Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Bursaries 2027: Study Fields and Requirements

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. The application closing date is 30 September 2026.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Matric or higher, depending on the field of study
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the DLRRD Bursary Programme 2027

The DLRRD Bursary Programme aims to support students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies at recognized South African universities. The bursary focuses on developing skills and knowledge in critical areas that support land reform and rural development initiatives across the country. It is designed to assist students who may face financial barriers to accessing higher education in these specific fields.

This programme is a key part of the department’s commitment to empowering youth and addressing skills shortages within the land reform and rural development sectors. By funding studies in Geomatics and Town, Urban, and Regional Planning, the DLRRD hopes to build a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle complex development challenges. The bursary provides financial assistance to help students complete their qualifications.

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 implementing land reform policies. Its mandate includes redistributing land, improving land tenure security, and promoting sustainable rural development. The department works to address historical land inequalities and foster economic growth in rural areas.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in specific fields. These fields are crucial for the department’s mission.

Undergraduate Studies

Undergraduate bursaries will be awarded for the following qualifications:

• Geo-informatics / Geographic Information Science (BSc or Bachelor’s Degree)
• Geomatics / Surveying / GIS (Diploma)
• Land Surveying / Geomatics (BSc)
• Town / Urban and Regional Planning (Bachelor’s Degree, BSc, or Diploma)

Postgraduate Studies

Postgraduate bursaries will be awarded for studies in:

• Geomatics
• Planning
• Advanced Diploma
• Postgraduate Diploma
• Honours
• Masters
• PhD

What the Bursary Covers

The DLRRD Bursary offers comprehensive financial support to successful applicants. This support is intended to alleviate the financial burden of higher education.

The bursary will cover expenses such as:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Books
• Meals
• Living allowance

This financial aid allows students to concentrate on their academic performance and personal development.

Selection Process

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their applications within 14 days after the release of the Matric results. If you do not hear back from the department by this time, you should assume your application was unsuccessful.

Eligibility 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 studying or intend to study at a recognized and accredited university in South Africa.
• Not be a staff member of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.

Academic Requirements

Specific academic performance is required for different