If you need financial support to study agriculture‑related courses, the deadline is fast approaching. The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will close its External Bursary Programme for 2027 on 30 October 2026, and only a limited number of comprehensive bursaries are available.
What the LDARD External Bursary Programme 2027 offers
The department is funding full‑time studies in three specific fields that are critical to South Africa’s agricultural and rural‑development sector. Successful applicants will receive a bursary that can cover tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals and a monthly living allowance, subject to budget availability.
Who can apply – eligibility criteria
- South African citizen.
- Previously disadvantaged or impoverished person from a poverty‑stricken or rural community. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Intending to study one of the listed programmes (see below). Applications for other fields will not be considered.
- Minimum Grade 12 results: Mathematics – Level 6 (70‑79 %); Physical Science – Level 6 (70‑79 %).
Fields of study that are funded
- BSc Agricultural Engineering
Minimum subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science at Level 6. The programme combines engineering principles with agricultural production, covering machinery, irrigation, soil‑water systems, structures and renewable energy for farms. - National Diploma: Civil Engineering
Minimum subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science at Level 6. This qualification focuses on the design and construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water supply and other built‑environment projects that support rural development. - Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
Minimum subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science at Level 6. Veterinary studies address animal health, disease control, livestock production, food safety and public health – all essential to the agricultural sector.
What you gain if you receive the bursary
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the accredited programme.
- Accommodation and meals while you study, reducing the financial pressure on your family.
- Provision of textbooks and study materials.
- A monthly allowance to help with everyday expenses.
- Opportunity to build a career in agriculture, engineering or veterinary science that can contribute to rural development.
How to apply – step‑by‑step guide
- Visit the LDARD website and download the official bursary application form (see link below).
- Gather certified copies of your ID, Grade 12 results and any other certificates you have.
- Complete the application form, ensuring you clearly indicate the field you wish to study.
- Attach the required documents and send the package to:
Head of Department
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
69 Biccard Street
Private Bag X9487
Polokwane, 0700
- Keep a copy of everything you send and a record of the posting date.
- If you do not yet have a university acceptance letter or final results, you may still submit the bursary application while you wait for those documents.
Official application form
Download the LDARD bursary application form here
Tips to improve your chances
- Check that your chosen qualification is exactly the one listed by LDARD; slight name variations may lead to disqualification.
- Confirm that the university or TVET college you intend to attend recognises the specific SAQA qualification.
- Submit all documents before the closing date – late applications are not considered.
- Follow up with the department if you do not receive any communication within 60 days; lack of response usually means an unsuccessful application.
- While waiting, explore other funding options on the SETA SA platform, which lists bursaries, learnerships and apprenticeships across all 21 South African SETAs.
Next steps – plan your 2027 study pathway
Start by researching the career you want using the career‑explorer tools on SETA SA. Identify the exact SAQA qualification, then check admission requirements at your preferred university or public TVET college. Apply for that institution + the LDARD bursary in parallel. Finally, look for additional SETA programmes that can give you workplace experience after you start your studies.
Frequently asked questions
- Who offers this bursary? The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD).
- Which courses are funded? BSc Agricultural Engineering, National Diploma: Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.
- What marks are required? Mathematics and Physical Science at Level 6 (70‑79 %).
- What does the bursary cover? Tuition, accommodation, books, meals and a monthly allowance, subject to funding availability.
- Can I apply for another agricultural course? No – only the three listed fields are eligible.
- Can I apply without a university acceptance letter? Yes – you may submit the bursary form while awaiting those documents.
- Are women and persons with disabilities eligible? Yes – they are specifically encouraged to apply.
- Do I have to be a South African citizen? Yes – only citizens may be considered.
- When does the application close? 30 October 2026 at 16:00.
- Where do I find the application form? Use the link above to download it from the LDARD website.
Remember
The bursary is competitive and funding is limited. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an award. Treat the LDARD application as one part of a broader education plan, and keep looking for other legitimate funding sources.
