Western Cape Department of Agriculture Bursary South Africa 2025

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – WCDOA

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is a governmental body in South Africa tasked with advancing agriculture in the Western Cape province. It plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and supporting economic growth within the agricultural sector.

The department provides a range of services, including farmer support, research and innovation, land care programs, and veterinary services. It is committed to empowering farmers, fostering rural development, and ensuring the optimal use of natural resources to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural industry.

ABOUT THE WCDOA BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2025 academic year.

The department will be awarding 2 types of awards, to students residing within the Western Cape:
1. Scholarship: for high school students who have been identified as potential candidates for further studies in the Agricultural fields:

Grade 8-12 in Agricultural Schools
Grade 10-12 in Mainstream Schools

2. Bursary: for undergraduate studies, within the following Agricultural-related fields:

Agric Agronomy (BSc)
Agric Pasture Science (BSc)
Agric Soil and Water Science (BSc)
Agricultural Economics (BSc)
Agricultural Engineering (BSc)
Agriculture (National Diploma)
Animal Science (BSc)
Econometrics (BSc)
Farming Management (National Diploma)
Food Science (BSc)
Horticultural Science (BSc)
Mechatronics Engineering (BSc)
Plant Pathology (BSc)
Production Economics (BSc)
Resource Economics (BSc)
Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Viticulture and Oenology (BSc)

MORE ABOUT THE WCDOA BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED & SELECTION

The bursary and scholarship will provide full or partial cover, for the following expenses: tuition/ school fees, accommodation, books, meals and an allowance where applicable. The scholarship will also include school uniforms, if required.

Successful candidates will be contacted within 14 days after the release of Matric results, and after the Bursary Committee has finalised the selection process.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WCDOA BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

You must be a South African citizen
You must reside within the Western Cape province
Scholarship: you must be in Grade 8-12 at an Agricultural school OR be in Grade 10-12 at a Mainstream high school
Scholarship: you must be doing Mathematics and Physical Science as school subjects
Bursary: you must have completed your schooling within the Western Cape
Bursary: you must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a SAQA registered undergraduate qualification, within one of the fields of study listed above
Bursary: Engineering, Veterinary Science, Economics and Econometrics students must have achieved a minimum of level 5 (60-69%) for Mathematics and Physical Science
Bursary: students pursuing other studies listed above, must have achieved a minimum of level 4 (50-59%) for Mathematics and Physical Science
Bursary: you must be studying or accepted/ provisionally accepted to study at a recognised higher education institution in South Africa
You must be from a previously disadvantaged background/ impoverished and poverty-stricken background/ rural community
Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE WCDOA BURSARY

Download and complete the relevant application form:

High school students: WCDOA Scholarship Application Form 2025 (.pdf)
Undergraduate students: WCDOA Bursary Application Form 2025 (.pdf)

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
Scholarship (High school students):

ID document (certified copy)
Latest school report
Recommendation letter towards bursary from school
Acceptance letter to Agricultural School, if applicable
Estimate quotation from school for the following: school fees for each year, accommodation and meals (if applicable) and study materials
Parents or guardians ID documents/ death certificate (certified copy)
Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ proof of UIF registration or affidavit if unemployed/ proof of other sources of income, such as pension or social grant)

Bursary (Undergraduate students):

ID document (certified copy)
Matric latest results/ certificate
Academic record, if currently studying
Proof of university acceptance, if available
Estimate study cost for the following: registration and tuition fees for each year, accommodation and meals (if applicable) and study materials
Parents or guardians ID documents/ death certificate (certified copy)
Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ proof of UIF registration or affidavit if unemployed/ proof of other sources of income, such as pension or social grant)

Note: if you do not have your university acceptance letter or results yet, you may apply without them while you wait for these documents.
Applications must be submitted via email to: EDI@westerncape.gov.za
(Insert the words “WCDOA Bursary 2025” in the email subject line).

CLOSING DATE FOR THE WCDOA BURSARY

31 December 2024.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact Western Cape Department of Agriculture directly:
Assistant Director or Deputy Director
Tel: 021 808 5111
Email: EDI@westerncape.gov.za
Please do NOT contact Western Cape Department of Agriculture if this bursary has already closed.