DLRRD Bursary 2027: Applications Open for South African Students

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) has opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, providing financial assistance to eligible South African students pursuing studies in areas such as Geomatics, Geographic Information Science (GIS), Land Surveying, Town Planning, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, and related disciplines.

WhatsApp Broadcast Group

The programme particularly seeks to support students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities who are studying or intend to study full-time at recognised and accredited South African universities. Applications for the DLRRD Bursary 2027 close on 30 September 2026, and applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications before the deadline.

DLRRD Bursary 2027 Overview

Bursary Provider: Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
Academic Year: 2027
Study Levels: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Study Country: South Africa
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Target Applicants: South African students, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities

Fields of Study Covered

The DLRRD Bursary supports selected qualifications relevant to land administration, spatial information, surveying, and development planning.

Undergraduate Studies

Eligible undergraduate fields include:

Geo-informatics / Geographic Information Science – Bachelor’s degree or BSc
Geomatics / Surveying / GIS – Diploma
Land Surveying / Geomatics – BSc
Town, Urban and Regional Planning – Bachelor’s degree, BSc, or Diploma

Postgraduate Studies

Funding opportunities are also available for selected postgraduate qualifications in Geomatics and Planning, including:

Advanced Diploma
Postgraduate Diploma
Honours
Master’s Degree
PhD

Applicants should ensure that their chosen programme falls within the fields specified by the DLRRD bursary programme.

What Does the DLRRD Bursary Cover?

The bursary can provide financial assistance toward several costs associated with tertiary education. Depending on the applicable funding arrangements, support may include:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Books
Meals
Living allowance

This financial support can help reduce the cost of university education for students who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Who Can Apply for the DLRRD Bursary 2027?

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen.
Come from a previously disadvantaged background or rural community.
Be currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
Be studying or intending to study on a full-time basis.
Be pursuing an approved field of study.
Study or intend to study at a recognised and accredited South African university.
Not be employed by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.

Applicants must also satisfy the academic requirements applicable to their selected programme. Generally, BSc applicants require at least Level 5 (60–69%) in Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography, while certain Bachelor’s degree and Diploma programmes require at least Level 4 (50–59%) in Mathematics and Physical Science.

Candidates should carefully review the academic requirements for their specific qualification before submitting an application.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare clear copies of the required supporting documentation, which may include:

Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results for current Matric learners.
Matric certificate for students who have already completed Matric.
Latest academic transcripts for students currently at university.
Proof of university registration or acceptance.
Proof of residential address.

Applicants should ensure that documents requiring certification are properly certified. Students who are still awaiting university acceptance or certain academic results may apply while waiting for the outstanding documentation, where permitted by the programme requirements.

How to Apply for the DLRRD Bursary 2027

Applicants have two available application methods. Candidates should choose only one method and avoid submitting duplicate applications.

Option 1: Online Application

Applicants can complete the official DLRRD Bursary 2027 online application form. Ensure that all required information is entered correctly and that supporting documents are ready before submitting the application.

Option 2: Email Application

Applicants may download and complete the official DLRRD Bursary Application Form for 2027 and submit the completed form together with the required supporting documents by email.

Email applications should be sent to:

[email protected]

The email subject should be:

DLRRD Bursary Application 2027

Applicants should use only one of the available application methods, as submitting through both channels may result in an application not being considered.

DLRRD Bursary 2027 Closing Date

The application deadline is:

30 September 2026

Late and incomplete applications may not be considered. Therefore, applicants should prepare their documents early and submit their applications well before the closing date.

DLRRD Bursary Selection Process

Applicants who are successfully selected are expected to be contacted following the completion of the selection process. According to the published bursary information, successful candidates should receive communication approximately 14 days after the release of Matric results.

Applicants who do not receive feedback within the indicated period may consider their applications unsuccessful.

Bursary Enquiries

For questions concerning the DLRRD Bursary Programme, applicants can contact:

Ms Leah Ngoetjana
Mobile: 060 972 8820
Tel: 012 312 8352

Mr Emmanuel Molefe
Mobile: 082 827 6245
Tel: 012 312 8337

Why Apply for the DLRRD Bursary?

The DLRRD Bursary 2027 provides an important funding opportunity for students interested in careers involving GIS, Geomatics, Land Surveying, Spatial Planning, Town Planning, and Regional Planning. These fields play an important role in land management, infrastructure development, spatial planning, and sustainable development in South Africa.

With potential financial support covering expenses such as tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and living costs, the bursary can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with tertiary education. Eligible students should prepare their documentation early and submit their applications before 30 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the DLRRD Bursary 2027 close?

Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Does the DLRRD Bursary cover accommodation?

Yes. Accommodation is listed among the expenses that may be covered, together with tuition, books, meals, and a living allowance.

Can postgraduate students apply?

Yes. The programme provides opportunities for postgraduate students studying relevant fields in Geomatics and Planning at Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Master’s, and PhD levels.