The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) is inviting eligible young South Africans to apply for its External Bursary Programme, an opportunity aimed at developing skills within the country’s agricultural sector.

The bursary supports students interested in pursuing undergraduate agricultural studies, with priority given to applicants from rural and historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 28, have completed Grade 12 and demonstrate strong academic performance. The programme prioritises agriculture-related qualifications, including Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Animal Production, Crop Production, Forestry, Water Resource Management and Agricultural Technology.

The advertised funding can include full tuition at qualifying Agricultural Colleges, prescribed books and study materials, a monthly living allowance, and accommodation and meal allowances where applicable.

Applications close on 30 November 2026. Applicants must download the official application form, complete it and email it with the required supporting documents.

Land Bank Bursary Programme 2027: Quick Overview

The Land Bank webpage confirms the bursary benefits, age requirement, priority fields and closing date. However, it does not disclose the total number of bursaries or the exact rand value of the allowances.

About the Land Bank External Bursary Programme

Land Bank is a development finance institution that supports South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Its External Bursary Programme forms part of its efforts to develop scarce and critical skills, strengthen agricultural capacity and encourage broader participation in the agricultural economy.

Agriculture requires professionals in more than farming and food production. The sector also needs people with expertise in:

• Agricultural economics.
• Crop and plant production.
• Animal and livestock production.
• Soil science.
• Water and irrigation management.
• Forestry.
• Agricultural technology.
• Farm management.
• Agricultural risk management.

The bursary aims to support young people who want to develop careers in these and related agricultural fields.

Land Bank also identifies rural and historically disadvantaged communities as important groups for participation in its skills-development initiatives.

Fields of Study Funded by the Land Bank Bursary

Land Bank identifies 21 priority agriculture-related fields of study.

Applicants should check whether their intended qualification matches one of the listed fields.

1. Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Economics focuses on the economic and financial aspects of agriculture.

It can provide knowledge relevant to agricultural markets, production costs, farm profitability, investment and resource allocation.

2. Agribusiness Management

Agribusiness Management focuses on the business side of agriculture.

Students may develop knowledge relevant to agricultural enterprises, business operations, marketing and management.

3. Agricultural Management

Agricultural Management is concerned with managing agricultural resources, production activities and farming operations.

4. Agronomy

Agronomy focuses on crop production and the management of agricultural land and growing conditions.

5. Crop Production

Crop Production relates to the planning and management of crops, including cultivation and production practices.

6. Plant Production

Plant Production focuses on growing and managing plants for agricultural and commercial purposes.

7. Animal Production

Animal Production covers the management and production of livestock and other agricultural animals.

8. Animal Science

Animal Science involves the scientific study of animals, including their production, nutrition, management and development.

9. Livestock Production

Livestock Production focuses on raising and managing farm animals for agricultural production.

10. Poultry Production

Poultry Production relates to the management and production of poultry, including chickens and other domesticated birds.

11. Horticulture

Horticulture focuses on the cultivation and management of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and related crops.

12. Agricultural Extension

Agricultural Extension involves sharing agricultural knowledge, providing guidance and supporting farmers and rural communities.

13. Soil Science

Soil Science focuses on understanding soil properties, fertility, land management and the relationship between soil and agricultural production.

14. Forestry

Forestry involves the management, conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.

15. Farm Management

Farm Management focuses on planning, organising and managing farming operations and resources.

16. Agricultural Risk Management

Agricultural Risk Management deals with identifying and managing risks that can affect agricultural businesses and production.

17. Water Resource Management

Water Resource Management focuses on the responsible use, conservation and management of water resources.

18. Irrigation Management

Irrigation Management relates to the planning and operation of systems used to supply water to agricultural land.

19. Climate-Smart Agriculture

Climate-Smart Agriculture focuses on agricultural practices that consider climate risks, sustainable production and resource efficiency.

20. Agricultural Technology

Agricultural Technology involves using technology and innovation to improve agricultural production and management.

21. Precision Agriculture

Precision Agriculture uses technology, data and monitoring systems to support more accurate and efficient agricultural decisions.

Important: Land Bank lists these as priority fields. A qualification with a similar name is not automatically guaranteed funding. Applicants should confirm the exact qualification and institution with the bursary team. <Cite refs={[“turn738436view0”]}/>

Who Can Apply for the Land Bank Bursary 2027?

The current Land Bank application form identifies the following eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be between 18 and 28 years old.
• Have completed Grade 12.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Show an interest in contributing to the agricultural sector.
• Have an interest in pursuing studies at an Agricultural College.
• Not be receiving additional study funding from another organisation.

Preference is given to applicants from rural and historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Is There a Minimum Matric Average?

Land Bank requires strong academic performance, but the current application form does not specify a universal minimum Matric average or percentage.

Applicants should therefore not assume that a particular percentage, such as 60% or 65%, is compulsory for every applicant.

Your Grade 12 results will form part of the assessment, and you should provide the academic information requested in the application form. <Cite refs={[“turn738436view0″,”turn738436view1”]}/>

Does Land Bank Accept University and TVET Students?

