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

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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.

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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.

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Agricultural Skills Development (ASD)
The Learnerships offered at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute is a learning programme registered by AgriSETA and accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The programme empowers the student with an occupational qualification and the approach includes classroom-based theoretical learning, practical and workplace experience. 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.

What is a Learnership?
A Learnership is a learning programme which empowers the student with an occupational qualification. The Learnership approach includes classroom-based theoretical learning, practical and workplace experience.

How much will it cost?
The Learnership Programme is offered at no cost to the student and funded by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture – the only cost for the student is transport to and from the training centre.

How long does it take?
The duration of the Learnership is a minimum of 10 months.

What will I get at the end of the Learnership?
On successful completion of the Learnership, an NQF (National Qualifications Framework) qualification is obtained. At the end of the academic year, successful students take part in the graduation ceremony where they are awarded certificates issued by AgriSeta and endorsed with the SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) hologram. Further studies are always encouraged to better your situation.

Will I get a job after completing the Learnership?
No employment is guaranteed. The employer who provides you with an opportunity for practical workplace experience also doesn’t have an obligation to provide you with employment. However, the Learnership programme will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge which will put you in a more employable position.

Elsenburg is accredited to offer the following:

Certificate: Plant Production (NQF 1) or Animal Production (NQF 1)
Accredited by the AgriSETA, Plant Production (SAQA ID 48972), or Animal Production (SAQA ID, 48970), will be presented for a minimum of 10 months.

Entrance requirements:
·        Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, with basic numeracy/literacy and communication competencies equivalent to NQF level 1 (Grade 9/ Std 7)
·        Youth, women and unemployed from previously disadvantaged communities involved in agricultural projects.
·        Learners from both genders
·        Access to land or Farm for Practical

National Certificate: Plant Production (NQF 4) or Animal Production (NQF 4)
Accredited by the AgriSETA, Plant Production (SAQA ID 49009), or Animal Production (SAQA ID, 48979) will be presented for a minimum of 10 months.

Entrance requirements:
·    Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, with basic numeracy/literacy and communication competencies equivalent to NQF level 3 (Grade 10/ Std 8)
·        Youth, women and unemployed from previously disadvantaged communities involved in agricultural projects.
·        Learners from both genders
·        Access to land or Farm for Practical

Note: The generic Plant Production qualification is presented in three agricultural disciplines; namely Vegetable Production, Viticulture and Pomology. Each programme is identical with regard to the registered unit standards, however, teaching within the programmes focus on the relevant commodity respectively.

Please take note:

Elsenburg ASD is accredited for all the above qualifications but not all qualifications will be presented during the year.

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Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute offers non-formal short courses over a period of 1 to 10 days. Beneficiaries will receive a certificate of attendance. 

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APPLICATIONS AND FEES

APPLICATIONS

B.Agric Degree

Applications for the B.Agric degree programme opens in April 2023 and closes on 31 July 2023. 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.

Diploma in Agriculture
Applications for the Diploma in Agriculture opens on 01 April 2023 and closes on 30 June 2023. All applications should be submitted via the EATI Online Application System. Application enquiries can be directed to the officials indicated below. 

Equine Studies
Applications for Equine Studies opens on 01 April 2023 and closes on 30 June 2023. All applications should be submitted via the EATI Online Application System. Application enquiries can be directed to the officials indicated here:

Application enquiries related to the B.Agric, Diploma in Agriculture and Equine Studies programmes can be directed to the following officials:

Applicants with surnames beginning with the letters A – H:
Contact: She-Earl April on 021 808 7691 or email 
She-Earl.April@westerncape.gov.za 

Applicants with surnames beginning with the letters I – P:
Contact: Elizabeth Everts on 021 808 7652 or email Elizabeth.Everts@westerncape.gov.za 

Applicants with surnames beginning with the letters
 Q – Z:
Contact: Liesl Hendricks on 021 808 5453 or email 
Liesl.Hendricks2@westerncape.gov.za 


Agricultural Skills Development
Formal Qualification

Learnership Programme
Applications for the Learnership Programme opens on 01 April 2023 and closes on 30 June 2023 and should be submitted via the EATI Online Application System.

Learnership 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
FEES

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

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