SACTA Bursaries 2027: Postgraduate Funding for Agriculture Students

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is inviting South African students to apply for its 2027 Bursary Programme. This opportunity is for postgraduate studies in fields related to the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Up to 3 years (depending on study level)
Stipend: Up to R131,250 per annum
Minimum Qualification: Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree

About the SACTA Bursary Programme

The SACTA Bursary Programme aims to support postgraduate students who are pursuing qualifications relevant to South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology sector. This bursary is intended to foster advancements and expertise within this critical industry. It provides financial assistance for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies at recognised and accredited tertiary institutions.

Successful applicants will be expected to conduct research that directly benefits the South African grain and oilseeds industry. The bursary comes with specific conditions that recipients must agree to, including a commitment to work within the industry after completing their studies. This ensures that the knowledge gained contributes back to the sector’s growth and development.

About SACTA

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is an organisation focused on advancing the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry in South Africa. It plays a role in supporting research and development initiatives that aim to improve crop varieties, agricultural practices, and overall industry efficiency. SACTA’s work is important for ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the country’s agricultural sector.

Available Bursary Opportunities

Bursaries are available for postgraduate studies in a variety of fields that are relevant to the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. These include, but are not limited to:

• Agronomy
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Engineering
• Agricultural Meteorology
• Biometry
• Conservation Agriculture
• Data Science
• Demand Planning
• Food Sciences (relevant to the crop industry)
• Livestock Science
• Molecular Biology
• Pasture Science
• Plant Biochemistry
• Plant Breeding
• Plant Entomology
• Plant Nematology
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Virology
• Precision Agriculture
• Seed Applied Technologies
• Soil Microbiology
• Soil Science
• Weed Science

What the Bursary Offers

The SACTA Bursary offers significant financial support for postgraduate studies. The funding amount varies based on the level of study. Master’s by Dissertation students can receive up to R99,750 per annum for a maximum of two years. Doctoral (PhD) students can receive up to R131,250 per annum for a maximum of three years.

Funds are disbursed based on the bursary recipient’s approved progress reports, which must be submitted alongside their supervisor’s input. The first instalment of the bursary funding is expected to be paid in January 2027. While funding for Honours studies is not explicitly detailed, the programme supports postgraduate advancement broadly.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary programme supports studies for up to three years, depending on the level of postgraduate qualification being pursued (Master’s or Doctoral). The bursary is open to students studying at recognised and accredited tertiary institutions within South Africa. Successful candidates will be expected to conduct research relevant to the South African grain and oilseeds industry.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the SACTA Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have completed Matric or Grade 12.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time towards an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral qualification.
• The chosen field of study must be relevant to the South African breeding and technology industry.
• Be enrolled or intend to enrol at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution.
• Not be receiving any other bursary or funding award, unless specifically agreed to by the Trust.
• Intend to complete a dissertation or thesis on a topic approved by the Trust.
• Be willing to work within the South African agricultural industry after completing their studies.
• Read and agree to the SACTA bursary conditions, policies, and procedures.
• Agree to the terms of the Legal Undertaking as outlined in the application form.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, applicants who demonstrate strong academic abilities and a clear commitment to the agricultural sector will be favoured. A willingness to learn and contribute to industry-specific research is essential. Applicants should also be able to articulate their future career goals and how this bursary will help them achieve them.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for South African citizens who have completed Matric and are pursuing or wish to pursue postgraduate studies in agriculture, specifically in fields related to grain and oilseeds. It is suited for ambitious individuals who are passionate about research and development within the agricultural sector and are committed to contributing to the industry’s growth after graduation. If you aim to advance your academic career in plant science, agronomy, or related fields, this opportunity could be a great fit.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following supporting documents:

• A certified copy of your South African ID document or passport (certified within the last three months).
• A colour ID photograph.
• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of tertiary registration and a fee statement on the institution’s letterhead.
• Your full tertiary academic record, including the latest results, on the institution’s letterhead.
• Details of your proposed research, including a working research title.
• A description of the proposed research.
• A Gantt chart for the proposed research.
• A motivational letter supporting your application.

The motivational letter should detail your academic abilities, financial need, and future career goals. If proof of registration and the fee statement are not yet available, they can be submitted after registration.

How to Apply

Applications for the SACTA Bursary 2027 must be submitted online.

Click here to apply for the SACTA Bursary 2027

Before applying, it is important to familiarise yourself with the bursary conditions, policies, and procedures. You can find this information here:

SACTA Bursary Conditions, Policies and Procedures

All applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for telephonic interviews. Successful candidates are expected to be notified within eight weeks after the application closing date. If you do not receive feedback within this timeframe, please consider your application unsuccessful. Bursary recipients are required to work within the South African grain and oilseeds industry for a period equal to the duration of their bursary support after graduation.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SACTA Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026.

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