SACTA Bursaries 2027: Postgraduate Funding for Agriculture Students

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is inviting South African students to apply for its 2027 Postgraduate Bursary Programme. This opportunity is for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students in fields related to South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. The bursary offers significant funding for successful applicants.

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 studies

About the SACTA Bursary Programme

The SACTA Bursary Programme aims to support postgraduate students who are pursuing qualifications that will benefit South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology sector. This bursary is designed to encourage research and development in critical areas of agriculture. It provides financial assistance for studies at recognised and accredited tertiary institutions across South Africa.

The programme requires recipients to conduct research relevant to the industry. Successful applicants will gain valuable experience and contribute to advancements in agricultural science. The funding is intended to help students focus on their studies and research without significant financial strain.

About SACTA

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is an organisation focused on advancing the grain and oilseeds industry in South Africa. It plays a role in supporting research, technology, and innovation within this sector. SACTA works to ensure the continued growth and competitiveness of South African agriculture through various initiatives.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for postgraduate studies in a wide range of fields relevant to the grain and oilseeds 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

Other fields relevant to the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry may also be considered.

SACTA Bursary Value

The funding provided by the SACTA Bursary Programme 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) Research students can receive up to R131,250 per annum for a maximum of three years.

Funding is disbursed based on approved progress reports submitted by the bursary recipient and their supervisor. The first instalment of the bursary is expected to be paid in January 2027. Information regarding funding amounts for Honours studies was not specified.

Eligibility Requirements

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

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have completed Matric.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time towards an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral qualification.
• The qualification 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 another bursary or funding award, unless agreed to by the Trust.
• Intend to conduct 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.
• Agree to the SACTA bursary conditions, policies, and procedures.
• Agree to the terms of the Legal Undertaking in the application form.

Service Contract After Graduation

A key requirement for bursary recipients is to work within the South African grain and oilseeds industry after completing their studies. The duration of this service must be equal to the period for which the student received the bursary. For example, if a student received bursary support for two years, they would be expected to work in the relevant industry for a similar period, as per the bursary’s terms and conditions.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for telephonic interviews. Successful applicants are typically notified within eight weeks after the application closing date. If you do not receive feedback within this timeframe, you should consider your application unsuccessful.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare and submit the following supporting documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID document or passport (certified within the last three months).
• Colour ID photograph.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of tertiary registration and fee statement on the institution’s letterhead.
• 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.
• Gantt chart for the proposed research.
• A motivational letter supporting your application.

The motivational letter should highlight 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:

SACTA Bursary Conditions, Policies and Procedures

All applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to ensure all required documents are submitted correctly and on time. Incomplete applications may not be considered. It is essential to meet all eligibility requirements before applying.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SACTA Bursary 2027 applications is 30 September 2026. Applicants are advised to submit their applications well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.

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