Top 20 agricultural colleges in South Africa in 2026: best courses
South Africa has invested in agricultural institutions over the years. Institutions such as Ekurhuleni Agriculture College, Glen Agricultural College, and Lowveld College of Agriculture (LCA) rank among the top agricultural colleges in South Africa. So if you are asking yourself, in which college can I study Agriculture in South Africa? Then look no further.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- List of the 20 agricultural colleges in South Africa
- 20. College for Sustainable Agriculture
- 19. Hygro Training College
- 18. Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute
- 17. Buhle Farmers Academy
- 16. Lovedale Public TVET
- 15. Weston Agricultural College
- 14. Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI)
- 13. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College
- 12. Taung Agricultural College
- 11. Potchefstroom College of Agriculture
- 10. Owen Sitole College of Agriculture (OSCA)
- 9. Madzivhandila College of Agriculture
- 8. Marapyane College of Agriculture
- 7. Lowveld College of Agriculture (LCA)
- 6. Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI)
- 5. Glen Agricultural College
- 4. Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute (FCAFTI)
- 3. Elsenburg Agricultural Training College
- 2. Ekurhuleni Agriculture College
- 1. Cedara College of Agriculture
- Agricultural colleges in South Africa in 2026 fee structure
- What requirements are needed to study agriculture in South Africa?
- Are there free agriculture courses in South Africa?
- Which institutions offer online agriculture courses in South Africa?
- Which TVET colleges have agriculture courses?
- Which agriculture course is best in South Africa?
- Which college offers agriculture in Pretoria?
- Where can you study agriculture in South Africa?
- What is the best college to go to for Agriculture?
- Which Agriculture course is most marketable?
- Does NSFAS fund Cedara College of Agriculture?
- What are the agricultural colleges that are still open for application in 2026 in South Africa?
Key takeaways
- There are numerous agricultural institutions in South Africa that offer qualifications ranging from certificates to Master's degrees.
- These colleges include Cedara College of Agriculture, Ekurhuleni Agriculture College, Elsenburg Agricultural Training College and Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute.
- The Cedara College of Agriculture is largely considered the best college to study agriculture in the country.
- These institutions work closely with industry partners such as Agri SA, the biggest agricultural organisations in South Africa.
List of the 20 agricultural colleges in South Africa
South Africa has undoubtedly made major milestones in its education system over the years. Here are the best agricultural colleges in South Africa in 2026.
Rank | College |
1. | Cedara College of Agriculture |
2. | Ekurhuleni Agriculture College |
3. | Elsenburg Agricultural Training College |
4. | Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute (FCAFTI) |
5. | Glen Agricultural College |
6. | Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) |
7. | Lowveld College of Agriculture (LCA) |
8. | Marapyane College of Agriculture |
9. | Madzivhandila College of Agriculture |
10. | Owen Sitole College of Agriculture (OSCA) |
11. | Potchefstroom College of Agriculture |
12. | Taung Agricultural College |
13. | Tompi Seleka Agricultural College |
14. | Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) |
15. | Weston Agricultural College |
16. | Lovedale Public TVET |
17. | Buhle Farmers Academy |
18. | Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute |
19. | Hygro Training College |
20. | College for Sustainable Agriculture |
20. College for Sustainable Agriculture
- Phone: 021 855 2848
- Email address: info@csaea.co.za
The College for Sustainable Agriculture was established in 1996. They offer experience in developing and implementing training programs on commercial farms within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Their programs are designed to align with the NQF's levels 1 to 4.
19. Hygro Training College
Source: UGC
- Phone: +27 76 814 0478
- Email address: info@hygro.co.za
Hygro Training College offers full-time paid training to qualifying students. The student is required to complete two years of theory and 1-year practice training to graduate. Courses offered at Hygro Training College include the following:
- Diploma in Animal Production
- Diploma in Crop Production
- Diploma in Mixed Farming
- Diploma in Agricultural Management
18. Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute
- Phone: +27 (12) 420-3937 or 3938
- Email address: madelein.vanheerden@fabi.up.ac.za
The Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute at the University of Pretoria is a post-graduate research institute. The institute's goal is to assist in the development of new food and fibre crops that will clearly contribute to global economic development and food security. Some of their major departments include:
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Extension and Rural Development
- Consumer and Food Sciences and Plant and Soil Sciences
17. Buhle Farmers Academy
- Phone: + 27 (0) 12 492 1383
- Email address: info@buhle.org.za
Buhle Farmers Academy is a non-profit organisation that trains and mentors new farmers. The college was established in 2000; since then, the institution has trained over 6000 emerging farmers. Below are the courses offered by the Buhle Farmers Academy.
Long courses
- Livestock production
- Vegetable production
- Poultry production
- Grain crop production
Short courses
- Hydroponics
- Seeding production
- Small stock production
- Introduction to basic vegetable production
- Introduction to layer house management
- Tractor operation and maintenance
- Introduction to piggery management
- Introduction to broiler production
16. Lovedale Public TVET
- Phone: 087 238 2223
- Email address: headquarters@lovedale.org.za
Among other courses, Lovedale Public TVET offers agricultural programs at the Alice campus. The college is committed to providing quality education and training relevant to industry and society's needs.
