Agriculture & Environment
Agricultural Scientist
You improve how food is grown so the country can eat.
- Starting salary
- R18 000 – R30 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You improve how food is grown so the country can eat.
A day in the life
You test soil and crops, run trials, advise farmers and research better farming methods.
Skills you need
- Science
- Practical work
- Data
- Advising
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Mathematics
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Agriculture
- 3Honours / practical experience
- 4Agricultural scientist
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology · TVET College · Learnership. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Free State
- North-West University
- University of Limpopo
- University of Venda
- Tshwane University of Technology
- TVET Colleges nationwide
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R18 000 – R30 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R32 000 – R55 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R60 000 – R110 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Grow vegetables at home or school
- • Test different soils
- • Visit a local farm
Try this career
Grow the same plant in three different soils and record which grows best.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.