DALRRD Bursary South Africa 2025

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) is offering full bursaries for the 2025 academic year for eligible students who are currently studying or planning to pursue careers in agriculture, land reform, and rural development. The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, and other academic costs, making it easier for students to focus on their education without any financial burden. Keep on reading to learn about the DALRRD Bursary South Africa 2025 application process, its eligibility requirements, and the fields and expenses covered.

Overview of DALRRD

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was established in 2019 when two government departments – the Department of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) – merged into one. The DALRRD aims to promote fair access to land, ensure food security, support sustainable agriculture, and drive integrated rural development for all citizens.

DALRRD Bursary South Africa 2025

The DALRRD Bursary offers financial assistance to eligible South African students planning to pursue higher education. It covers studies-related costs, such as tuition, accommodation, and other academic expenses, ensuring that students can focus on their education without financial burden. Here’s what you need to know about the DALRRD Bursary South Africa 2025 before applying:

What Does DALRRD Bursary Cover?

Bursaries are available for both undergraduate and Postgraduate studies in fields related to agriculture, land reforms, and rural development, especially in the fields listed below:

Undergraduate:

• Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
• Entomology (BSc Agric)
• Agronomy (BSc Agric)
• Food Science and Technology (BAS)
• Food Science (BSc Agric)
• Food Technology (Diploma)
• Geo-Informatics / Geographic Information Science (BSc)
• Veterinary Science (BVSc)
• Geomatics/Land Surveying/GIS (National Diploma/ Bachelor’s Degree)
• Land Surveying/Geomatics (BSc)
• Pasture Science (BSc Agric)
• Plant Pathology (BSc Agric)
• Soil Science (BSc Agric)
• Town/Urban and Regional Planning (BSc)
• Town/Urban and Regional Planning (National Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree)
• Viticulture and Oenology (BSc Agric)

Postgraduate:

• DALRRD priority research projects for Advanced Diploma, BTech, BSc Hons, MSc, DTech, and PhD students.

The bursary covers tuition fees, books, accommodation, meals, and a monthly allowance. The number of bursaries given will depend on the department’s budget. Successful applicants will be notified within 14 days after the release of the Matric final results and the completion of the selection process by the National Bursary Committee.

Who Qualifies for the DALRRD Bursary?

Before applying, you must satisfy the bursary eligibility requirements. If you fail to meet the requirements, your application will not be considered. The following are the bursary eligibility criteria:

Undergraduate:

• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• You should either be currently in Matric or have already completed it.
• You must be currently studying or planning to study full-time toward one of the listed undergraduate qualifications in 2025.
• You must be enrolled in or planning to study at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Applicants must come from a previously disadvantaged or underprivileged background.
• Applicants must be from a poor or rural community.
• You cannot be an employee of the department.
• You should be planning a career in agriculture, land reform, or rural development.
• If you are studying or planning to study in one the following listed fields, you need to have scored at least level 4 (50-59%) in Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric:
  • Geomatics/Land Surveying/GIS (National Diploma/ Bachelor’s Degree)
  • Food Science and Technology (BAS)/ Food Technology (Diploma)
  • Town/Urban and Regional Planning (National Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree)
• If you are studying or planning to study in one of the fields mentioned below, you must have at least level 5 (60 – 69%) in Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric.
  • Entomology (BSc Agric)
  • Agronomy (BSc Agric)
  • Food Science (BSc Agric)
  • Pasture Science (BSc Agric)
  • Plant Pathology (BSc Agric)
  • Viticulture and Oenology (BSc Agric)
• If you are studying or planning to study in one of the fields mentioned below, you need to have at least level 5 (60-69%) in Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography in Matric:
  • Land Surveying/Geomatics (BSc)
  • Town/Urban and Regional Planning (BSc)
  • Geo-Informatics / Geographic Information Science (BSc)
• If you are studying or planning to study in one of the fields mentioned below, you must have at least Level 6 (70 – 79%) in Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric.
  • Viticulture and Oenology (BSc Agric)
  • Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
• Students with disabilties are welcomed to apply.

Postgraduate:

• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• You should either be currently in Matric or have already completed it.
• You must be currently studying or planning to study full-time toward one of the listed undergraduate qualifications in 2025.
• You must be enrolled in or planning to study at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Applicants must come from a previously disadvantaged or underprivileged background.
• Applicants must be from a poor or rural community.
• You cannot be an employee of the department.
• Students with disabilities are welcome to apply.
• You should be planning a career in agriculture, land reform, or rural development.

How Do I Apply For the DALRRD Bursary?

Here’s how you can apply for the bursary:

• To apply, applicants must first download and complete the appropriate application form:
• Undergraduate Studies: DALRRD Bursary form.
• Postgraduate Studies: DALRRD Bursary form.
• Next, you must prepare the following relevant documents:
  • Undergraduate:
    • Certified copy of ID document.
    • A certified copy of your latest matric results (if you are currently in matrics).
    • A certified copy of your matric results (if you have completed matrics).
    • Certified copy of your full academic record (if currently studying).
    • University acceptance letter (if available) on official tertiary letterhead.
    • Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
    • Certified copies of parent’s or guardian’s death certificates, if applicable, as proof of their passing.
    • Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ proof of income – latest payslip, if employed, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labor if unemployed, or a SASSA confirmation letter if applicable.
• (If you don’t have your Matric result or acceptance letter yet, apply now and submit them later(.
  • Postgraduate:
    • Certified copy of ID document.
    • Certified copy of complete academic record.
    • Certified copies of qualification or certificates.
    • University acceptance letter (if available) on official tertiary letterhead.
    • Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
    • Certified copies of parent’s or guardian’s death certificates, if applicable, as proof of their passing.
    • Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ proof of income – latest payslip, if employed, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labor if unemployed, or a SASSA confirmation letter if applicable.
• Submit the documents and form via email to [email protected].

Closing Date: 30 September 2024

Ending Line

In conclusion, the DALRRD Bursary is a financial assistance program offered to students pursuing agriculture and related fields. Before applying, go through the guide to understand the requirement and process.