Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Bursary

Fields of study

• Agricultural Engineering
• Bio-Resource Engineering

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Be unemployed
• Have completed Grade 12/ Matric/ NCV with Mathematics and Physical Science
• Be studying or intend on studying towards a degree within one of the fields of study listed above
• Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Be studying or registered/ accepted to study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
• Have a total household income of NOT more than R350 000 per annum (or NOT more than R600 000 per annum if living with a disability)
• Preference will be given to unemployed youth, from designated groups, residing within the Eastern Cape province (students from other provinces are also encouraged to apply)

What the bursary covers

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Accommodation
• Meals

Documents you will need

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric latest results or Matric certificate (certified copy)
• Full Academic record, if currently studying
• Proof of admission/ provisional admission/ proof of registration from a registered Higher Education Institution
• Proof of residence from local municipality (less than 3 months old)
• Parents or guardians ID documents
• Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ proof of pension or grant if applicable)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   DRDAR Bursary Application 2025Email [email protected]Email [email protected]

   Download and complete the DRDAR Bursary Application 2025 (.pdf)

   Alternatively, application forms can be collected from a nearest DRDAR office.

   Note: applications submitted via fax or hand delivered will NOT be accepted.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around January. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Phone 083 451 7445
• Phone 060 560 0143

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR)

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) promotes farming and rural development in the province.