Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursary Requirements and Online Application

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) offers a bursary programme for students who wish to study in critical agriculture, environmental, and biodiversity-related fields. 

This programme is aimed particularly at learners from Gauteng province, especially from historically disadvantaged and rural areas, to build capacity for the agricultural and environmental sectors.

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursary Eligibility requirements 

To apply for the GDARD bursary, you generally need to satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen and a resident in Gauteng.
  2. Be in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric or equivalent.
  3. Be accepted for or already studying full-time at a recognized tertiary institution for a qualification in an eligible field.
  4. Study in one of the “scarce / critical” fields: such as Animal Science (BSc), Ecology (BSc), Botany (BSc), Environmental Management / Environmental Science (BSc), Food Technology, Veterinary Laboratory Technology (National Diploma), Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry.
  5. Meet minimum Matric subject requirements for the chosen field. According to previous cycles:
    • For BVSc: Mathematics & Physical Science at level 5 (60–69 %)
    • For Veterinary Laboratory Technology: Mathematics, Chemistry & Physical Science level 4 (50–59 %)
  6. Preference may be given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, rural areas, and learners with disabilities.
  7. Typically, not already receiving another major bursary for the same field (or as stated in past adverts).

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursary Application process 

  1. Obtain the application form — Download the GDARD bursary application form, which has been hosted on GDARD / Gauteng Government portals.
  2. Complete the form — Provide all required personal and academic information.
  3. Gather supporting documents — Include certified copies of: ID, Matric certificate or latest results, proof of acceptance to tertiary institution (if available), academic transcripts (if currently at tertiary), and proof of Gauteng residence.
  4. Submit your application — Applications can be hand-delivered or posted:
    • Postal address: Human Resources Development, Gauteng Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, P.O. Box 8769, Johannesburg, 2000
    • Hand delivery: 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Ground Floor, Johannesburg, 2000.
  5. Shortlisting — GDARD will shortlist candidates based on academic merit, alignment with scarce-skill fields, and background.
  6. Selection — If selected, recipients may need to sign an agreement / contract (depending on GDARD’s policy) and commit to certain service or internship obligations, depending on the bursary conditions (consult the current cycle’s terms).

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursary Closing date 

The closing date is 30 September 2025 for the current bursary cycle.

If you have not received any communication from the department within 14 days after the release of Grade 12 results, consider your application unsuccessful.

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursary Contact details 

  • Contact persons:
    • Mr Livhuwani Mutswana — Tel: 011 240 5290
    • Ms Thandiwe Tsutsu — Tel: 011 240 2586
  • Address: Gauteng Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Ground Floor, Johannesburg 2000.
  • Email address: [email protected]

FAQs

1. + Who can apply for the GDARD bursary? +
South African citizens who live in Gauteng, and who are in Grade 12 or have completed Matric, and are intending to study full-time in an eligible agriculture, environmental or biodiversity field.
2. + Which courses are eligible for this bursary? +
Eligible fields include: BSc Animal Science, Ecology (BSc), Botany (BSc), Environmental Management, Veterinary Laboratory Technology (National Diploma), Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, and related critical fields.
3. + What academic requirements must I meet? +
Minimum requirements include specific Matric level marks: for example, BVSc requires level 5 (60–69%) in Mathematics & Physical Science; for laboratory technology diploma, at least level 4 (50–59%) in Maths, Chemistry & Physical Science.
4. + When is the application deadline? +
The current (or upcoming) deadline is reported to be 30 September 2025.
5. + How do I submit my application? +
Complete the bursary application form and submit it either by post (P.O. Box 8769, Johannesburg 2000) or hand-deliver it to Umnotho House, 56 Eloff Street, Johannesburg.
6. + Which documents do I need to attach to the application? +
You need certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate or latest results, acceptance letter from tertiary institution (if available), academic transcripts, and proof of Gauteng residence.
7. + Is there a service obligation or internship requirement? +
According to GDARD’s past annual reports, bursary recipients may be required to complete a compulsory internship or service with the department after their studies.
8. + Can students with other bursaries apply? +
Past calls mention that preference is given to students who are not already receiving another bursary.
9. + Is this bursary only for agriculture students? +
No. It also covers environmental, biodiversity, and critical science qualifications including ecology, environmental management, chemistry, botanical sciences, and related fields.
10. + Who can I contact for more information? +
Contact Mr Livhuwani Mutswana at 011 240 5290 or Ms Thandiwe Tsutsu at 011 240 2586. You can also visit the GDARD office at Umnotho House, 56 Eloff Street, Johannesburg.

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

📥 Download Checklist (PDF)