Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Bursary | Apply Now

Are you passionate about agriculture, land reform, and rural development?

Do you dream of contributing to a more equitable and prosperous rural South Africa?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions then I’m sure you’ll be very pleased with the rest of this article.

The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Bursary was made specifically for people like you!

Keep reading to learn more about how winning this bursary could set the tone for your entire career in agriculture and rural development.

About Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Bursary

The DRDAR Bursary is a full-cover financial aid program that aims to support promising South African students who wish to pursue studies in fields critical to the development of rural communities.

The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, meals, and a monthly stipend, taking away the financial burden and allowing recipients to focus on their studies.

The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform bursary mainly focuses on fields such as:

1. Agriculture (including animal science, plant science, agricultural economics)
2. Land Reform and Surveying
3. Rural Development
4. Food Science and Technology
5. Town and Regional Planning
6. Veterinary Science

By supporting students in these areas, the DRDAR program aims to raise a new generation of skilled professionals equipped to deal with all the challenges facing South Africa’s rural communities.

Requirements for the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Bursary

Interested? We’ll talk about how to begin your journey towards a rewarding career in rural development shortly.

But before that, make sure you meet these eligibility requirements:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Prove that you are truly lacking financially.
3. Have achieved a minimum Matric result of 50% (Level 4) in Mathematics and Physical Science (if your chosen field requires these subjects).
4. Be admitted to or already enrolled in a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree program at a recognized South African university.

Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Bursary Application Process

Here is how to apply and submit your DRDAR bursary application online.

1. Application Dates: Applications usually open in February and close in March/April. Keep an eye on the DRDAR website and other reliable portals for the latest updates.
2. Application Forms: Download the official application form from the DRDAR website (https://www.drdar.gov.za/bursaries/). There are other platforms that also provides easy access to the form.
3. Required Documents: Put all the necessary supporting documents together, including certified copies of your academic records, ID document, proof of income, and any other documents specified in the application instructions.
4. Submission: Once you’re done with everything else, submit the completed application form and supporting documents online through the DRDAR website.