Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Bursary Programme 2027: Applications Open

Who can apply

• According to the official advertisement, applicants must be South African citizens.
• The programme is aimed at qualifying applicants pursuing and/or intending to further their studies in the careers identified by LDARD for the 2027 academic year.
• The department particularly targets previously disadvantaged and impoverished persons from poverty-stricken and rural communities.
• Women and persons with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must also apply for one of the three fields listed in the advertisement. Applications relating to other study fields will not be considered.
• It is important to separate the department’s actual bursary requirements from additional advice provided by Edupstairs.
• Official LDARD requirements include: being a South African citizen, applying for one of the listed study fields, completing the relevant bursary application form and submitting the required documentation. The advertised Mathematics and Physical Science requirements for the listed programmes are Level 6 (70–79%).
• Edupstairs guidance: research your career before committing to a qualification, verify the current qualification and university admission requirements, apply for university separately, investigate several legitimate bursaries rather than relying on one application, and explore SETA and vocational alternatives where appropriate.
• These recommendations are intended to help applicants plan their education; they are not additional LDARD selection criteria.
• Not under this particular advertisement unless LDARD officially changes its requirements. The notice explicitly states that applicants applying for fields not listed will not be considered.
• Can I apply while waiting for my university acceptance letter?

Documents you will need

• Certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
• Certified copies of relevant certificates.
• Academic or performance results.
• Completed LDARD External Bursary application form.
• Applicants should ensure that all information provided on the application form is complete and accurate.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Limpopo Department Agriculture And - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) is inviting qualifying South African students and prospective students to apply for its External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

The bursary programme is aimed at applicants who are pursuing, or intend to pursue, studies in selected fields linked to agriculture and rural development. According to the official LDARD bursary circular supplied to Edupstairs, comprehensive bursaries are available for BSc Agricultural Engineering, National Diploma: Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.

Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply

Importantly, the department states that the bursary targets previously disadvantaged and impoverished persons from poverty-stricken and rural communities. Women and persons with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

For learners still deciding where to study or which career to pursue, Edupstairs has several tools that can help. You can investigate occupations and recognised qualifications through the Career & Qualification Explorer, research university study options through the University Explorer, explore vocational pathways through the TVET College Explorer and investigate agriculture-related training opportunities through the SETA Platform.

Quick Overview: LDARD Bursary Programme 2027

The details above are drawn from the official two-page LDARD External Bursaries advertisement for the 2027 academic year supplied to Edupstairs.

What Does the LDARD Bursary Cover?

LDARD describes the opportunity as a comprehensive bursary.

According to the official advertisement, funding may cover:

• tuition;
• accommodation;
• books;
• meals; and
• a monthly allowance.

However, the department specifically states that this support is subject to the availability of funds. Applicants should therefore not interpret meeting the minimum requirements as a guarantee that a bursary will be awarded.

This level of support can be particularly important for students from low-income and rural households because the costs of higher education extend considerably beyond tuition fees.

Fields of Study Funded by the LDARD Bursary 2027

The official advertisement lists three specific fields of study.

Applicants should pay close attention to this point: LDARD explicitly states that applications for fields of study that are not listed in the advertisement will not be considered.

1. BSc Agricultural Engineering

The first advertised field is BSc Agricultural Engineering.

The minimum school-subject requirements listed in the advertisement are:

Mathematics: Level 6 (70 - 79%) Physical Science: Level 6 (70 - 79%)

Agricultural Engineering combines engineering principles with agricultural production and infrastructure. Depending on the eventual role and specialisation, the field can involve agricultural machinery, irrigation, water systems, soil and water engineering, agricultural structures, energy systems, mechanisation and technology used in food and agricultural production.

Prospective students should use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research engineering and agriculture-related occupations and qualifications before choosing a study pathway. The Explorer currently brings together more than 22,000 SAQA qualification records and more than 1,500 OFO careers.

Applicants should then use the University Explorer to investigate universities, programmes and admission requirements for 2027.

Remember that the LDARD bursary requirements and university admission requirements are separate. Meeting LDARD’s bursary requirements does not automatically mean that a university will admit you to Agricultural Engineering.

1. National Diploma: Civil Engineering

LDARD also lists National Diploma: Civil Engineering among the funded fields.

