The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is set to offer comprehensive bursaries for the 2025 academic year.
These DALRRD Bursaries are aimed at fostering education and advancement in agriculture, land reform, and rural development sectors. Targeting previously disadvantaged and impoverished individuals from poverty-stricken and rural communities, the DALRRD bursaries provide a unique opportunity for passionate students to pursue and further their studies in critical areas that impact national development and food security.
Coverage of the DALRRD Bursaries
The DALRRD bursaries comprehensively covers the following:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books and academic materials
- Meals
- A monthly allowance
Fields of study Minimum requirements:
- BSc Eng. Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc.)
- Mathematics and Physical Science
- BSc Agric. Entomology
- BSc Agric. Food Science
- BSc Agric. Pasture Science
- BSc Agric. Plant Pathology
- BSc Agric. Soil Science
- BSc Agric. Agronomy
- BSc Agric. Viticulture and Oenology
- BAS Food Science and Technology
- Diploma in Food Technology
- Sc. Land Surveying/ Geomatics
- Sc. Town/Urban and Regional Planning
- Sc. Geo-informatics/
- Geographic Information Science
- National Diploma/B Degree in Geomatics/Land Surveying/GIS
- National Diploma/B Degree in Town/Urban and Regional Planning
- Postgraduate studies (Advance Diploma/ B. Tech, B.Sc. Hons, M.Sc., D.Tech. and D.) in DALRRD priority research projects
Related: South African Universities with No Application Fees
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure fairness and transparency, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has established a comprehensive set of eligibility criteria for prospective bursary applicants for the 2025 academic year. Understanding these criteria is crucial for all applicants to ensure their submissions are valid and considered for this prestigious award.
- South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens. This bursary is dedicated to supporting the educational and professional growth of South African nationals within key sectors that impact national development and food security.
- Specific Fields of Study: Only applications for the fields of study explicitly listed in the bursary announcement are eligible. These fields have been identified as priority areas that will drive innovation and development in agriculture, land reform, and rural development sectors.
- Educational Level: The bursary is open to students who are entering or currently enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational training programs that align with the listed fields of study.
- No Concurrent Bursaries: Applicants must not be recipients of any other bursary. This condition is put in place to extend support to those who lack financial assistance and to maximize the distribution of resources among deserving candidates.
- Communication with Applicants: Communication regarding application status will be conducted with successful applicants only. If you do not receive any feedback within 14 days following the release of the Grade 12 results, it is to be assumed that the application has not been successful.
- Transparency and Selection Process: The selection process is rigorous and based on merit, intended field of study relevance, and adherence to the bursary conditions. This process ensures that the most deserving candidates, who are likely to excel and contribute significantly to their chosen fields, are selected.
Application Process
- Application form: DALRRD-Bursary-Application-Form-2025-Undergraduate
- Application form: DALRRD-Bursary-Application-Form-2025-Postgraduate
- Closing date: 30 September 2024
- Use block letters to complete the form
- Give concise answers and, where applicable, mark with an X.
- This form may only be used by persons who are not staff members of the department
- Attach a recent copy of your ID, academic record and copies of qualification/certificates
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
- Forward your completed application together with supporting document to the below email address
Email address: Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za
Benefits of DALRRD Bursaries
- Financial Support: The bursary alleviates the financial burden of higher education costs including tuition, accommodation, and other academic expenses, making higher education more accessible to underprivileged students.
- Industry Exposure: Bursary recipients gain invaluable insights through internships and workshops, providing a practical understanding of the agricultural sector’s dynamics.
- Career Advancement: With financial and educational support, recipients are well-positioned to enter various agricultural professions, contributing to their communities and the national economy.
The Department of Agriculture Bursaries 2024 represent a gateway to a fulfilling and impactful career in agriculture. By providing financial support, fostering industry exposure, and emphasizing academic excellence, the program equips aspiring agricultural professionals with the skills and competencies needed to address global food security challenges and drive sustainable development.
As recipients embrace their duties and responsibilities, they contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector and the well-being of communities worldwide.