The official Land Bank bursary webpage specifically refers to full tuition coverage at qualifying Agricultural Colleges registered with the Higher Education Council (CHE), while giving priority to undergraduate agricultural studies.

The application form also asks applicants to provide details of institutions of higher learning and qualifications they have applied for. It includes space for institution names, fields of study, academic years and acceptance information.

These details should be considered together.

Applicants should not assume that every university, private institution or TVET qualification is automatically eligible. If you intend to study outside a qualifying Agricultural College, contact Land Bank to confirm whether your specific institution and qualification are accepted.

The application form also makes provision for applicants who are still waiting for final academic results or a tertiary acceptance letter to submit their applications while waiting for those documents. <Cite refs={[“turn738436view0″,”turn738436view1”]}/>

What Does the Land Bank Bursary Cover?

Land Bank advertises several funding benefits for eligible bursary recipients.

These include:

Full Tuition

The programme provides full tuition coverage at qualifying Agricultural Colleges.

Applicants should confirm the approved institution and qualification before assuming that all tuition costs will be covered.

Prescribed Books and Study Materials

The bursary can provide support for prescribed textbooks and study materials required for the qualification.

Monthly Living Allowance

A monthly living allowance is included in the advertised bursary benefits.

However, Land Bank has not published the exact monthly amount.

Accommodation and Meal Allowances

Accommodation and meal allowances may be provided where applicable.

The exact conditions and amounts are not disclosed on the current bursary webpage.

Important: The bursary announcement does not provide a specific rand value for the monthly living allowance or other allowances. Applicants should confirm the financial arrangements directly with Land Bank. <Cite refs={[“turn738436view0”]}/>

Documents Required for the Land Bank Bursary

Applicants must prepare the application form and supporting documents before submitting their applications.

The official seven-page application form and checklist request the following:

• Completed and signed Land Bank Bursary Application Form.
• Recent copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
• Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents where applicable.
• Grade 12 results.
• Latest academic record where applicable.
• Copies of relevant qualifications or certificates.
• University or college acceptance letter, if available.
• One motivational letter or personal statement.
• One recommendation letter or testimonial.
• Household income evidence.
• Recent salary advice, where applicable.
• SASSA confirmation letter, where applicable.
• Death certificates, where applicable.
• Proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour, where applicable.
• Medical certificate, where applicable.

The application form requests recent salary advice, generally no older than three months, as proof of household income.

It also states that applicants must provide proof of income for both parents or guardians where applicable. The form specifically indicates no affidavit as a substitute for the requested parental or guardian income evidence.

Applicants should follow the exact documentation instructions in the official form. <Cite refs={[“turn738436view1”]}/>

Motivation Letter and Recommendation Letter

Two additional documents are specifically requested.

Motivation Letter

Applicants must submit one motivational letter or personal statement.

Use this letter to explain:

• Why you want to study in the agricultural sector.
• Which qualification you intend to pursue.
• Why you selected that field.
• How the qualification relates to your future career goals.
• How the bursary would assist you with your studies.
• How you hope to contribute to agriculture or rural development.

Your motivation should be personal, honest and relevant to your chosen qualification.

Recommendation Letter

The application form also requests one recommendation letter or testimonial.

Make sure the letter is prepared and included with your application before submission.

How to Apply for the Land Bank Bursary Programme 2027

Applications must be submitted by email using the official Land Bank bursary application form.

Step 1: Download the Application Form

Visit the official Land Bank Bursary Opportunities webpage and download the current application form.

Download the Land Bank Bursary Application Form

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Complete all relevant sections carefully.

The form requests information about:

• Personal details.
• Citizenship and residential information.
• Grade 12 results.
• Institutions applied to.
• Intended qualification.
• Academic year of study.
• Other bursaries or study loans.
• Household income.
• Parent or guardian details.

Answer all questions honestly.

Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Attach your academic records, identification documents, household income evidence, motivation letter, recommendation letter and other applicable supporting documents.

Step 4: Sign the Declarations and Consent Sections

The application form includes declaration, consent and authorisation sections.

Read these carefully and sign the required sections before submitting your application.

Step 5: Email Your Application

The current live Land Bank bursary webpage provides the following application email:

bursaries@landbank.co.za

Send your completed application form and supporting documents to this address.

Suggested email subject:

Land Bank External Bursary Application – 2027 Studies – Your Full Name

This is a suggested subject line, not a prescribed subject format.

Important: Verify the Email Address Before Sending

There is an email-address discrepancy between Land Bank’s current webpage and its downloadable application PDF.

• Official live webpage: bursaries@landbank.co.za
• Downloadable PDF: bursaries@landbank.co.ca

The live Land Bank webpage currently publishes the .co.za address as the submission address.

Applicants should verify the address on the official website before sending identity documents, academic records and household financial information. If uncertain, contact Land Bank directly for confirmation. <Cite refs={[“turn738436view0″,”turn738436view1”]}/>

Can You Apply While Waiting for University Acceptance?