The advertisement specifies:

Mathematics: Level 6 (70 - 79%) Physical Science: Level 6 (70 - 79%)

Civil Engineering is relevant to infrastructure development, including roads, water infrastructure, structures, construction and other built-environment projects.

Applicants interested in this field should research the exact current qualification they intend studying rather than relying solely on the generic or historical qualification title appearing in an advertisement.

The Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer can help you investigate current SAQA qualification records, NQF levels and career connections.

Students interested in broader engineering and vocational routes should also investigate South Africa’s public colleges through the TVET College Explorer.

Important: the inclusion of the TVET College Explorer here is additional Edupstairs career guidance. It does not mean that every TVET Civil Engineering programme automatically qualifies for this particular LDARD bursary. Applicants should confirm that their exact qualification meets LDARD’s requirements.

1. Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine

The third field advertised is Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.

LDARD again lists the minimum requirements as:

Mathematics: Level 6 (70 - 79%) Physical Science: Level 6 (70 - 79%)

Veterinary medicine is directly relevant to the agricultural sector because veterinarians contribute to animal health, disease prevention and control, livestock production, food security and public health.

Admission to veterinary studies can be highly programme-specific, so prospective applicants should carefully check the requirements of the university offering the qualification.

Use the University Explorer as a starting point for investigating university study options, and use the Career & Qualification Explorer to research veterinary and animal-health career pathways.

Who Can Apply for the LDARD Bursary?

According to the official advertisement, applicants must be South African citizens.

The programme is aimed at qualifying applicants pursuing and/or intending to further their studies in the careers identified by LDARD for the 2027 academic year.

The department particularly targets previously disadvantaged and impoverished persons from poverty-stricken and rural communities.

Women and persons with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.

Applicants must also apply for one of the three fields listed in the advertisement. Applications relating to other study fields will not be considered.

Can You Apply Without a University Acceptance Letter Yet?

There is an important provision in the official advertisement for prospective 2027 students.

LDARD states that applicants who are not yet in possession of their university acceptance letter or results may submit their bursary application while waiting for those documents.

This means learners should not necessarily delay the bursary application simply because their final results or university acceptance letter have not yet arrived.

You should, however, continue following up on your university applications and provide the required outstanding documentation according to LDARD’s instructions.

Students who are still researching where to apply can use the University Explorer to investigate university programmes and 2027 application information.

Official Requirements vs Edupstairs Guidance

It is important to separate the department’s actual bursary requirements from additional advice provided by Edupstairs.

Official LDARD requirements include: being a South African citizen, applying for one of the listed study fields, completing the relevant bursary application form and submitting the required documentation. The advertised Mathematics and Physical Science requirements for the listed programmes are Level 6 (70 - 79%).

Edupstairs guidance: research your career before committing to a qualification, verify the current qualification and university admission requirements, apply for university separately, investigate several legitimate bursaries rather than relying on one application, and explore SETA and vocational alternatives where appropriate.

These recommendations are intended to help applicants plan their education; they are not additional LDARD selection criteria.

Agriculture Students Should Also Explore AgriSETA

Students interested in agriculture should understand that university bursaries are only one part of South Africa’s skills-development system.

The Edupstairs SETA Platform covers all 21 South African SETAs and provides access to programme information across bursaries, learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, WIL, skills programmes and other workplace-development pathways. Edupstairs’ SETA guide explains how the 21 SETAs cover sectors across the economy.

Agriculture falls particularly closely within the skills-development work associated with AgriSETA.

For example, the Edupstairs SETA database includes AgriSETA pathways involving support for small farmers, land-reform beneficiaries and rural agricultural structures.

Students can therefore move through a broader pathway:

career → qualification → university/college → bursary funding → SETA opportunities → workplace experience.

That is particularly useful for students who want to build long-term careers in agriculture rather than simply searching for funding in isolation.

How to Apply for the LDARD Bursary Programme 2027

Applicants must complete the relevant LDARD bursary application form available here

According to the advertisement, completed bursary application forms must be accompanied by certified copies of the applicant’s ID and certificates/performance results.

Applications should be sent to:

Head of Department Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 69 Biccard Street Private Bag X9487 Polokwane 0700

Applicants should follow the official form’s submission instructions carefully and retain proof or copies of everything submitted where possible.

Application Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 30 October 2026 at 16:00.

LDARD states that late application forms will not be considered.

Do not wait until the closing date to begin collecting documents.

What Happens After You Apply?

The department states that communication will be limited to successful applicants only.

