The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) invites applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme. The bursary is aimed at academically deserving South African students who are pursuing or intend to pursue studies in critical fields such as Geomatics, Surveying, Geographic Information Science, and Town, Urban and Regional Planning.
The programme forms part of the department’s commitment to developing skilled professionals who can contribute to land administration, spatial planning, geographic information management, and sustainable rural development throughout South Africa. The bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance to qualifying students and aims to improve access to higher education, particularly for individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities.
Students who are currently studying or intending to enrol in approved programmes at accredited higher education institutions are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date.
About the Bursary
The DLRRD bursary is a comprehensive funding package that assists students with the financial costs associated with tertiary education. Successful applicants will receive support covering a range of study-related expenses, allowing them to focus on their academic development without the burden of financial constraints.
The bursary covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation expenses
- Prescribed books and study materials
- Meals
- Living allowance
Funding will be awarded based on academic merit, eligibility requirements, and the availability of departmental funds for the academic year.
Fields of Study Funded by the Bursary
The bursary programme supports studies in specific fields identified as scarce and critical within the department. Applications will only be considered for the approved programmes listed below.
Fields of Study:
- BSc: Land Surveying / Geomatics
- BSc: Town/Urban and Regional Planning
- BSc: Geo-informatics / Geographic Information Science
- Bachelor in Geomatics / Surveying
- Bachelor in Town/Urban and Regional Planning
- Diploma in Geomatics / Surveying / GIS
- Diploma in Town/Urban and Regional Planning
- Postgraduate Studies (Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Master’s and PhD) in Geomatics and Planning
Minimum Requirements:
For BSc Programmes (Land Surveying/Geomatics, Town/Urban and Regional Planning, Geo-informatics/GIS):
- Mathematics: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Physical Science or Geography: Level 5 (60–69%)
For Bachelor Programmes (Geomatics/Surveying, Town/Urban and Regional Planning):
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
For Diploma Programmes (Geomatics/Surveying/GIS, Town/Urban and Regional Planning):
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged applicants
- Preference will be given to applicants from rural communities
- Must be studying or intending to study in one of the approved fields listed above
Failure to meet any of the requirements may result in the application being disqualified.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to complete the official DLRRD bursary application form.
The online bursary application form can be accessed through the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development website under the Vacancies section.
Applicants are advised to complete all sections of the application accurately and ensure that supporting documentation is submitted where required.
Applications submitted for programmes not listed under the approved fields of study will not be considered.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for submission:
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document
- Certified copies of academic certificates
- Latest academic results or performance records
- University acceptance letter, where available
Candidates who are still waiting for university admission confirmation or final examination results may submit their bursary applications while awaiting these documents.
This allows prospective students to meet the application deadline while outstanding documentation is still being processed.
Important Notes
Applicants should take note of the following conditions:
- Only applications for the approved fields of study will be considered.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Communication will be limited to successful candidates only.
- Applicants who do not receive communication from the department within 14 days after the release of Grade 12 results should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
- The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development reserves the right to determine the number of bursaries awarded based on the budget available for the 2027 academic year.
- Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete before submission.
Submission of Applications
Completed manual bursary application forms together with certified supporting documents should be submitted electronically to the designated bursary email address.
Email Address: Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za
Applications should include all required supporting documentation to avoid delays in processing.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to make enquiries well before the closing date to allow sufficient time for application preparation and submission.
Closing Date for Applications: 30 September 2026
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure all required documentation is included.
The DLRRD Bursary Programme presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring geomatics, surveying, geographic information science, and planning professionals to obtain financial support for their studies. Through this initiative, the department continues to invest in developing skilled graduates who can contribute to land reform, spatial planning, geographic information management, and sustainable development across South Africa.