assistance to access or continue tertiary education.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The bursary is aimed at South African students who are passionate about agriculture, food production, environmental sustainability and scientific innovation within the agricultural sector.

It is suitable for learners and students who want to pursue qualifications that support South Africa’s agricultural development, food security and economy. These include fields such as agricultural engineering, food science, veterinary nursing, animal health, plant pathology, soil science, agronomy, viticulture and oenology.

Applicants must be South African citizens and must either be planning to study or already studying one of the approved qualifications listed in the bursary advert.

Fields of Study Funded by the Department of Agriculture

The bursary does not fund every programme at tertiary level. It is specifically linked to selected agriculture-related qualifications that align with the Department’s priority skills needs.

Agricultural Engineering and Technology

Students interested in applying science, design, systems thinking and technology to agriculture may find strong opportunities in this category.

The funded qualifications include:

• BSc Engineering Agricultural, also known as Bioresource Engineering.
• Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
• BSc Food Science and Technology.
• Diploma in Food Technology.

These fields are important because modern agriculture increasingly depends on technology, efficient resource use, food processing systems, mechanisation, irrigation, storage, packaging and innovation across the value chain.

Agricultural engineering and biosystems engineering can prepare graduates to work on practical solutions for farming systems, water management, production infrastructure and agricultural processing. Food science and food technology, meanwhile, are central to food quality, safety, product development and the processing of agricultural produce.

Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Animal health remains a key part of agriculture, especially in livestock production, disease prevention, food safety and rural economies. The bursary supports selected qualifications linked to veterinary and animal health services.

The funded qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
• BHSc Veterinary Technology.
• BSc Agricultural Animal Health.

These programmes are relevant for students who want to support animal welfare, livestock productivity, disease monitoring and technical veterinary services.

Agricultural Sciences

The bursary also funds several agricultural science qualifications that focus on crops, soils, plant health, food systems and production science.

The funded qualifications include:

• BSc Agricultural Entomology.
• BSc Agricultural Food Science.
• BSc Agricultural Plant Pathology.
• BSc Agricultural Plant Science.
• BSc Agricultural Soil Science.
• BSc Agricultural Agronomy.
• BSc Agricultural Viticulture and Oenology.

These fields are essential to the future of farming and food production. Entomology helps address insect-related challenges in agriculture. Plant pathology focuses on plant diseases. Soil science supports sustainable land use and crop productivity. Agronomy deals with crop production systems. Viticulture and oenology are linked to grape production and wine science, industries that are part of South Africa’s broader agricultural economy.

Postgraduate and Advanced Qualifications

The bursary is not limited only to first-time undergraduate students. It also supports selected advanced and postgraduate qualifications.

These include:

• Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields.
• BSc Agricultural Honours in Plant Pathology.
• BSc Agricultural Honours in Entomology.

This is particularly important because South Africa needs advanced agricultural expertise in research, diagnostics, innovation, policy implementation and specialist technical services.

Academic Requirements Applicants Must Meet

Applicants must meet the academic requirements for their chosen field of study. The requirements differ depending on the qualification category.

Engineering-Related Agricultural Qualifications

Applicants who want to study engineering-related agricultural qualifications must have:

• Mathematics Level 6, which is 70% to 79%.
• Physical Science Level 6, which is 70% to 79%.

These requirements reflect the technical and scientific demands of agricultural engineering and related programmes.

Veterinary and Agricultural Science Qualifications

Applicants applying for veterinary and agricultural science qualifications must have:

• Mathematics Level 5, which is 60% to 69%.
• Physical Science Level 5, which is 60% to 69%.

These programmes require a strong foundation in science because they involve biological systems, laboratory work, animal health, crop science, soil science and production-related research.

Food Technology Qualifications

Applicants applying for food technology qualifications must have:

• Mathematics Level 4, which is 50% to 59%.
• Physical Science Level 4, which is 50% to 59%.

Food technology remains a practical and important field for students interested in food processing, safety, quality assurance and the development of food products.

Advanced Diploma and Honours Programmes

Applicants for Advanced Diploma and Honours programmes must already have relevant undergraduate qualifications.