According to the official notice, if an applicant has not received communication from LDARD within 60 days, they should consider the application unsuccessful.

The department also reserves the right to determine the total number of bursaries awarded for the academic year and the right not to award bursaries depending on budget availability.

Before Applying: Build Your 2027 Study Plan

A bursary application should form part of a broader study strategy.

Start with the Career & Qualification Explorer and investigate the occupation you actually want to enter. Edupstairs’ qualification database allows students to investigate SAQA qualifications, NQF levels and career-to-qualification relationships.

Next, use the University Explorer to investigate appropriate university programmes and admission requirements.

Students considering technical or vocational alternatives can investigate all 50 public TVET colleges through the TVET College Explorer.

Then investigate additional funding and workplace-development pathways through the SETA Platform.

You should also verify the status of the qualification you intend studying. Edupstairs has published a detailed guide explaining how to find recognised SAQA qualifications for 2027.

Latest Bursaries on Edupstairs

Do not depend on a single bursary application. Several other 2027 funding opportunities have recently been published on Edupstairs.

The Samancor Chrome Bursary Programme 2027 covers multiple engineering, mining, geology, environmental and safety-related fields, including opportunities advertised in Limpopo and North West.

Students from qualifying beneficiary communities can investigate the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme 2027, which covers a broad range of priority study areas.

Students interested in environmental and related careers should also consider the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bursary Programme 2027.

Agriculture students should particularly investigate the National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027 Intake, which includes a considerably broader group of agriculture, veterinary, animal-science and related study fields.

Students who need broader government financial assistance should also read the NSFAS Applications for 2027 complete University and TVET funding guide.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

If you are interested in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering or Veterinary Medicine, do not treat the bursary application as a substitute for your university application.

Run both processes simultaneously.

First research the career using the Career & Qualification Explorer. Then investigate institutions and admission requirements through the University Explorer. Submit university applications, prepare the LDARD bursary application, and continue applying for other legitimate funding opportunities.

The fact that LDARD allows applicants who are still waiting for university acceptance letters or results to submit an application is particularly important. Do not automatically exclude yourself simply because those documents have not yet arrived.

And because the advertised fields are very specific, do not apply under an unrelated agricultural course hoping that LDARD will make an exception. Follow the official advertisement and application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is offering the 2027 bursary?

The bursary is offered by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD).

1. Which courses does the LDARD Bursary Programme 2027 fund?

The official advertisement lists three fields: BSc Agricultural Engineering, National Diploma: Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.

1. What marks do I need?

For the three listed study fields, the advertisement specifies Mathematics and Physical Science at Level 6 (70 - 79%).

1. What does the bursary cover?

The advertisement states that the bursary may cover tuition, accommodation, books, meals and a monthly allowance, subject to funding availability.

1. Can I apply for another agricultural qualification?

Not under this particular advertisement unless LDARD officially changes its requirements. The notice explicitly states that applicants applying for fields not listed will not be considered.

Yes. The advertisement says applicants who do not yet have their university acceptance letter or results can submit their application while waiting for those documents.

1. Can students with disabilities apply?

Yes. LDARD specifically encourages women and persons with disabilities to apply.

1. Do I need to be a South African citizen?

Yes. The official notes state that applicants must be South African citizens.

1. When do applications close?

Applications close on 30 October 2026 at 16:00.

1. Where can I get the application form?

Applicants can get the Application form here

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and does not administer, receive, shortlist, approve or award LDARD bursaries.

This article is an independent Opportunity Explainer based primarily on the official Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Advertisement of External Bursaries: 2027 Academic Year (Departmental Circular No. 41 of 2026) supplied to Edupstairs.

Applicants should use the official LDARD advertisement, bursary application form and departmental website as the final authority regarding eligibility, documentation, submission requirements and selection.

Never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you an LDARD bursary or influence the selection process.

Editorial Integrity

The funded fields, Mathematics and Physical Science requirements, bursary coverage, South African citizenship requirement, target beneficiaries, application instructions, treatment of outstanding university acceptance letters/results, closing date and communication arrangements reported in this article are drawn from the official LDARD advertisement supplied to Edupstairs.

The links to the Career & Qualification Explorer, University Explorer, TVET College Explorer, SETA Platform, SAQA guidance and other bursary opportunities are additional Edupstairs resources independently included to help applicants make informed education, career and funding decisions.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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