The Department of Agriculture (DoA) is inviting qualifying applicants to apply for bursaries for the 2027 academic year in selected agricultural fields. The bursary is described as “comprehensive” and is intended to support students who are pursuing or planning to pursue studies in the listed fields, with a focus on previously and economically disadvantaged individuals (especially from rural and underprivileged communities). Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Department of Agriculture (Republic of South Africa)
Opportunity type: Full-time bursary (2027 academic year)
Who it’s for: South African citizens applying for listed agricultural fields of study (non-listed fields are not considered)
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 14 May 2026 (verified from the official NDA-hosted DoA advert + application form PDFs)
High-value notes (read this first)
- The bursary covers multiple cost items (tuition, accommodation, study materials, meals, and a monthly allowance).
- Only fields listed on the advert are considered (if you apply for a non-listed field, you won’t be considered).
- Affidavits will not be accepted (you must submit the required copies/documents, not affidavits).
- Communication is limited to successful applicants only (as stated on the advert).
About the sponsor
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) is a South African government department responsible for agriculture-related policy and programmes. This bursary programme supports study in specific agricultural disciplines for the 2027 academic year, using the official application form and submission channel provided in the advert/application documents.
What it covers
The advert states the bursary will cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials
- Meals
- A monthly allowance
Eligibility
From the advert/application form notes:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must apply for a field of study listed on the advert (non-listed fields are not considered).
- Complete the relevant bursary application form and submit it with supporting documents.
- Incomplete or late applications are not considered.
- The application form indicates it may only be used by persons who are not staff members of the department.
Fields of study supported
The advert lists multiple approved fields. Examples shown include:
- BSc Eng. Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering / Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- BVSc (Veterinary Science)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs.)
- BHSci Veterinary Technology
- BSc Agric: Entomology / Food Science / Animal Health / Plant Pathology / Plant Science / Soil Science / Agronomy / Viticulture and Oenology
- BAS Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
- Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields (options shown include Plant Production, Animal Production/Science, Agriculture Management, Agricultural Extension, Food Science and Technology, etc.)
- BSc Agric Honours: Plant Pathology / Entomology
Note: The advert also includes minimum National Senior Certificate subject levels for some programmes (Maths + Physical Science requirements vary by field).
Documents to prepare
The application form instructs applicants to attach:
- A recent copy of your ID
- Academic record
- Copies of qualifications/certificates
(And the advert notes that affidavits will not be accepted.)
Closing date
30 September 2026 (no late applications will be considered).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a field not listed on the advert.
- Submitting after the closing date (late applications are not considered).
- Submitting incomplete documentation or using affidavits instead of the required copies.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified using the official DoA bursary advert PDF and the official DoA bursary application form PDF hosted on the nda.gov.za domain, including the stated closing date, funding items, submission email address, and field list.
How to apply
- Download and complete the official bursary application form.
- Attach the required supporting documents (ID, academic record, qualification/certificates).
- Email the completed application and supporting documents to: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
- Submit before 30 September 2026 and keep proof of submission.
Official source documents (application route + requirements):