The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is a governmental body in South Africa dedicated to advancing agriculture in the Western Cape province. Their mission includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and supporting economic growth within the agricultural sector.
The department offers a range of services, including farmer support, research and innovation, land care programs, and veterinary services. Their commitment is to empower farmers, foster rural development, and ensure the optimal use of natural resources, thereby building a resilient and inclusive agricultural industry.
About the WCDoA Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The WCDoA is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2025 academic year. The department will be offering two types of awards to students residing within the Western Cape:
- Scholarship: For high school students identified as potential candidates for further studies in the agricultural fields:
- Grades 8-12 in Agricultural Schools
- Grades 10-12 in Mainstream Schools
- Bursary: For undergraduate studies in 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 can provide full or partial cover for the following expenses: tuition/school fees, accommodation, books, meals, and an allowance where applicable. Scholarships may 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 finalized the selection process.
Eligibility Requirements for the WCDoA Bursary
To apply, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Reside within the Western Cape province
Scholarship:
- Be in Grade 8-12 at an Agricultural school OR be in Grade 10-12 at a Mainstream high school
- Be taking Mathematics and Physical Science as school subjects
Bursary:
- Have completed your schooling within the Western Cape
- Be studying or planning to study full-time towards a SAQA-registered undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields
- Engineering, Veterinary Science, Economics, and Econometrics students must have achieved a minimum of level 5 (60-69%) for Mathematics and Physical Science
- Students pursuing other studies listed above must have achieved a minimum of level 4 (50-59%) for Mathematics and Physical Science
- Be studying or accepted/provisionally accepted at a recognized higher education institution in South Africa
- Be from a previously disadvantaged or impoverished background, or from a 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)
Enter “busa.hlayiso.com” when asked how you heard about the WCDoA bursary.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form:
Scholarship (High school students):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Latest school report
- Recommendation letter from school
- Acceptance letter to Agricultural School (if applicable)
- Estimated 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 income sources like pension or social grant)
Bursary (Undergraduate students):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Latest Matric results/certificate
- Academic record if currently studying
- Proof of university acceptance (if available)
- Estimated study costs for 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 income sources like 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.
Closing Date
31 December 2024 – make sure to apply before this date to be considered.
Contact Details
For any queries related to this bursary programme, contact the Western Cape Department of Agriculture directly:
- Assistant Director or Deputy Director
- Tel: 021 808 5111
- Email: [email protected]