Yes. The application form states that applicants who do not yet have their tertiary acceptance letter or final academic results may submit their applications while waiting for those documents.

However, applicants should provide the outstanding documents when they become available if Land Bank requests them.

Do not leave out information that is already available simply because you are waiting for final confirmation from an institution.

Land Bank Bursary Closing Date 2027

The advertised closing date for the Land Bank External Bursary Programme is:

30 November 2026

The official webpage and application form both give this date.

No exact closing time is published.

Applicants should submit their completed forms and supporting documents well before the deadline. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. <Cite refs={[“turn738436view0″,”turn738436view1”]}/>

Land Bank Bursary Enquiries

For questions about the bursary, applicants can contact the Land Bank Learning and Development team.

Email: bursaries@landbank.co.za

The official webpage instructs applicants to use the email subject:

bursary query

For general Land Bank enquiries, the official website also lists:

Telephone: 012 686 0500 / 0800 00 52 59

Use the bursary email for programme-specific questions and confirm the correct contact details through the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Land Bank Bursary Programme?

South African citizens aged 18–28 who have completed Grade 12, demonstrate strong academic performance and show an interest in the agricultural sector can apply, subject to the other funding requirements.

What is the minimum Matric average?

The current application form requires strong academic performance but does not specify a universal minimum percentage or average.

Which fields of study are supported?

Land Bank lists 21 priority agricultural fields, including Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Agronomy, Crop Production, Animal Science, Forestry, Water Resource Management and Precision Agriculture.

Does the bursary cover full tuition?

Land Bank advertises full tuition coverage at qualifying Agricultural Colleges, as well as prescribed books and study materials.

Is there a monthly allowance?

Yes. A monthly living allowance is listed, but the exact amount is not published.

Does the bursary cover accommodation and meals?

Accommodation and meal allowances may be provided where applicable. Applicants should confirm the conditions with Land Bank.

Can I apply if I am waiting for a university acceptance letter?

Yes. The application form allows applicants to submit while waiting for their tertiary acceptance letter or final academic results.

Can I receive NSFAS and Land Bank funding at the same time?

The current Land Bank application form states that applicants must not be receiving additional study funding from another organisation. Disclose any existing funding and contact Land Bank if you need clarification about your circumstances.

Is there a household income limit?

The application form requests household income information and supporting evidence but does not publish a fixed maximum household-income threshold.

Is a motivation letter required?

Yes. One motivational letter or personal statement is requested.

Is a recommendation letter required?

Yes. The application form requests one recommendation letter or testimonial.

What is the correct application email?

The live official webpage lists bursaries@landbank.co.za. The downloadable PDF contains a conflicting address ending in .co.ca. Verify the current address on the official webpage before sending your documents.

When does the Land Bank bursary close?

Applications close on 30 November 2026.

Land Bank Bursary 2027 Application Checklist

Before emailing your application, make sure you have:

• Confirmed that you are a South African citizen.
• Checked that you meet the 18–28 age requirement.
• Completed Grade 12.
• Checked that your intended study field is among the priority agricultural fields.
• Confirmed that your institution and qualification are eligible.
• Checked the restriction on receiving other study funding.
• Downloaded the official application form.
• Completed and signed the form.
• Attached your ID copy.
• Attached parent or guardian ID copies where applicable.
• Included Grade 12 results or your latest academic record.
• Attached relevant qualification certificates.
• Included your acceptance letter if available.
• Written your motivation letter.
• Obtained a recommendation letter or testimonial.
• Included household income evidence.
• Attached SASSA or other applicable supporting documents.
• Signed the required declarations and consent sections.
• Verified the application email address.
• Submitted before 30 November 2026.

Conclusion

The Land Bank Bursary Programme 2027 offers a funding opportunity for young South Africans who want to pursue careers in agriculture and related fields.

The programme prioritises applicants aged 18–28 who have completed Grade 12, demonstrate strong academic performance and are interested in contributing to the agricultural sector.

The 21 priority fields include Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Crop Production, Animal Science, Horticulture, Forestry, Water Resource Management, Agricultural Technology and Precision Agriculture.

Funding can include tuition at qualifying Agricultural Colleges, prescribed books and study materials, a monthly living allowance, and accommodation and meal allowances where applicable. The exact allowance amounts and number of bursaries have not been disclosed.

If you meet the requirements, download the official application form, prepare your motivation and recommendation letters, gather the required supporting documents and submit your application before 30 November 2026.

Download the official Land Bank Bursary Application Form

Visit the official Land Bank Bursary Opportunities page

Disclaimer

This article is an independent opportunity guide based on Land Bank’s current External Bursary webpage and downloadable application form. It is not an official Land Bank communication. Edupstairs does not administer the bursary, receive applications or guarantee funding.

Applicants should verify the eligibility requirements, institution approval, funding conditions and application email through Land Bank’s official channels before submitting personal, academic or financial documents.