The DRDAR Bursary invites eligible students for the 2025 academic year. This opportunity supports South African citizens who are pursuing full-time study in agriculture-engineering or bio-resource engineering fields, especially those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.

About the Bursary Provider

The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in the Eastern Cape is focused on rural upliftment, agrarian reform and agricultural development in the Province. The department uses its bursary scheme to develop skilled professionals in rural development and agriculture.

Fields Covered

The bursary covers studies in the following field(s):

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Bio-Resource Engineering

Expenses Covered

The bursary will cover:

  • Registration fees and tuition fees at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
  • Textbooks or prescribed study materials.
  • Accommodation and meals (for eligible students) while studying.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:

  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Must have completed Matric (Grade 12) or NCV, including Mathematics and Physical Science.
  • Must be accepted for or already registered in full-time study in one of the eligible fields (Agricultural Engineering or Bio-Resource Engineering) at a recognised tertiary institution.
  • Combined household annual income not exceeding R350,000 (or R600,000 if applicant has disability).
  • Unemployed youth are given preference; youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference is for those residing in the Eastern Cape Province.

This page was updated on October 27, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply

To apply, download the official application form from the DRDAR website or collect it from a DRDAR office.

Submit the completed form with certified copies of the following supporting documents:

  • Applicant’s ID document (certified).
  • Matric certificate or latest matric results (certified).
  • Proof of admission / provisional acceptance or registration at a recognised tertiary institution.
  • Proof of residence (municipal bill or affidavit not older than 3 months).
  • Parents/guardian ID and proof of household income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed).
  • Details of any other bursaries or sponsorships currently received (if applicable).

Submit your application via email to: bursary@drdar.gov.za — subject line: “DRDAR Bursary 2025”. Applications by hand-delivery or fax will not be accepted.

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date

24 January 2025 is the stated closing date for the 2025 academic year bursary. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

For queries, contact:
Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (Eastern Cape)
Ms N. Guzana: 083 451 7445 / Ms N. Mnyenyevu: 060 560 0143
Email: bursary@drdar.gov.za
Website: www.drdar.gov.za

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the DRDAR Bursary?
South African citizens who have completed Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics & Physical Science, accepted or registered in Agricultural Engineering or Bio-Resource Engineering full-time, with a household income under the threshold, may apply.
2. Which fields of study are eligible?
Eligible fields are Agricultural Engineering and Bio-Resource Engineering.
3. What expenses does the bursary cover?
It covers registration/tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation and meals. It does not cover outstanding student debt.
4. What are the income requirements?
The combined household income must be no more than R350,000 per annum for general applicants, or R600,000 if the applicant has a disability.
5. Is there a work-back obligation?
Yes. Recipients are required to serve the DRDAR for a period equivalent to the funded study years.
6. How and where do I submit the application?
Download the form from the DRDAR website or collect it from a DRDAR office. Send it via email to bursary@drdar.gov.za subject “DRDAR Bursary 2025”. No hand-deliveries or faxes are accepted.
7. What is the closing date?
24 January 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
8. Can students from outside the Eastern Cape apply?
Yes, but preference is given to applicants from Eastern Cape and from rural/disadvantaged backgrounds.
9. Can I apply if I am already studying and need continuing support?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility (income, field of study, institution) and submit your full academic record along with the application.
10. Who do I contact for more information?
Contact Ms N. Guzana (083 451 7445) or Ms N. Mnyenyevu (060 560 0143) at DRDAR or email bursary@drdar.gov.za.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist