Top 20 agricultural colleges in South Africa in 2024: best courses
Agriculture is the backbone of any country because it contributes to the overall economic development of a nation. Apart from providing food and raw materials, it also helps in creating employment opportunities. As a result, South Africa has invested in agricultural institutions over the years. Here are some of the top agricultural colleges in South Africa in 2024.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Top 20 agricultural colleges in South Africa
- 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
- 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?
Which agricultural course is best in South Africa? If you are a student seeking to pursue an agriculture course in college, you have many options to choose from. Here is an informative list of agricultural colleges in South Africa and the courses offered in each college to help you make an informed decision.
Top 20 agricultural colleges in South Africa
South Africa has undoubtedly made major milestones in its education system over the years. Here are the best colleges offering agricultural courses in South Africa.
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
2. Ekurhuleni Agriculture College
- Phone: +27 11 969 6022
- Email address: info@ekurhuleni-agri-college.co.za
Where is the best agriculture college? 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
3. Elsenburg Agricultural Training College
- Phone: +27 21 808 5111
- Email address: Info@westerncape.gov.za
Where can I study Agriculture in Western Cape? Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute is another top college to consider if you come from the Western Cape. 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
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
5. Glen Agricultural College
- Phone: 051 861 8432
- Email address: hodofficemanager@dard.gov.za
How many agricultural schools are in South Africa? There are many accredited agricultural colleges, 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
6. Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI)
- Phone: 049 842 6725
- Email address: gfar-secretariat@fao.org
Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute is based in 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
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 irritable. The courses offered are:
- Farm management
- Forestry
- Animal Health and Production/ Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
8. Marapyane College of Agriculture
Source: UGC
- 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.
9. Madzivhandila College of Agriculture
- 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. Application for the 2024 intake is currently going on.
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
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.
11. Potchefstroom College of Agriculture
- 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.
12. Taung Agricultural College
Source: UGC
- 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 in Irrigation, Soil Science, Animal production, and other short Management courses.
13. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College
- Phone: +27 13 264 5300
- Email address: tshwanamodisephilemon@yahoo.com
Tompi Seleka Agricultural College is another reputable agricultural college to consider if you are a student. 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
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 TARDI institution because of its 3-year-long Diploma in Animal Health course.
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.
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.
17. Buhle Farmers Academy
Source: UGC
- 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
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
19. Hygro Training College
- 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
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.
What requirements are needed to study agriculture in South Africa?
Source: UGC
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.
There are many agriculture 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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