Western Cape Agriculture Bursary 2027: How to Apply

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture, based at Elsenburg outside Stellenbosch, funds students and school learners from the province in agricultural and related fields, to build the agronomists, veterinarians, engineers and economists that the province’s farming economy needs.

Status for 2027 (checked September 2026): the department’s timing varies from year to year. The 2025 round closed on 31 December 2024 and the 2024 round on 30 September 2023. The 2027 call had not been published when we checked. Watch the Elsenburg and Western Cape Government websites from September 2026 and confirm by email. The details below are from the 2025 advert.

About the Western Cape Department of Agriculture Bursary

The department funds two groups:

  • Undergraduate bursaries for degrees and national diplomas in agronomy, pasture science, soil and water science, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, animal science, econometrics, food science, horticultural science, mechatronics engineering, plant pathology, production and resource economics, veterinary science, and viticulture and oenology.
  • High school scholarships for learners in Grades 8 to 12 at agricultural schools and Grades 10 to 12 at mainstream schools who take Mathematics and Physical Science.

Funding is full or partial and covers tuition, accommodation, books, meals and allowances, and school uniforms for scholarship holders.

Western Cape Agriculture Bursary eligibility requirements

  • South African citizen living in the Western Cape.
  • Undergraduates: completed schooling in the Western Cape and studying, or accepted, full-time at a SAQA-registered institution in one of the fields above.
  • Engineering, veterinary and economics students: at least level 5 (60%) in Mathematics and Physical Science. Other fields: at least level 4 (50%).
  • From a previously disadvantaged, rural or poor background. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to apply for the Western Cape Agriculture Bursary

  1. Download the application form from elsenburg.com when the call opens.
  2. Attach certified copies of: your ID; your latest school report or Matric results; your academic record if already studying; proof of acceptance from the institution if available; a cost estimate from the school or university; your parents’ or guardians’ IDs or death certificates; and proof of household income.
  3. Email the application to EDI@westerncape.gov.za with the subject line “WCDOA Bursary 2027”, or hand-deliver it to the department at Elsenburg, before the closing date.

Western Cape Agriculture Bursary closing date

The 2025 round closed on 31 December 2024. The 2027 closing date has not been published.

Contact details

  • Email: EDI@westerncape.gov.za
  • Telephone: 021 808 5111 (Elsenburg switchboard)
  • Address: Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Muldersvlei Road, Elsenburg, 7607

Agriculture students should also apply to the national Department of Agriculture bursary (closing 30 September 2026), AgriSETA and the SASCP bursary. See our government bursaries page.

FAQs

1. When does the Western Cape Agriculture bursary close for 2027? +
The department's timing varies: the 2025 round closed on 31 December 2024 and the 2024 round on 30 September 2023. The 2027 call had not been published when we checked; watch elsenburg.com and the Western Cape Government website from September 2026 and email EDI@westerncape.gov.za to confirm.
2. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens living in the Western Cape who completed their schooling in the province, from previously disadvantaged, rural or poor backgrounds, studying full-time at a SAQA-registered institution. Engineering, veterinary and economics students need level 5 (60%) in Mathematics and Physical Science; other fields need level 4 (50%).
3. Which fields are funded? +
Agronomy, pasture science, soil and water science, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, animal science, econometrics, food science, horticulture, mechatronics, plant pathology, production and resource economics, veterinary science, and viticulture and oenology.
4. Is there a school scholarship? +
Yes. The department also funds learners in Grades 8 to 12 at agricultural high schools and Grades 10 to 12 at mainstream schools who take Mathematics and Physical Science.
5. What does it cover? +
Full or partial funding for tuition, accommodation, books, meals and allowances, and school uniforms for scholarship holders.
6. How do I apply? +
Email the form and certified documents to EDI@westerncape.gov.za with the subject line 'WCDOA Bursary 2027', or hand-deliver them to the department at Elsenburg.

🎓 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)
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