Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a passion for rural development, agriculture, land reform, and sustainable economic growth? The DRDAR Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial assistance to deserving students who wish to pursue studies in fields aligned with rural transformation and agrarian reform. The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is a provincial government department mandated to promote equitable land access, agricultural development, food security, and socio-economic development in rural communities across South Africa.
The DRDAR Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, which may include payment of tuition fees, accommodation, prescribed learning materials, and a monthly allowance. The bursary is aimed at empowering academically deserving students, particularly those from rural and previously disadvantaged backgrounds, to acquire skills in scarce and critical fields that support sustainable rural livelihoods and economic development. Through this programme, DRDAR invests in building a skilled workforce that will drive land reform, agricultural productivity, and rural infrastructure development.
By applying for the DRDAR Bursary 2026/2027, students not only gain much-needed financial support but also position themselves for meaningful careers in public service, agriculture, rural planning, and development-related sectors that contribute directly to South Africa’s growth and transformation agenda.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR)
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is a provincial government department dedicated to advancing sustainable rural development and strengthening the agricultural sector in the Eastern Cape. The department plays a critical role in improving food security, promoting land reform, and creating economic opportunities for rural communities.
DRDAR’s core mandate focuses on empowering smallholder farmers, enhancing agricultural infrastructure, and improving livelihoods through innovative programmes and stakeholder collaboration. By investing in education and skills development, the department continues to support meaningful socio-economic transformation across the province.
About the DRDAR Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields of Study
The DRDAR bursary programme is offered for the 2026 academic year and is available to students pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science Degree, specialising in the following fields:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Bio-Resource Engineering
These fields are essential to advancing sustainable agriculture, resource management, and rural development within the Eastern Cape and South Africa as a whole.
What the DRDAR Bursary Covers
Successful bursary recipients will receive comprehensive financial support, which includes:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
Please note that the bursary does not cover any outstanding student debt incurred prior to the award.
Bursary Obligations
Students who are awarded the DRDAR bursary will be required to work for the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform upon completion of their studies. The work-back period will be equal to the duration of funding received, as outlined in the bursary contract.
Eligibility Requirements for DRDAR Bursary Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements to be considered:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed
- Must have completed Grade 12 / Matric / NCV with Mathematics and Physical Science
- Must be studying or intending to study towards a degree in one of the approved fields
- Must be registered or accepted at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
- Must have a total household income of not more than R350,000 per annum
- Not more than R600,000 per annum if living with a disability
- Youth with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- Preference will be given to unemployed youth from designated groups residing in the Eastern Cape, although applicants from other provinces may also apply
Failure to meet any of the above criteria may result in the application being disqualified.
How to Apply for DRDAR Bursary 2026/2027
Applicants must complete the official DRDAR Bursary Application Form 2026, which can be obtained in one of the following ways:
- Download the application form (.pdf)
- Collect a form from the nearest DRDAR office
Click here to access the application form
Along with the completed application form, applicants must submit clear certified copies of the following supporting documents:
- South African ID document
- Latest Matric results or Matric certificate
- Full academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of admission, provisional admission, or registration at a recognised higher education institution
- Proof of residence from the local municipality (not older than 3 months)
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of household income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of grant/pension if applicable)
- Details of any other bursary or sponsorship received (if applicable)
Applications must be submitted via email only to:
Email: bursary@drdar.gov.za
Email Subject Line: DRDAR Bursary 2026
Important: Applications submitted by fax or hand delivery will not be accepted.
Closing Date for DRDAR Bursary Application 2026/2027
The closing date for applications is:
Application Deadline: 24 January
Late applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Contact Details of Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR)
For further information or queries regarding the DRDAR bursary programme, contact the department directly:
Contact Persons:
- Ms N. Guzana
- Ms N. Mnyenyevu
Telephone:
- 083 451 7445
- 060 560 0143