DALRRD Bursary 2026 Requirements & How to Apply

The DALRRD bursary offers comprehensive funding for students in agriculture, land reform, rural development and associated fields. 

If you meet the criteria, preparing your documentation now will prevent missing the application deadline once it opens.

About the Organisation

DALRRD is the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

It aims to advance food security, sustainable agriculture, equitable land reform, and rural development. 

The bursary scheme is part of its mandate to develop skills in priority sectors and support historically disadvantaged students.

Fields of Study Funded

Fields typically funded by DALRRD include:

1. Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
2. Veterinary Science (BVSc)
3. Animal Science
4. Entomology
5. Food Science & Food Technology
6. Pasture Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Agronomy, Viticulture & Oenology
7. Land Surveying / Geomatics / Geo-informatics / Geographic Information Science
8. Town / Urban and Regional Planning
9. Diplomas / degrees in food technology & related agricultural diplomas
10. Postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters, PhD) in DALRRD priority research projects

Benefits for Recipients

Recipients of the DALRRD bursary can expect:

1. Full or partial coverage of tuition, registration fees and academic costs.
2. Support for accommodation, meals, books and prescribed materials.
3. A monthly stipend / allowance depending on available budget.

Eligibility Criteria

You must satisfy the following to be eligible:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be currently in Matric or already studying at a tertiary level (undergraduate or postgraduate) for one of the approved fields of study.
3. Be from rural or impoverished communities, or historically disadvantaged background.
4. Meet minimum subject requirements in National Senior Certificate (Matric) for Mathematics and Physical Science (or Geography in some cases), with required levels depending on the field.
5. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
6. Have or be able to obtain acceptance at a recognised South African university / institution for full-time study.

How to Apply

1. Download the DALRRD bursary application form (both for undergraduate and postgraduate as appropriate) from the DALRRD website (vacancies / bursary section).
2. Complete the form and attach certified copies of required documents (ID, Matric results or certificate, academic transcripts, acceptance letter if available).
3. Send the completed form and documents via email to Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za.
4. Applications may also be submitted physically or via designated postal addresses, depending on the call. Check the DALRRD announcement.

Required Documents

You will need to submit:

1. Certified copy of South African Identity Document.
2. Matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results.
3. Academic transcript if you are already at tertiary level.
4. Acceptance letter or proof of registration at a recognised institution.
5. Proof of residence, especially if you are from rural or disadvantaged area. (In many listings, rural background is required.)

Closing Date

The closing date for applications was 30 September for the next academic year.

Contact Details

• Email: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
• Enquiries: Mr Tshianeo Khangala (for Agricultural Engineering), Mr Vusimuzi Mngomezulu (for other agricultural fields)
• Departmental address: DALRRD, Agriculture Place, 20 Steve Biko (Former Beatrix) Street, Arcadia, Pretoria