Department of Land Reform
Department of Land Reform Bursary 2027: Tuition, Accommodation & Meals
Role Overview
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) has opened its bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. The bursary is aimed at South African students from disadvantaged and rural communities who want to study geomatics, land surveying, GIS or town and regional planning. It covers tuition, accommodation, books, meals and a living allowance. Applications close on 30 September 2026.
About the Department of Land Reform Bursary Programme
The DLRRD is the national government department responsible for land reform, land administration, rural development and the country’s cadastral survey system. Its work depends on professionals who can survey land, manage geographic information and plan towns and rural settlements.
These are scarce skills in South Africa, and the department funds students in these fields to build its own future workforce and the country’s land administration capacity. The bursary deliberately targets students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities, the same communities land reform is meant to serve. For a learner from a rural school with good marks in Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography, this is one of the most direct routes into a professional career.
South African citizens from a previously disadvantaged background or rural community
Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
Studying or intending to study full-time in one of these fields: Geo-informatics or Geographic Information Science (BSc), Geomatics, Surveying or GIS (Diploma), Land Surveying or Geomatics (BSc), Town, Urban and Regional Planning (degree or Diploma), or approved postgraduate studies in geomatics and planning
Study must be at a recognised and accredited South African university
BSc applicants: minimum level 5 (60 to 69 percent) for Mathematics and Physical Science or Geography in Matric
Bachelors degree and Diploma applicants: minimum level 4 (50 to 59 percent) for Mathematics and Physical Science
You must not be a staff member of the department
RELATED: Western Cape Health Bursary 2027: Nursing & Medicine, Closes 30 September
Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months)
Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ IDs
Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results, if currently in Matric (certified)
Matric certificate, if you have completed Matric (certified)
Recent academic transcripts, if currently studying (certified)
Proof of university registration or acceptance
If you do not have your university acceptance letter or final results yet, you may apply without them and submit them later.
Choose one application method only: online or email.
For online applications, complete the official DLRRD Microsoft Forms application.
For email applications, download the official application form from the DLRRD website, complete it, and email it with your documents to Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za with the subject line “DLRRD Bursary Application 2027”.
Attach certified copies of every required document.
Submit before 30 September 2026.
Apply at DLRRD online or download the application form (PDF).
The closing date for the DLRRD Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Geomatics, land surveying and town planning are on South Africa’s scarce-skills list, yet few young people know these careers exist. Every property transfer, new settlement, mine and municipal boundary depends on surveyors and planners, and government departments, municipalities and private firms all compete for a small pool of graduates. That means real employment prospects after graduation.
The bursary’s full cover, including a living allowance, removes the financial pressure that forces many rural students to drop out. Successful candidates are contacted within 14 days of the Matric results release, so applicants know early whether their 2027 studies are funded.
Yes. Current Matric learners apply with Grade 11 finals and their latest Matric results, and can send outstanding documents later.
Any service conditions are confirmed during the application process. Government bursaries in scarce skills commonly include a period of service to the department.
The bursary is national and open to students from all nine provinces, with preference for applicants from rural communities and previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Yes. Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Masters and PhD studies in geomatics and planning fields are also funded.
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
Key Responsibilities
As a bursary recipient, your responsibilities will include maintaining the minimum academic performance standards and attending all lectures and tutorials as required. Submitting academic progress reports to the bursary provider at specified intervals and participating in any vacation work placements or mentorship programmes is required.
Entry Requirements
South African citizenship and acceptance or current enrolment at a recognised South African tertiary institution. A strong academic record meeting the minimum requirements and demonstrated financial need where applicable.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Choose one application method only: online or email. For online applications, complete the official DLRRD Microsoft Forms application. For email applications, download the official application form from the DLRRD website, complete it, and email it with your documents to Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za with the subject line “DLRRD Bursary Application 2027”. Attach certified copies of every required document. Submit before 30 September 2026. Apply at DLRRD online or download the application form (PDF).
Multiple positions/application links:
• Apply at DLRRD online: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=NSp5H6cCPk6eev9ArjkMtuaX2A0iefdNvcrkuGSUQWNUOEZLQldEWklIMUZUV1E1N0xGSkpBUUszTy4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl
• download the application form (PDF): https://www.dlrrd.gov.za/images/Vacancies/bursaries/2026/2027_dlrrd_bursary_application_form.pdf
Email application: Externalbursaries@dlrrd.gov.za
About Department of Land Reform
This bursary is offered by Department of Land Reform.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from Department of Land Reform can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even a living allowance. In South Africa, where the cost of higher education continues to rise, bursaries are a lifeline for talented students who cannot afford to study. Some bursary programmes also include vacation work placements or post-study work opportunities, giving you both education support and practical career exposure.
CV Tips for This Application
- Include your academic record — marks and subjects matter for bursary applications
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your financial need and career aspirations
- Mention any community involvement, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities
- Include proof of financial need if the application requires it
- Apply early — bursary programmes often close well before the academic year starts
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Submit before the closing date: 30 September 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this bursary paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 30 September 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
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