Bursary

Eastern Cape Agri Bursaries 2026 – Apply Now

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Join the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture – Bursary 2026

If you finish high school and want a job that helps grow food, water, and health for everyone, the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (ECDOA) is looking for students like you. By finishing a university degree with a bursary, you will learn real‑world skills and also get a guaranteed job in the department once you graduate. The money that covers your fees will be paid for a full year, and you’ll give back by working for the department for that same length of time.

What the Bursary Covers

  • Registration fees – the one‑time cost to join the university.
  • Tuition fees – the regular price each semester or year.
  • Room and board – a place to stay and meals while you study.
  • Textbooks and study materials – all the books you need for classes that the bursary pays for.

The bursary does not help with any unpaid or overdue school bill. If you have a debt from a previous school, you’ll need to clear that before you can focus on the new program.

After you finish, you’ll agree to work for the Department of Agriculture that is based in the Eastern Cape province for a period that matches the length of the bursary you received. This is the way the department ensures the students you help can stay and grow the province’s food sector.

When to Apply

The last date for sending in an application is 10 November 2025. If you miss this, you will have to wait until the next year’s bursary cycle.

Programs Available

You can pick between two main tracks:

  1. Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Agricultural Engineering / Bio‑Resource Engineering
    These degrees help you build smart farms, create efficient irrigation, and design tools that boost crop output.

  2. Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) – Veterinary Technology
    In this program you’ll learn to keep animals healthy, help farmers run successful livestock operations, and support community animal health programs.

Who Can Apply?

  • South African citizen only.
  • You must be in high school (Grade 12) or have just finished high school/NCV.
  • For the Agricultural Engineering routes, you need a strong background in Maths and Physical Science.
  • For Veterinary Technology, you need Maths, Physical Science, and Life Science.
  • You need to be accepted (or be waiting for acceptance) to a recognized South African university or college.
  • You must not have a job; you should be a full‑time student.
  • Your family income must be below R350,000 per year. If you have a disability, the limit is R600,000.
  • People who live in the Eastern Cape get a small edge, but students from anywhere in South Africa can still apply.

How to Submit a Strong Application

  1. Download the Application Form
    Grab the PDF here: https://ecagriculture.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NEW-EXTERNAL-BURSARY-APPLICATION-FORM-2026-ACADEMIC-YEAR.pdf

  2. Gather Essential Documents
    You will need:

    • A copy of your ID that the university can certify.
    • Your most recent Grade 12 or NCV result if you are still in high school.
    • Your Grade 12 or NCV certificate if you finished.
    • Your pencil‑and‑paper academic record if you are a current student.
    • Proof that the university has accepted or is about to accept you.
    • An official proof of your current home address from the local municipality (must be issued in the last 90 days).
    • Income proof for your parents or guardians – recent salary slips, an affidavit if they are unemployed, or a notice if they get a social grant.
    • Copies of the parents’ IDs.
    • If you have another scholarship or sponsorship, include that information – we want to see that you won’t overlap with other funding.

  3. Send Your Files by Email
    Email everything to: bursary@ecagriculture.gov.za
    Use the subject line “DOA Bursary 2026” so we know who you are.

  4. No Fax or Drop‑off – Only email is accepted; anything else will be automatically rejected.

Why This is Good For You

  • You study without paying the big upfront cost.
  • You learn skills that will help you succeed in a growing part of the economy.
  • After you finish, you have a ready job that will keep you out of the unemployment hot‑spot.
  • You can proudly say you’re contributing to healthier farms and better food for the people in your community.

If you’re ready for a future that mixes learning with real‑world impact, submit your application before 10 November 2025. Take this step toward a job that’s good for your wallet, for your skills, and for the people who feed the province. Good luck!

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