ABOUT US
The Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute was established in 1898 and was the first centre for agricultural training in Africa. In the Republic of South Africa, the Institute has secured an eminent track record in agriculture especially in the field of agricultural training.
Our Vision: The Advancement of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute as an agricultural and educational centre of excellence to the benefit of the broader community.
Our Mission: To promote sound, integrated managerial and skills training in agriculture with advanced specialisation in area specific fields of excellence informed by industry and societal needs.
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COURSES ON OFFER
At present, training programmes are offered at Higher Education and Training (HET) and Agricultural Skills Development (ASD) levels.
Higher Education and Training (HET)
The HET programme aims to train junior farm managers, production managers, technicians, value chain role-players and advisors with a wide range of technical and practical skills, detailed knowledge and understanding that will equip them to seek a diverse range of employment opportunities, or to further learning and training within the agricultural industry.
An objective is to maintain a healthy balance between theory and practice and practicing the philosophy of “Training by doing” is an important feature during practical sessions. Close collaboration with researchers from the Department of Agriculture and commercial farmers is a special support feature, enhancing the standard of tuition. The training is based on farming enterprises and demands, with the main focus on the Agricultural commodities of the Western Cape.
The main study fields in the B.Agric degree are: Plant Production, Animal Production, Plant and Animal Production, Cellar Technology, Cellar Management, Extension and Plant Production and Extension and Animal Production.
Admission requirements:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to bachelor’s degree studies and an aggregate of at least 55% (excluding Life Orientation).
In addition to the general admission requirements, the following is required for admission to the programmes:
4 (50%) for Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) AND
4 (50%) for Mathematics or 5 (60%) for Mathematics literacy AND
4 (50%) for Physical Sciences OR
4 (50%) Life Science OR
4 (50%) Agricultural Sciences
The Diploma in Agriculture programme is a three-year course specialising in one of four study field options: Plant Production, Animal Production, Plant and Animal Production or Cellar Technology.
Admission requirements:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to diploma studies and an aggregate of at least 40% (excluding Life Orientation).
In addition to the general admission requirements, the following is required for admission to the programmes:
3 (40%) for Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) AND
3 (40%) for Mathematics or 4 (50%) for Mathematics literacy AND
3 (40%) for Physical Sciences OR
3 (40%) Life Science OR
3 (40%) Agricultural Sciences
OR
The minimum requirements for admission according to the old school curriculum are as follows:
A Senior Certificate with a minimum of 40% (E-symbol) aggregate; and
A minimum of 40% (E-symbol) on SG for Biology or Science or Mathematics.
Equine Studies follows the Equine Qualifications Authority of South Africa (EQASA) syllabus. Modules 1 to 3 cover all aspects of horse care and stable yard management. The modules are progressively studied and assessed; a successful learner at Module 3 will be qualified to run a stable yard.
Admission requirements:
National Senior Certificate
Module 1: EQASA: Professional Groom
Entry level subjects on horse handling, use and care of equipment in general use. Learning about the horse’s natural life style, actions and reactions.
Module 2: EQASA Certificate: Professional Head Groom
Building on the first module, with more in-depth knowledge required. Learning the symptoms and signs of ill/good health in an equine. Lunging a trained horse for exercise. A comprehensive knowledge of all equipment in common use including a double bridle.
Module 3: EQASA Certificate: Professional Stable Yard Manager
Many of the subjects that were incorporated together in the previous modules now become ‘stand-alone’ subjects. An in-depth understanding of conformation, horse health, hoof care, feeding and diet and business management is required. There is a written General Knowledge paper at this level in which learners must demonstrate understanding of equine terminology as well as stable yard construction. Learners must have a valid Level 1 First Aid Certificate.
Agricultural Skills Development (ASD)
The Occupational Certificates offered at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). An occupational qualification is a qualification associated with a trade, occupation or profession resulting from work-based learning. Occupational qualifications make work experience an important part of learning.
The Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute also provides short courses for commercial farmers, emerging farmers, land reform beneficiaries and all agricultural interested parties. Short courses are presented on farms, in rural communities, at the ASD decentralised training centres based in George, Oudtshoorn, Bredasdorp, Clanwilliam and Elsenburg.
ABOUT THE QCTO
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) was established in terms of the Skills Development Act, (Act no. 97 of 1998). It is the Quality Council responsible for the Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework (OQSF), given the mandate, to quality assure occupational qualifications and the development thereof.
WHY A QCTO QUALIFICATION?
- All QCTO qualifications have a work experience component that increases one’s probability of employability (Applied knowledge)
- QCTO qualifications are demand-driven, meaning they address the needs of the labour market
- The QCTO adapts a blended learning approach that integrates classroom based and practical field assessments.
- This allows students to not only be knowledgeable on the subject matter but acquire all skills to increase their employability in the field of Agriculture.
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATES
- Orchard and Vineyard Foreman
- Occupational Certificate: National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 04
- Livestock Farmer (Livestock Farm Supervisor)
- Occupational Certificate: National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 03
- The duration of an occupational qualification is a maximum of one year.
APPLICATIONS:
- Applications open on 01 April and close on 30 June annually.
- All applications are subject to the formal selection and admission process of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute.
- Limited space is available for the Occupational Programmes.
- The successful applicant will sign a legal agreement with an employer, stating the rights and responsibilities of the learner, and will follow the academic programme of the Occupational Qualification.
