Agriculture Bursaries in South Africa 2026

Agriculture is one of the most rewarding fields to study in South Africa, and there is real funding behind it for students willing to do the work. Agriculture bursaries usually cover the things that make or break a year of study: tuition, registration, prescribed books, and often accommodation and a monthly living allowance. Some go further and help with a laptop, field equipment or travel to practical training on farms and research stations. Whether you are heading into agricultural science, agribusiness, agronomy, animal or soil science, food science, agricultural economics or a TVET qualification in farming, the goal is the same — to take the financial pressure off so you can focus on learning the sector that feeds the country.

These bursaries come from a wide mix of funders. Agricultural and food corporates, agri-processing companies, banks with farming portfolios and producer organisations often invest in future talent, usually because they want skilled people in their own supply chains. Alongside them you will find national and provincial agriculture departments, the AgriSETA, state-owned entities, universities and agricultural colleges with their own merit and need-based awards, and trusts or commodity bodies linked to areas like grain, livestock and horticulture. Many corporate bursaries also come with a workback agreement — you commit to working for the funder for a set period after you graduate, which can be a great way to walk straight into a job in the sector.

Eligibility tends to be fairly consistent across the field. Funders usually want strong matric or NSC results, especially in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) and Physical Sciences or Life Sciences, and good marks if you are already at university. Most require South African citizenship, and many weigh financial need, so be ready to show household income. A genuine interest in agriculture — even a short story about a school project, a family plot or a community garden — goes a long way in a motivation letter. Watch the calendar closely too: a lot of corporate and SETA bursaries open for the following academic year around the second half of the year, so applying early and completely really matters.