DRDAR Bursary For South Africa Students

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) invites students to apply for their 2025 Bursary Programme.

Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Bursary 2025

The DRDAR is dedicated to fostering sustainable rural development and promoting agricultural growth within the Eastern Cape Province.

As a government entity, it seeks to empower rural communities by improving food security, enhancing access to economic opportunities, and supporting smallholder farmers.

Through its innovative agricultural programs and infrastructure development, the DRDAR is contributing to the province’s socio-economic transformation.

Study Fields Covered by the DRDAR Bursary

The DRDAR bursary is available for students pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science degree in the following fields:

• Rural Development Funding
• Agricultural Engineering
• Bio-Resource Engineering

These fields align with the DRDAR’s mission to drive rural development and agricultural growth in the Eastern Cape.

DRDAR Bursary Coverage

The bursary will cover the following expenses:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Accommodation
• Meals

Please note that the bursary will not cover any outstanding student debt.

In return for the financial support, bursary recipients will be required to serve the DRDAR for a period equivalent to the time spent studying as part of their contractual obligation.

Bursary Selection Criteria

Candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
2. Unemployment Status: Applicants must be unemployed.
3. Academic Requirements: Applicants must have completed Grade 12/Matric/NCV with Mathematics and Physical Science.
4. Field of Study: Applicants must be studying or intending to study towards a degree in one of the specified fields.
5. Income Limit: The household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum (R600 000 if living with a disability).
6. Preference for Eastern Cape Residents: While students from other provinces are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to youth from the Eastern Cape.

Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Steps to Apply for the DRDAR Bursary

To apply for the DRDAR Bursary, follow these steps:

1. Download and complete the DRDAR Bursary Application Form 2025 (PDF format).
2. Alternatively, application forms can be collected from any nearest DRDAR office.
3. Submit the following supporting documents along with your application form:
   • Certified copy of your ID document
   • Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest results
   • Full academic record (if currently studying)
   • Proof of admission/provisional admission/proof of registration from a registered higher education institution
   • Proof of residence (issued within the last 3 months)
   • Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
   • Proof of household income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of pension or grant if applicable)
   • Details of any other bursary or sponsorship currently being received
4. Applications must be submitted via email to bursary@drdar.gov.za with the subject line: “DRDAR Bursary 2025.”

Note: Applications via fax or hand delivery will not be accepted.

Closing Date for the DRDAR Bursary

The closing date for the DRDAR Bursary Programme is 24 January 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered, so be sure to submit your application before the deadline.

For any inquiries related to the DRDAR Bursary Programme, you can contact the DRDAR directly:

Contact Persons: Ms. N Guzana / Ms. N Mnyenyevu

Tel: 083 451 7445 / 060 560 0143