It aims to empower its students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in their chosen careers and contribute to developing their communities and the country.
15. Weston Agricultural College
- Phone: +27 (033) 263 1328
- Email address: contact@weston.co.za
Weston Agricultural College is a reputable boys' institution that offers a range of academic and vocational courses in agriculture, including animal production, crop production, agricultural economics, and agribusiness. Additionally, Weston Agricultural College provides extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and cultural events to its students.
14. Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI)
- Phone: 047 542 0220/1
- Email address: ntsabohm@hotmail.com
TARDI is situated in Mhlontlo Local Municipality, Tsolo, 5170, South Africa. The learning institution is also known for offering several agricultural courses. However, many students like the TARDI institution because of its 3-year-long Diploma in Animal Health course.
13. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College
Source: UGC
- Phone: +27 13 264 5300
- Email address: tshwanamodisephilemon@yahoo.com
Tompi Seleka Agricultural College is widely reported as one of the most affordable public agricultural colleges in South Africa. The main programmes to study in Tompi Seleka Agricultural College are:
- Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production
- Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production
- Recognition of Prior Learning
- Learnership Programme
Tompi Seleka online application 2026
To apply online for Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture (TSCA) in 2026, visit their official website at www.tsca.gov.za, click the "How to apply" button, and follow the steps outlined in the downloadable guide to complete the online application for their Diploma in Agriculture program.
Tompi Seleka's online application for 2026 opened in July 2025, and the closing date is December 6, 2025.
12. Taung Agricultural College
- Phone: +27 60 504 8149
- Email address: avanheerden@nwpg.gov.za
Taung Agricultural College is among the registered agricultural TVET colleges in South Africa. The institution is situated on the Main Road, Taung, 8584, South Africa. Taung Agricultural College offers diplomas in Agriculture, Irrigation, Soil Science, Animal Production, and other short Management courses.
11. Potchefstroom College of Agriculture
Source: UGC
- Phone: +27 18 285 0700
- Email address: PotchCollege@nwpg.gov.za
Potchefstroom College of Agriculture is situated at Chris Hani St, Potchefstroom Rural 2, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa. The institution was established in 1909. The main courses offered at Potchefstroom College include:
- Animal Production
- Agricultural Management & IT
- Plant Production
- Agricultural Engineering (Trades)
It is compulsory for the students to take all four courses. There are sub-courses under each course. You can visit its website or contact the institution for more course information.
Potchefstroom Agricultural College online application 2026 for undergraduate courses?
Potchefstroom agricultural college's online application for 2026 opening date (PCA) 2026 intake was on April 1, and it closed on to October 31, 2025.
10. Owen Sitole College of Agriculture (OSCA)
- Phone: 033 - 355 9100
- Email address: siya.mazibuko@kzndae.gov.za
The college was formerly known as Cwaka Agricultural College. It was founded in 1968 and renamed in 1985. The institution is named after the late Inkosi Sigidisabathembu Owen Lancelot Sitole, and they offer animal and crop production courses. It's among the best top 10 agricultural colleges in South Africa.
9. Madzivhandila College of Agriculture
Source: UGC
- Phone: 0159627200
- Email address: tshisikulemc@gmail.com
Madzivhandila College of Agriculture is a public learning institution established in 1982. The college is situated in Budeli Village, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa.
The courses offered at Madzivhandila College of Agriculture are diplomas in Animal and Plant Production, and some of the main modules to cover in the courses include:
- Basic Plant and Animal Science
- Agricultural Calculations
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Mechanisation and Structures
- Animal Breeding
- Agricultural Extension
- Anatomy and Physiology
8. Marapyane College of Agriculture
- Phone: 012-0100010
- Email address: gerhardpviljoen@gmail.com
The Marapyane College of Agriculture is amalgamated with the University of Mpumalanga. The college campus offers a comprehensive program that includes:
- Farm Management
- Animal Health and Production
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
They also offer subjects like soil science, water management, plant propagation, computer science, plant protection, farm management and agricultural engineering.