- The employer provides the work experience part of the Occupational Qualification and signs the same legal agreement stating the employer’s rights and responsibilities.
- Training providers provide the training on behalf of the employer and sign the same legal agreement stating the training provider’s rights and responsibilities.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
- The Occupational Qualification is offered to students at no cost and funded by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. The only cost that is not covered is transport to and from Elsenburg and the practical facility.
- The WCDoA covers the following costs:
- Registration fee, Class fees, Computer usage, Photocopy fee, Printing fee, Stipends, Hostel Accommodation for successful hostel applicants, meals and protective clothing)
WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I RECEIVE ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE?
- On successful completion of the Occupational Qualification, an Occupational Certificate is obtained on the relevant NQF Level of the chosen study field.
- At the end of the academic year, successful students take part in the graduation ceremony where they are awarded certificates issued by QCTO.
- Further studies are encouraged to better your situation.
WILL I GET A JOB AFTER COMPLETING THE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION?
No employment is guaranteed. The employer who provides you with an opportunity for practical workplace experience also does not have an obligation to provide you with employment. However, the Occupational Qualification will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge, which will put you in a more employable position.
QUALIFICATIONS OFFERED:
A. Occupational Certificate: Orchard and Vineyard Foreman NQF Level 04:
Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) Number: 110667
Entrance requirements:
- Learners in possession of five years of experience as a supervisor on a horticultural farm with literacy and numeracy at AET Level 3; or
- NQF Level 2 (Grade 10/ Std. 8) with Communication; i.e. English Home Language or English Additional Language; and Mathematics Literacy.
COMPULSORY Requirement: Access to a Farm for Practical
B. Occupational Certificate: Livestock Farmer (Livestock Farm Supervisor) NQF Level 03:
Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) Number: 99253
Entrance requirements:
- Learners in possession of NQF level 1 (Grade 9/ Std. 7) with Communication i.e. English Home Language or English Additional Language; and Mathematical Literacy.
COMPULSORY requirement: Access to land or Farm for Practical
Preference will be given to applicants residing in the Western Cape Province. The following will be beneficial towards placement on the Occupational Qualification Programme and must be indicated on the application and/or CV of the applicant.
- Farm/Agri Worker child
- Residing in Rural Area
- Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Science
- Life Science
- Agricultural Science
- Agricultural experience and training
- Beneficiaries of farm/land for agricultural purposes.
ROLL-OUT OF OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION PROGRAMME (Subject to change)
The Occupational Qualification Programme integrates theory, practical and workplace experience and will be scheduled to ensure exposure and assessment on all three aspects.
Graduation: Early December each year
Note: A detailed calendar / year planner will be available to successful candidates upon registration in January of the relevant academic year.
WORKPLACE INTEGRATED LEARNING
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute offers non-formal short courses over a period of 1 to 10 days. Beneficiaries will receive a certificate of attendance.
APPLICATIONS AND FEES
Higher Education & Training
B.Agric Degree
Applications for the B.Agric degree programme opens in April 2024 and closes on 31 July 2024. All applications should be submitted electronically via the Stellenbosch University Online Application System. For enquiries, applicants should send an email to info@sun.ac.za or phone +27 21 808 9111.
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Diploma in Agriculture
Applications for the Diploma in Agriculture opens on 01 April 2024 and closes on 30 June 2024. All applications should be submitted via the EATI Online Application System.
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Equine Studies
Applications for Equine Studies opens on 01 April 2024 and closes on 30 June 2024. All applications should be submitted via the EATI Online Application System.
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Application enquiries related to the B.Agric, Diploma in Agriculture and Equine Studies programmes can be directed to the following officials:
- She-Earl April on 021 808 7691 or email She-Earl.April@westerncape.gov.za
- Elizabeth Everts on 021 808 7652 or email Elizabeth.Everts@westerncape.gov.za
FEES
Click here for more information regarding fees.
BURSARIES
EATI Bursary Advertisement 2025
EATI Bursary Application Form 2025
Agricultural Skills Development
Occupational Certificate Programmes
Applications for the Occupational Certificate Programmes opens on 01 April 2024 and closes on 30 June 2024 and should be submitted via the EATI Online Application System.
Click here for more information
Occupational Certificate application enquiries can be directed to the following officials:
- Jacqueline Julius on 021 808 7006 or email Jacqueline.Julius@westerncape.gov.za
- Pamela Sipele on 021 808 7716 or email Pamela.Sipele@westerncape.gov.za
Please note that no late applications for the above-mentioned formal qualifications will be considered.
Short Courses
Applications for the Short Courses can be done throughout the year. Short Courses are offered on an ad hoc and demand basis and as soon as a minimum of 12 prospective students are on the list for a specific course, the students will be informed of the date, time and venue when that short course will be presented.
Short course enquiries can be directed to the following officials:
- Jacqueline Julius on 021 808 7006 or email Jacqueline.Julius@westerncape.gov.za
CONTACT US
All correspondence must be directed to:
Head: Student Affairs
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute
Private Bag X1,
Elsenburg,
7607
Tel: +27 21 808 5451
E-mail: DOA.Study@westerncape.gov.za
Other training centres:
Bredasdorp: +27 28 425 4810
Clanwilliam: +27 27 482 1362
Outeniqua (George): +27 44 874 8080
Oudtshoorn: +27 44 279 4086
