Food for Mzansi Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

Grade 12 learners who are passionate about agriculture and want to pursue tertiary study in agri-fields can apply for a full bursary for the 2026 academic year through Food for Mzansi’s announcement of bursaries offered by DALRRD.

This bursary covers key costs and supports South African students especially from rural and under-resourced communities.

Eligibility requirements for the Food for Mzansi / DALRRD Agri Bursary

1. Must be a South African citizen.
2. Must be a Grade 12 learner (or finishing Matric) intending to register full-time in 2026 at a recognised university or college in one of the listed agriculture-related qualifications.
3. Must apply for one of the approved fields:
   • BSc Eng (Agricultural/Bioresource Engineering): minimum 70-79% in Mathematics & Physical Science (Level 6)
   • BVSc (Veterinary Science): university-specific minimums apply
   • BSc Agric (Entomology, Food Science, Animal Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Agronomy, Viticulture & Oenology) or Diploma / Advanced Diploma in agriculture-related fields: generally minimum 60-69% in Math & Physical Science for BSc Agric (Level 5) and 50-59% for applied science/food technology (Level 4)
4. Applicants must apply only for the listed fields. Any other course will not be considered.
5. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
6. Learners from rural or historically disadvantaged backgrounds have focus priority.

Application process for the Food for Mzansi / DALRRD Agri Bursary

1. Download and complete the bursary application form at www.nda.gov.za and click on “vacancies”).
2. Email the completed form and supporting documents to Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za by 30 September 2026 for the 2026 intake.
3. You may apply even if you are still waiting for your acceptance letter or Matric results. Once your Matric results are released in Jan 2026 you must send your final documents within three days.
4. Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Closing date for the Food for Mzansi / DALRRD Agri Bursary

The closing date for the 2026 bursary cycle is 30 September 2026. Students must apply by this date to be eligible.

Contact details for the Food for Mzansi / DALRRD Agri Bursary

• Ms Silindelo Dlomo: 012 319 7848
• Ms Bongiwe Shabalala: 012 319 7136
• Mr Sifiso Nkuna: 012 319 7201
• Main website (for application form and details): DALRRD website “Vacancies / Bursaries” and Food for Mzansi page.

The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a monthly allowance.

It is specifically aimed at students wanting to study agriculture-related qualifications at university or college. 

Only the listed fields are eligible; applications for other courses will not be considered.

Because the intake is for 2026 and the deadline is in 2026, learners must plan ahead and submit in good time. 

The bursary is highly competitive and caters especially to learners from rural and South Africa’s historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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