Want to study agriculture and get your tuition covered?
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is offering a 2026 Bursary Programme for students who want to join the farming and animal‑care fields. If you’re a South African, not working yet, and want to study in the province, this could be your chance to finish university without worrying about money.
When to apply
Finish and send in your application by 10 November 2025. After that, the Department will choose who gets the bursaries.
Where the money goes
The bursary pays for everything that you normally have to pay for while you’re a student:
- Registering at university
- Your tuition fees
- Living costs like a place to stay and food
- Textbooks that the course requires
The only things it does NOT cover are any past tuition debt or fees that are already overdue.
What you’ll do after you graduate
If you win a bursary, you’ll need to work for the Department of Agriculture for a period that matches the number of years you were funded. For example, if you receive a bursary for three years, you will work for three years after graduation.
Who can apply?
You must meet these basic rules:
- Be a citizen of South Africa.
- Be in your final year of high school (Matric) or have already finished it.
- For Agricultural Engineering or Bio‑Resource Engineering: you must have taken Mathematics and Physical Science in high school.
- For Veterinary Technology: you must have taken Life Sciences, Physical Science, and Mathematics in high school.
- You must be studying or plan to study one of the two programs mentioned above.
- You must be studying or plan to study at a university or college that is officially recognised in South Africa.
- You must not have a job.
- Your family’s annual income must be no more than R350,000. If you or a family member has a disability, the limit goes up to R600,000.
- Young people living in the Eastern Cape who are unemployed and come from historically disadvantaged backgrounds will be given special attention.
- Students from outside the province can also apply, but the Department prefers local candidates.
Documents you’ll need
Put copies of these files into your application packet. The copies must be official and dated within the last three months:
- South African ID (copy)
- Latest results from your Matric or NCV exam, if you’re still in high school
- Your Matric or NCV certificate, if you already finished it
- Full academic record if you’re already at university
- Proof that you’re accepted or registered at a university (letter from the institution)
- Proof of where you live (document from the local municipality, no older than three months)
- Proof of your family’s income (most recent pay slips for those who work, an affidavit if you’re not working, or a proof of any social grant)
- ID copies of your parents or guardians
- Proof of any other bursaries or sponsorships you may already have
- Medical paperwork if you have a disability
How to send your application
- Download the application form.
Get the 2026 Bursary Application Form (PDF) - Fill it out carefully, attach all required documents, and send it to:
Email: bursary@ecagriculture.gov.za
Subject line: DOA Bursary 2026
Heads up: Sending your paperwork by fax or dropping it off in person won’t work. And if any part of your application is missing, it won’t be considered.
Important dates
- Application deadline: 10 November 2025
- The Department will only contact shortlisted candidates.
Who should definitely think about this?
- Youth living in the Eastern Cape.
- Unemployed students from groups that have historically faced disadvantage.
- Learners with disabilities who meet the study criteria.
If you want to apply now, simply click the link above to download the form and start filling it out. Then email the finished form and all documents to bursary@ecagriculture.gov.za. Good luck – this bursary could help you finish a degree in agriculture or veterinary tech without worrying about the costs, and it will also give you a chance to work in a field you love.