DLRRD Bursary 2026: Fully Funded Geomatics and Town Planning Bursary for South African Students
The DLRRD Bursary 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for South African students who want to pursue careers in Geomatics, Geographic Information Science, Land Surveying, and Town and Regional Planning. Offered by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD), this comprehensive bursary aims to develop skilled professionals who will contribute to sustainable land management and rural development across South Africa.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support to help them complete their studies without the burden of major education expenses.
About the DLRRD Bursary 2026
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development intends to award comprehensive bursaries to qualifying South African students pursuing approved undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in identified priority fields.
The programme is specifically designed to assist previously disadvantaged students and applicants from rural communities. People living with disabilities are also strongly encouraged to apply.
The bursary covers several essential study expenses, making it one of the most attractive government-funded bursary opportunities available.
What Does the DLRRD Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support that includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed books
- Meals
- Living allowance
This financial assistance enables students to focus on their academic success without worrying about many of the costs associated with higher education.
Fields of Study Funded
The DLRRD Bursary 2026 supports students enrolled in the following qualifications:
Undergraduate Degrees
- BSc Land Surveying / Geomatics
- BSc Town and Urban and Regional Planning
- BSc Geo Informatics / Geographic Information Science
- Bachelor in Geomatics / Surveying
- Bachelor in Town and Urban and Regional Planning
Diplomas
- Diploma in Geomatics / Surveying / GIS
- Diploma in Town and Urban and Regional Planning
Postgraduate Studies
Funding is also available for:
- Advanced Diploma
- Honours
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Postgraduate applicants must undertake research projects that fall within DLRRD priority research areas.
Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet the academic requirements for their chosen qualification.
For the following BSc qualifications, applicants must have achieved:
- Mathematics: Level 5 (60 to 69%)
- Physical Science or Geography: Level 5 (60 to 69%)
This applies to:
- BSc Land Surveying / Geomatics
- BSc Town and Urban and Regional Planning
- BSc Geo Informatics / Geographic Information Science
Applicants for the following qualifications require:
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50 to 59%)
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50 to 59%)
Applicable qualifications include:
- Bachelor in Geomatics / Surveying
- Bachelor in Town and Urban and Regional Planning
- Diploma in Geomatics / Surveying / GIS
- Diploma in Town and Urban and Regional Planning
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the DLRRD Bursary 2026, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Apply only for approved fields of study.
- Meet the required academic standards.
- Complete the official bursary application form.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
Applications for qualifications outside the approved list will not be considered.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copies of academic certificates or latest academic results.
- University acceptance letter, if available.
Applicants who have not yet received their university acceptance letter or final results may still submit their application while waiting for these documents.
Application Process
Prospective applicants should:
- Complete the official online bursary application form.
- Ensure all required information is accurate.
- Upload or submit all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Click here to apply for the DLRRD Bursary 2026
Only successful applicants will be contacted after the selection process has been completed.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is:
30 September 2025
Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid missing this opportunity.
Why You Should Apply
The DLRRD Bursary 2026 provides more than financial assistance. It supports the development of skilled professionals who will contribute to land administration, urban planning, rural development, and geographic information management in South Africa.
These professions continue to play an important role in infrastructure development, environmental management, housing, and sustainable land use planning.
For students interested in these fields, this bursary offers an outstanding opportunity to gain a recognised qualification with comprehensive financial support.
Final Thoughts
The DLRRD Bursary 2026 is an excellent opportunity for academically capable South African students who wish to study Geomatics, GIS, Land Surveying, or Town and Regional Planning.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, begin preparing your application early, gather all required supporting documents, and submit your application before the closing date. Early preparation can greatly improve your chances of securing this valuable government bursary.