Department of Agriculture (DoA) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHICH FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE DOA BURSARY COVER?

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the following Agricultural-related fields:

  • Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
  • Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BEng)
  • Agricultural Agronomy (BSc)
  • Agricultural Animal Health (BSc)
  • Agricultural Entomology (BSc)
  • Agricultural Food Science (BSc)
  • Agricultural Plant Pathology (BSc)
  • Agricultural Plant Science (BSc)
  • Agricultural Soil Science (BSc)
  • Agricultural Viticulture and Oenology (BSc)
  • Agriculture related fields (Advance Diploma)
  • Entomology (BSc Agric. Honours)
  • Food Science and Technology (BAS)
  • Food Technology (Diploma)
  • Plant Pathology (BSc Agric. Honours)
  • Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)
  • Veterinary Science (BVSc)
  • Veterinary Technology (BHSci)

The bursary aims to fund previously disadvantaged and impoverished students, from poverty-stricken and rural communities.

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE DOA BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, meals and a monthly allowance.

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) reserves the right to determine the total number of bursaries to be awarded, based on the available funding.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the DoA Bursary.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE DOA BURSARY?

Successful applicants will be contacted within 14 days after Matric final results are released, and after the National Bursary Committee has completed the selection process.

If you do not receive any feedback within 2 weeks after Matric final results are released, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE DOA BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards one of the qualifications listed above in 2027
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
  • You must be previously disadvantaged or impoverished
  • You must from a poverty-stricken area or rural community
  • You must NOT be a staff member of the department
  • You must have achieved a minimum result of level 4 (50 to 59%) for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric, if studying or intend on studying within one of these fields:
    • Food Science and Technology (BAS)
    • Food Technology (Diploma)
  • You must have achieved a minimum result of level 5 (60 to 69%) for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric, if studying or intend on studying within one of these fields:
    • Agricultural Agronomy (BSc)
    • Agricultural Animal Health (BSc)
    • Agricultural Entomology (BSc)
    • Agricultural Food Science (BSc)
    • Agricultural Plant Pathology (BSc)
    • Agricultural Plant Science (BSc)
    • Agricultural Soil Science (BSc)
    • Agricultural Viticulture and Oenology (BSc)
    • Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)
    • Veterinary Technology (BHSci)
  • You must have achieved a minimum result of level 6 (70 to 79%) for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric, if studying or intend on studying within one of these fields:
    • Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering (BSc Eng)
    • Veterinary Science (BVSc)
  • You must have completed a relevant undergraduate qualification, if studying or intend on studying within one of these fields:
    • Agriculture related fields (Advance Diploma)
    • Entomology (BSc Agric. Honours)
    • Plant Pathology (BSc Agric. Honours)
  • Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE DOA BURSARY?

Download and complete the DoA Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DoA Bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE DOA BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
  • Full academic record, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • University acceptance letter, if available (on tertiary letterhead)
  • Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)
  • Parents or guardians death certificates, if applicable (certified copies)
  • Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed, proof of unemployment from Department of Labour if unemployed, SASSA confirmation letter if applicable) (certified copies)

Note: if you have not yet received your Matric final results or University acceptance letter, you may apply without it and submit the outstanding documents within 3 days after the release of Grade 12 results in January 2027.

Applications must be submitted via email to: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
(Insert the words “DoA Bursary 2027” in the email subject line).

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE DOA BURSARY?

30 September 2026.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Department of Agriculture directly:
Email: Externalbursaries@nda.gov.za
Contact people:

  • Ms Silindelo Dlomo – Tel: 012 319 7848
  • Ms Bongiwe Shabalala – Tel: 012 319 7136
  • Mr Sifiso Nkuna – Tel: 012 319 7201

Please do NOT contact the DoA if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES THE DOA DO?

The Department of Agriculture is responsible for supporting and developing the agricultural sector in South Africa. The department works to improve food security, strengthen rural communities, and promote sustainable farming practices across the country. It provides assistance to farmers through training, research, agricultural policies, and development programmes aimed at increasing production and creating jobs.

The department also helps protect animal and plant health while encouraging responsible use of natural resources such as water and land. A strong focus is placed on supporting emerging and small-scale farmers by improving access to opportunities, markets, and modern farming methods.

Agriculture plays an important role in South Africa’s economy and contributes to employment, exports, and food supply. Through its various initiatives and partnerships, the Department of Agriculture continues to support economic growth and help ensure a stable and sustainable agricultural industry for future generations.

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This bursary listing was last updated in May 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.