7. Lowveld College of Agriculture (LCA)
- Phone: (013) 766 6074
- Email address: sibanyonipc@mpg.gov.za
Lowveld College of Agriculture is amalgamated with the University of Mpumalanga. It is situated in Nelspruit. Lowveld College of Agriculture has a total area of 282 ha, of which 100ha is irrigated. The courses offered are:
- Farm management
- Forestry
- Animal Health and Production/ Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
6. Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI)
- Phone: 049 842 6725
- Email address: gfar-secretariat@fao.org
Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute is based in the Great Karoo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Established in 1911, it boasts extensive training, research, and extension experience. GADI agriculture courses list has the following programs:
- National Diploma in Agriculture
- Junior Merino, Dorper and Boer Goat Judging
- Senior Dorper and Boer Goat Judging
- SA Mutton Merino and Dohne Merino courses
- Large- and Small Stock AI courses
- Pregnancy Determination courses
- Vermin and Sheep Dog Handling
5. Glen Agricultural College
- Phone: 051 861 8432
- Email address: hodofficemanager@dard.gov.za
There are many accredited agricultural colleges in South Africa, and Glen College of Agriculture is among them. The college is located in Grasslands, Heidedal, Bloemfontein. Some of the diploma courses offered in the public institute include:
- Zoology
- Wool Technology
- Animal Nutrition
- Agricultural Statistics
- Farm Technology
- Soil Science
- Principles of Animal Health
- Farm Accounting
- Production Economics
- Seed Technology
4. Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute (FCAFTI)
Source: UGC
- Phone: 040 653 8033/4/5
- Email address: admin@fortcox.ac.za
FCAFTI is one of the oldest higher learning institutions in South Africa. It has been in existence since 1930. Interestingly, it is known for being among the few colleges in the country offering diplomas in forestry. Other programs offered at FCAFTI include:
- Diploma in Animal Production
- Diploma in Agribusiness
- Advanced Diploma in Animal Production
- Diploma in Crop Production
- Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
- Advanced Diploma in Horticulture
- Diploma in Forestry
- Advanced Diploma in Forestry Management
3. Elsenburg Agricultural Training College
- Phone: +27 21 808 5111
- Email address: Info@westerncape.gov.za
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute is widely considered to be among the top 10 agricultural colleges in South Africa. Some of the best courses offered in the institution are:
- Diploma in Agriculture
- Diploma in Extension
- Plant production
- Animal Production
- Diploma in Cellar Technology
- Wine Production
- Equine Studies
2. Ekurhuleni Agriculture College
- Phone: +27 11 969 6022
- Email address: info@ekurhuleni-agri-college.co.za
Ekurhuleni Agriculture College is among the best agricultural colleges in Gauteng. It offers a wide range of courses. The main ones are:
- Animal Production
- Plant Production
- Agriculture Equipment Services & Repair
- Mechanization
- Horticulture
- Soil Classification and Land Capability
- Agri-business entrepreneurial
- Mixed Farming Systems
- Veld Management
1. Cedara College of Agriculture
- Phone: 033 - 355 9100
- Email address: Bernd.lutge@kzndae.gov.za
It is among the leading agricultural colleges in KZN and was founded by Thomas Robertson Sim. It is based in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Some of the courses offered at Cedara College of Agriculture include:
- Broiler Production Skills Program
- Vegetable Production Skills Program
- Advanced Animal Production Skills Program
- Beef Production
- Organic Farming
- Skins and Hides Management
- Beekeeping
- Equine Nutrition
- Food Security
- Game Management
- Permaculture
Agricultural colleges in South Africa in 2026 fee structure
The fees for most agricultural colleges in South Africa vary from program to program. So be sure to check the websites for the specific colleges you want to apply to. Or visit the college's admissions office to make an enquiry.
What requirements are needed to study agriculture in South Africa?
Mostly, the requirements are determined by the course one pursues. However, a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) school-leaving certificate seems to be a requirement for most courses.
Are there free agriculture courses in South Africa?
Currently, there are no colleges or universities offering free agriculture courses in South Africa. However, a quick search on the internet will give you many options. Some even award learners certificates upon the completion of the courses.
Which institutions offer online agriculture courses in South Africa?
Many South African universities offer online courses. UNISA is among the leading ones offering a wide range of agricultural courses in the country.
Which TVET colleges have agriculture courses?
Some colleges offering various agricultural courses include Taung Agricultural College, Lovedale Public TVET, South Cape TVET College and Umfolozi TVET College.
Which agriculture course is best in South Africa?
There are several agriculture courses available in South Africa. They include agricultural science, agricultural engineering, agribusiness, horticulture, and animal science.
Which college offers agriculture in Pretoria?
The best agricultural college in Pretoria is the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute at the University of Pretoria. This post-graduate research institute was established in 1997.
Where can you study agriculture in South Africa?
There are numerous agricultural institutions in South Africa, such as Cedara College of Agriculture, Ekurhuleni Agriculture College, Elsenburg Agricultural Training College and Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute.
What is the best college to go to for Agriculture?
According to this list, the best college to study agriculture is Cedara College of Agriculture.
Which Agriculture course is most marketable?
While the "most marketable" course depends on specific job market fluctuations, specialisations in Agribusiness Management, Agronomy/Crop Science (especially with a focus on high-value or climate-resilient crops), and fields incorporating modern agricultural technology (agritech) are consistently in high demand in South Africa.
Does NSFAS fund Cedara College of Agriculture?
No, NSFAS generally does not fund students at Cedara College of Agriculture; it's typically funded by other bursaries like SITFE or provincial departments, as Cedara isn't usually listed as an NSFAS-approved institution for direct funding.
What are the agricultural colleges that are still open for application in 2026 in South Africa?
Several South African agricultural colleges, including Fort Cox, Tompi Seleka, and those in the North West Province (like Taung & Potchefstroom), are open for 2026 applications, often with deadlines around late 2025/early 2026.
There are many agricultural colleges in South Africa. These institutions are affordable and are spread across the country. The above list will help you make an informed decision as you go to the next level of your academic journey.
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