Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursaries 2027: Study Geomatics and Planning

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities who wish to pursue studies in fields related to land reform, rural development, planning, surveying, and geomatics.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Matric or equivalent, with specific subject requirements for different study fields.
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the DLRRD Bursary Programme

The DLRRD Bursary Programme aims to support students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in critical fields that contribute to land reform and rural development in South Africa. The department focuses on developing skills in Geomatics and Town, Urban, and Regional Planning. This initiative is designed to empower individuals from disadvantaged communities by providing financial assistance for their education.

The bursary covers essential study-related expenses, allowing students to concentrate on their academic pursuits. By investing in these fields, the DLRRD seeks to build capacity within the sector and drive progress in land reform and development initiatives across the country.

About the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is a government department in South Africa responsible for policies and programmes related to land reform, land restitution, land redistribution, and rural development. Its mission is to facilitate equitable access to land and promote sustainable rural development. The department plays a key role in addressing historical land inequalities and fostering economic growth in rural areas.

Available Bursary Opportunities

Bursaries are available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the following fields:

• Undergraduate Studies:
• Geo-informatics / Geographic Information Science (BSc)
• Geomatics / Surveying / GIS (Diploma)
• Land Surveying / Geomatics (BSc)
• Town / Urban and Regional Planning (Bachelor’s Degree, BSc, or Diploma)
• Postgraduate Studies:
• Geomatics (Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Masters, PhD)
• Planning (Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Masters, PhD)

What the Bursary Covers

Successful applicants will receive financial support for various study-related costs. The bursary aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families. Covered expenses typically include:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation costs
• Textbooks and study materials
• Meals
• A living allowance

This comprehensive support package is intended to enable students to focus fully on their academic performance and personal development.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is for the 2027 academic year. The programme is open to students studying at recognised and accredited universities within South Africa. Specific details regarding the duration of the bursary for different study levels are not provided, but it is intended to support students through their chosen qualification.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the DLRRD Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Come from a previously disadvantaged background or a rural community.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Be studying or intend to study full-time towards one of the listed qualifications.
• Be accepted or registered at a recognised and accredited South African university.
• Not be a staff member of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.

Academic Requirements

Specific academic performance is required for different study fields:

• For BSc studies: A minimum of Level 5 (60% – 69%) in Mathematics, Physical Science, or Geography.
• For Bachelor’s Degree studies: A minimum of Level 4 (50% – 59%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.
• For Diploma studies: A minimum of Level 4 (50% – 59%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, applicants demonstrating the following qualities may be better suited for the programme:

• Strong academic aptitude.
• A clear interest in land reform, rural development, or planning fields.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to community development.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to manage academic workload effectively.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious South African youth who are passionate about contributing to land reform and rural development. If you are from a disadvantaged or rural background and aspire to build a career in Geomatics, GIS, Land Surveying, or Town and Regional Planning, this opportunity can provide the financial support you need to achieve your academic goals.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit clear copies of the following documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID document (not older than 3 months).
• Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Certified copy of your Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results (if currently in Matric).
• Certified copy of your Matric certificate (if Matric has been completed).
• Certified recent academic transcripts (if currently studying).
• Proof of university registration or acceptance letter.
• Proof of residential address.

Applicants who are still awaiting university acceptance letters or final results may still apply, provided they submit these documents as soon as they become available.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted via email or online. Choose only one method:

• Online Application:
  DLRRD Bursary Application 2027
• Email Application:
  Download and complete the DLRRD Bursary Application 2027 form from the DLRRD website. Submit the completed form via email to: [email protected].
  Ensure that “DLRRD Bursary Application 2027” is included in the email subject line.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applicants who do not hear back within 14 days after the release of Matric results should consider their application unsuccessful.
• Ensure all submitted documents are certified and clear.
• Applications must be submitted before the closing date.
• Only apply through one of the specified methods.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

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