South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to offer meaningful opportunities for young people who want to build careers in farming, agri-processing, and agricultural management. However, entering the industry without the right skills or qualifications can be difficult.
The Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority, widely known as AgriSETA, has introduced its Skills Development Programmes for the 2026–2027 cycle to help address this challenge.
These programmes are designed to equip young people with practical agricultural knowledge while also offering financial support during training. Participants gain workplace exposure, industry-recognized qualifications, and mentorship from experienced professionals in the agricultural field.
For individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who want to enter the agricultural sector, these programmes could provide a valuable pathway toward employment and long-term career growth.
Programme Overview
The Skills Development Programmes are coordinated by AgriSETA in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The goal is to strengthen South Africa’s agricultural workforce by developing skills among unemployed youth and individuals already working in agriculture who need further training.
Participants can access different types of programmes depending on their qualifications, career goals, and experience levels.
These opportunities include:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Bursaries
- Short Skills Programmes
Each programme combines theoretical learning with practical training through accredited training providers.
Types of Programmes Available
Learnerships
Learnerships are structured training programmes that combine classroom learning with workplace experience.
They usually run for 12 to 18 months and lead to nationally recognized qualifications ranging from NQF Level 2 to NQF Level 5.
Common learning areas include:
- Animal Production
- Horticulture
- Agricultural Sales
- Farm Operations
Participants typically receive a monthly stipend ranging between R2,500 and R4,500 to assist with basic expenses during training.
These programmes are ideal for individuals who want to gain both practical farming experience and formal qualifications.
Bursaries
Bursaries are designed for students pursuing agricultural studies at universities or colleges.
Funding may cover key education expenses such as:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials and textbooks
Bursaries can be worth up to R100,000, depending on the qualification and institution.
Fields of study supported by the bursary programme include:
- Veterinary Science
- Bachelor of Agriculture (B Agric)
- Other agricultural-related qualifications
These bursaries aim to support students who want to pursue professional careers in agriculture.
Internships
Internships target graduates who already hold a diploma or degree in an agricultural discipline.
These programmes normally run for 18 to 24 months and offer practical workplace experience in agricultural environments.
Participants may receive a monthly stipend ranging between R3,000 and R4,500.
Internships allow graduates to gain industry exposure while building professional experience that can improve their employability.
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Skills Programmes
Skills programmes are short, targeted courses designed to provide specific technical skills.
They usually run between one and six months.
Examples of training areas include:
- Farm maintenance
- Agricultural sales
- Agricultural processing
- Equipment handling
These programmes are especially useful for individuals who want to quickly develop practical skills that can improve their job prospects.
What the Programme Offers
The Skills Development Programmes provide several benefits to participants who want to build careers in agriculture.
These benefits include:
- Practical agricultural training
- Nationally recognized qualifications or certificates
- Access to experienced mentors
- Training through accredited institutions
- Monthly stipends for certain programmes
- Exposure to real agricultural operations
By combining training with workplace exposure, the programmes help participants develop the skills needed to succeed in the agricultural industry.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several requirements before they can be considered for the programmes offered by **AgriSETA.
General eligibility requirements include:
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35 for most programmes
- Must have a minimum qualification ranging from Grade 10 to Grade 12 depending on the programme
- Must be unemployed or working in agriculture and seeking additional training
- Must not currently be enrolled in another AgriSETA programme
- Must be able to pass background checks and have no criminal record
Additional requirements may apply depending on the specific programme.
For example:
- Internships require a diploma or degree
- Bursaries require proof of acceptance at a recognized tertiary institution
Who Is Given Preference
Although the programmes are open to many applicants, preference is often given to certain groups.
These include:
- Individuals from rural communities
- Women entering agricultural careers
- Persons living with disabilities
- Applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds
This approach aims to improve access to opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to entering the agricultural sector.
Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of participants vary depending on the programme they join.
Learnership Participants
Learners combine practical work with classroom training.
Activities may include:
- Planting and maintaining crops
- Caring for livestock
- Assisting with agricultural production processes
- Learning safety procedures and industry regulations
- Completing theoretical training modules
Bursary Recipients
Students supported through bursaries must maintain good academic performance.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Attending lectures and completing coursework
- Participating in research projects
- Taking part in practical agricultural fieldwork
Internship Participants
Interns work in real agricultural environments where they gain professional experience.
Typical activities may include:
- Assisting with farm management tasks
- Supporting agricultural projects
- Preparing reports and documentation
- Helping with data collection and analysis
Skills Programme Participants
Short-course participants focus on developing specific skills within a short timeframe.
Training may involve:
- Learning farm maintenance techniques
- Developing sales and marketing skills for agricultural products
- Operating agricultural equipment
Application Process
Applications for the Skills Development Programmes must be submitted directly to AgriSETA.
Applicants can submit their applications through one of the following methods.
Email applications can be sent to:
Applications may also be hand delivered to the AgriSETA offices located at:
529 Belvedere Road
Arcadia
Pretoria
Alternatively, applications can be posted to:
PO Box 23378
Gezina
0031
Applicants should ensure that all documents are properly certified before submission.
Required Documents
A complete application must include the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of school or tertiary qualifications
- Certified proof of residence issued within the last six months
- A letter clearly stating which programme you are applying for
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applicants should also note that **AgriSETA does not charge any application fees.
Important Notes
Applicants should be aware of several important points before applying.
- Applications must be submitted before the official deadlines announced by AgriSETA
- Bursary deadlines typically fall in February each year
- Programmes are offered through accredited training providers
- Applicants should monitor official announcements to confirm programme availability
If an applicant does not receive feedback within 90 days after the closing date, it usually means the application was not successful.
However, new opportunities are often announced each year.
Conclusion
The Skills Development Programmes offered by **AgriSETA provide valuable opportunities for young people who want to build careers in South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Through learnerships, internships, bursaries, and short skills programmes, participants gain practical training, industry-recognized qualifications, and exposure to real agricultural work environments.
For individuals who are passionate about farming, agricultural production, or agribusiness, these programmes can serve as an important stepping stone toward long-term employment and career growth.
FAQs
What is AgriSETA?
AgriSETA is the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for developing skills in South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Who can apply for these programmes?
South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 who meet the educational and programme-specific requirements.
Do the programmes provide financial support?
Yes. Learnerships and internships often include stipends, while bursaries may cover tuition, accommodation, and study materials.
Where does the training take place?
Training is provided through AgriSETA-accredited training providers and agricultural workplaces.
What happens if I do not receive feedback?
If you do not receive feedback within 90 days after the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. However, new programmes are usually offered every year.