If you’re between the ages of 18 and 35 and you’ve been struggling to find a path into South Africa’s agricultural industry, the AgriSETA Skills Development Programmes for 2025/2026 might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. These programmes are designed for people who want to gain practical skills and qualifications while getting a small stipend to help along the way.
AgriSETA, short for the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority, works with the Department of Higher Education and Training to offer real, career-building programmes like learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills training. These are aimed specifically at helping unemployed youth and workers in the agricultural space gain traction, qualifications, and ultimately jobs.
What Programmes Are Available?
AgriSETA offers four key types of opportunities:
- Learnerships that run for about 12 to 18 months and offer full qualifications (NQF Level 2 to 5). Fields include things like Animal Production, Horticulture, and Agri-Sales. A stipend of around R2,500 to R4,500 is paid each month.
- Bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in areas such as Veterinary Science or B Agric. These can be worth up to R100,000 and typically cover tuition, accommodation, and books.
- Internships designed for graduates with diplomas or degrees. These run for about 18 to 24 months and include a stipend of R3,000 to R4,500.
- Skills Programmes, which are short, focused courses lasting between 1 and 6 months. These are good for people needing targeted skills in farm maintenance, agri-sales, and similar areas.
All programmes are delivered through AgriSETA-accredited training providers and include both theory and practical components. Once completed, participants receive nationally recognised certificates or qualifications.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered, applicants must be:
- South African citizens with valid IDs.
- Between the ages of 18 and 35 (for learnerships and bursaries).
- Have at least Grade 10 to 12 depending on the programme.
- Unemployed, or employed within agriculture but needing further training.
- Not already involved in another AgriSETA programme.
- Able to pass background checks and have a clean criminal record.
Internships require a diploma or degree. Bursaries require proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution. For learnerships, a Grade 10 certificate may be enough depending on the focus area.
Preference is given to candidates from rural areas, women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
What Are the Benefits?
Besides gaining hands-on skills and a formal qualification, you’ll get access to experienced mentors, recognised training providers, and exposure to the real world of agriculture. For those on learnerships and internships, the monthly stipend helps ease financial pressure while you learn. Bursaries cover major expenses like tuition and accommodation.
Beyond that, these programmes can open real doors. Whether you’re trying to work on a farm, get into agri-processing, or move into agricultural management, this is one of the few direct paths into the sector that doesn’t require years of prior experience.
What Will You Be Doing?
This depends on the type of programme:
- Learnerships involve both study and practical work. You might find yourself in a field, taking care of livestock, planting crops, or working in processing. Classroom time will cover safety, regulations, and technical knowledge.
- Bursary recipients are expected to stay in good academic standing, attend lectures, and possibly participate in research or fieldwork.
- Internships place graduates in real-world agricultural environments where they can assist with farm management, reporting, project implementation, and even data analysis.
- Skills programmes are short and to the point, giving you a focused skill in a short amount of time—perfect if you just need a nudge in the right direction.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by early 2026. For bursaries, the deadline is usually in February, but exact dates may vary. Make sure to check the latest announcements from AgriSETA to confirm.
You can apply in one of three ways:
- Email your application to:
info@agriseta.co.za - Hand deliver it to: AgriSETA House, 529 Belvedere Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
- Post it to: PO Box 23378, Gezina, 0031
Your application must include:
- A detailed CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your school or tertiary qualifications
- Proof of residence (must be certified within the last 6 months)
- A letter stating clearly which programme you’re applying for (e.g., Learnership: Animal Production, or Bursary: B Agric)
AgriSETA doesn’t charge any application fees. If anyone tries to solicit payment, it’s a scam—report it.
Need Help?
For more information, reach out directly:
- Email:
info@agriseta.co.za - Phone: +27 12 301 5600
- Website: www.agriseta.co.za
- Physical Address: 529 Belvedere Road, Arcadia, Pretoria
- Postal Address: PO Box 23378, Gezina, 0031
If you don’t hear back within 90 days after the closing date, unfortunately, your application was not successful. But don’t give up—AgriSETA runs programmes every year.