Bursary Opportunities 2025 - Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is committed to supporting the educational advancement of students in the fields of agriculture, land reform, and rural development. For the 2025 academic year, DALRRD will award comprehensive bursaries to qualified applicants who are pursuing or intending to pursue careers in these sectors. This initiative is targeted at previously disadvantaged individuals, particularly those from poverty-stricken and rural communities. This essay will provide a detailed overview of the bursary opportunities, including eligibility criteria, fields of study, application process, and key contacts.
Bursary Details
The DALRRD bursaries are designed to
alleviate financial burdens for students by covering tuition, accommodation,
books, meals, and providing a monthly allowance. These comprehensive bursaries
aim to ensure that recipients can focus entirely on their academic pursuits
without the added stress of financial constraints.
Target Audience
The bursaries are primarily aimed at
previously disadvantaged and impoverished individuals from rural and
poverty-stricken communities. Additionally, persons with disabilities are
strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting the department's commitment to inclusivity
and equal opportunities.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by
30 September 2024. Late applications will not be considered, so
applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance of this
deadline.
Eligibility Criteria and Fields of Study
To qualify for the DALRRD bursaries, applicants must meet specific academic requirements and be pursuing studies in the following fields:
·
BSc
Eng. Agricultural (Bioresource) Engineering and Bachelor of Veterinary Science
(BVSc.)
·
Minimum
Requirements: Mathematics and Physical Science with a grade of 6 (70–79)
·
Contact
Person: Mr. Tshianeo Khangala (Tel: 012 319 7015), Mr. Vusimuzi Mngomezulu
(Tel: 012 319 7923)
BSc Agric. Specializations
·
Fields:
Entomology, Food Science, Pasture Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science,
Agronomy, Viticulture, and Oenology
·
Minimum
Requirements: Mathematics and Physical Science with a grade of 5 (60–69)
BAS Food Science and Technology,
Diploma in Food Technology
·
Minimum
Requirements: Mathematics and Physical Science with a grade of 4 (50–59)
·
B.Sc.
Land Surveying/Geomatics, Town/Urban and Regional Planning,
Geo-informatics/Geographic Information Science
·
Minimum
Requirements: Mathematics and Physical Science/Geography with a grade of 5
(60–69)
·
Contact
Persons: Ms. Nozipho Mtshali (Cell: 082 775 0590, Tel: 012 326 8050), Mr.
Emmanuel Molefe (Cell: 082 827 6245, Tel: 012 326 8050)
National Diploma/B Degree in
Geomatics/Land Surveying/GIS, Town/Urban and Regional Planning
·
Minimum
Requirements: Mathematics and Physical Science with a grade of 4 (50–59)
·
Postgraduate
Studies
·
Fields:
Advance Diploma/B. Tech, B.Sc. Hons, M.Sc., D.Tech., and Ph.D. in DALRRD
priority research projects
Application Process
Applicants must be South African
citizens and are required to complete the relevant bursary application forms
available on the DALRRD website (www.dalrrd.gov.za under the vacancies
section). It is important to note that only applications for the listed fields
of study will be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants must be South African citizens and are required to complete the relevant bursary application. It is important to note that only applications for the listed fields of study will be considered.
Click here for the bursary advert.
Click here for the undergraduate bursary application form.
Click here for the postgraduate bursary application form.
Required Documents
To ensure a complete application,
applicants must submit the following documents:
·
The
application form must be filled out in full, with all required fields
accurately completed. This form includes personal information, educational
background, and the specific course of study being applied for.
·
Applicants
must provide a certified copy of their South African identity document. This
certification must be done by a commissioner of oaths to verify the
authenticity of the document.
·
Academic
achievements must be documented through certified copies of relevant
certificates or performance results. This includes matriculation results and
any post-secondary academic records. Certification ensures that the copies are
verified against the originals, which is crucial for the validation process.
Submission Instructions
All required documents must be
compiled and submitted electronically to the designated email address:
Externalbursaries@dalrrd.gov.za.
When submitting applications:
·
Ensure
that all documents are legible and properly scanned.
·
Attach
a recent copy of your ID, academic record and copies of
qualification/certificates.
·
Use
a clear and concise subject line for the email, indicating the applicant's name
and the bursary being applied for (e.g., "Bursary Application - John
Doe").
Important Notes
·
The
DALRRD will only communicate with successful applicants. If no communication is
received within 14 days after the release of Grade 12 results and the
finalization of the selection process, applicants should consider their
application unsuccessful.
·
Applicants
who are awaiting university acceptance letters or final results should still
submit their applications by the deadline, indicating that these documents are
pending. These additional documents can be submitted once they become
available.
·
The
DALRRD reserves the right to determine the total number of bursary allocations
for the academic year based on the available budget, which means not all
qualified applicants may receive bursaries due to financial limitations.
·
Strict
adherence to the application deadline of 30 September 2024 is mandatory. Late
applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
By following these guidelines and
ensuring that all required documents are submitted correctly and on time,
applicants can maximize their chances of being considered for these valuable
bursary opportunities.
The 2025 DALRRD bursary awards
represent a significant opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
to further their education and contribute to the agriculture, land reform, and
rural development sectors. By providing comprehensive financial support, these
bursaries aim to nurture the next generation of professionals who will drive
innovation and development in these critical areas. Interested applicants are
encouraged to apply before the 30 September 2024 deadline and take advantage of
this valuable opportunity to advance their careers and positively impact their
communities.
These bursaries not only support
individual academic growth but also contribute to the broader goal of social
equity and rural development in South Africa. The focus on inclusive education
ensures that talented students, regardless of their financial background, can
pursue their dreams. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with national
priorities to enhance food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural
livelihoods. By investing in education today, DALRRD is laying the foundation
for a more prosperous and equitable future.
