Agricultural Scientist / Agronomist
Improve crop and livestock production, soil health and food security for farms, co-ops and government.
What the job involves
- Advise farmers on crops, soil and fertiliser.
- Run field trials and monitor yields.
- Work for agribusiness, co-ops, research councils or government.
School subjects you need
Mathematics strongly preferred. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences
- English
- Agricultural Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Geography
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Bachelor's pass for BSc Agric; Diploma pass for agricultural diplomas
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 26–34
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- Mathematics: 50–60%+
- Life Sciences: 50–60%+
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- BSc Agriculture4 years
Specialisations include agronomy, animal science, soil science and agricultural economics.
- Agricultural diploma at a college or university of technology3 years
Practical, farm-based training with strong employment links.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R20 000 – R32 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R35 000 – R60 000 per month
- Senior
- R70 000 – R110 000 per month
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of Cape TownUCT · Cape Town
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- North-West UniversityNWU · Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
- University of the Free StateUFS · Bloemfontein
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes · Makhanda
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- University of ZululandUniZulu · KwaDlangezwa, Richards Bay
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversitySMU · Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria
- Sol Plaatje UniversitySPU · Kimberley
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Vaal University of TechnologyVUT · Vanderbijlpark
- Mangosuthu University of TechnologyMUT · Umlazi, Durban
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Usiza abalimi ngezitshalo, inhlabathi nemfuyo. Kudinga iLife Sciences neMathematics.
Afrikaans: Verbeter oeste en veeproduksie. Lewenswetenskappe en Wiskunde is nodig.