This means postgraduate applicants should ensure that their previous studies match the academic pathway required for the advanced qualification they intend to pursue.

Important Rules Applicants Should Not Ignore

The Department has set clear rules for applicants. These requirements are important because incomplete or incorrect applications may not be considered.

Only South African citizens may apply for this bursary. Applicants must complete the official bursary application form correctly, and only the qualifications listed in the advert are eligible for funding.

Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the final day, especially because email delivery problems, missing documents, network issues or last-minute mistakes could affect submission.

Another important rule is that affidavits will not be accepted in place of required supporting documents. Students must therefore prepare the correct official documents and ensure that certified copies are clear and valid where required.

Grade 12 learners who are still waiting for final results or university acceptance letters may still submit applications. However, any missing documents must be submitted within three days after Grade 12 results are released in January 2027.

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants should prepare their documents early. A strong application is not only about meeting academic requirements; it is also about submitting a complete, clear and properly certified application.

The required documents include:

• Certified copy of ID.
• Latest academic results.
• Matric certificate, if completed.
• Proof of university application or acceptance.
• Proof of residence, if requested.
• Any additional supporting documents required on the application form.

Applicants should ensure that all documents are readable, properly certified where necessary, and attached in the correct format when submitting by email.

How to Apply for the National Department of Agriculture Bursary 2027

The application process allows eligible students to submit their completed bursary application form and supporting documents by email.

Before applying, applicants must first download and complete the official bursary application form from the Department of Agriculture website.

Once the form is complete, applicants must email the completed application form and all supporting documents to:

Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za

This email submission is a critical part of the process. Applicants should check that they have used the correct email address, attached all documents and included the required signatures before sending.

Click here to apply for National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027

Application Tips for Students

The bursary is competitive, and applicants should treat the process seriously. A small mistake can delay an application or cause it to be rejected.

Students should complete the application form carefully and avoid leaving out important information. Contact details must be correct because the Department will need accurate information when communicating with successful applicants.

Applicants should also ensure that all required signatures are included. They must choose the correct qualification on the application form and attach all required supporting documents.

Most importantly, applicants should submit before the closing date. Waiting until the deadline increases the risk of errors, network problems or missing documents.

Communication and Selection Feedback

Applicants should note that communication will only be sent to successful applicants.

If applicants do not receive feedback within 14 days after Grade 12 results are released and after the National Bursary Committee finalises selections, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

This means applicants should monitor their email and phone details carefully after submitting, but they should also understand that the Department may not send individual rejection notices.

Enquiries: Who Applicants Can Contact

For bursary enquiries, applicants may contact the following officials:

Ms Silindelo Dlomo
Tel: (012) 319 7848

Ms Bongiwe Shabalala
Tel: (012) 319 7136

Mr Sifiso Nkuna
Tel: (012) 319 7201

Students should use these contact details for bursary-related enquiries, especially if they need clarity on the application form, documents or eligible qualifications.

Closing Date for Applications

The closing date for the National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 is:

30 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early. Early submission gives students more time to correct mistakes, confirm documents and avoid last-minute technical problems.

What This Opportunity Means for South Africa’s Future

The National Department of Agriculture Bursaries 2027 programme has wider significance beyond individual financial support. By funding students in agriculture, veterinary sciences, food technology, plant science, soil science and agricultural engineering, the programme helps build a pipeline of skilled professionals for sectors that are essential to South Africa’s long-term development.

Food security, climate resilience, animal health, sustainable production and scientific innovation all depend on trained professionals. Supporting students in these fields can contribute to stronger agricultural systems, better technical capacity and improved economic opportunities.

For students, the bursary offers a pathway into meaningful careers that can serve both communities and the national economy.

Conclusion

The National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 is a valuable opportunity for South African students who want to pursue careers in agriculture, food technology, veterinary science, agricultural engineering and related fields.

The bursary covers major study-related costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, meals and a monthly allowance. It supports a focused list of qualifications that are important for South Africa’s agricultural development, food security and scientific capacity.

Eligible students should apply before 30 September 2026, complete the official application form carefully and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.

For applicants who are serious about building a future in agriculture and related sciences, this bursary could be an important step toward a professional career that contributes to the country’s food systems, economy and sustainability.