SACTA Bursaries 2027: Postgraduate Funding for Agriculture Students

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is inviting South African students to apply for its postgraduate bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for students pursuing Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees in fields relevant to South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. The bursary offers significant funding and requires recipients to contribute to the agricultural sector after completion.

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 studies that contribute to the advancement of South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology sector. It provides financial assistance to students undertaking research in specialized fields, fostering innovation and development within the agricultural industry. The bursary is intended for full-time studies at recognized tertiary institutions.

This bursary is specifically designed for individuals committed to advancing knowledge in areas critical to crop improvement and agricultural technology. Successful applicants will engage in research projects approved by SACTA, ensuring their work aligns with the agency’s objectives. The programme seeks to build a pipeline of skilled professionals dedicated to the agricultural sector.

About SACTA

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is an organization focused on the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry in South Africa. It plays a role in supporting research and development initiatives that benefit the agricultural sector. SACTA works to ensure that the industry remains competitive and sustainable through technological advancements and skilled personnel.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies in a range of agricultural and scientific disciplines. These include, but are not limited to, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Biometry, Data Science, Food Sciences, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The core focus is on fields directly relevant to the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry.

Other relevant fields that may be considered include Agricultural Meteorology, Conservation Agriculture, Demand Planning, Livestock Science, Molecular Biology, Pasture Science, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Entomology, Plant Nematology, Plant Physiology, Plant Virology, Precision Agriculture, Seed Applied Technologies, and Soil Microbiology. Applicants pursuing studies in any area that supports the grain and oilseeds sector are encouraged to apply.

SACTA Bursary Value

The funding provided by SACTA 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 Research students are eligible for up to R131,250 per annum for a maximum of three years. The bursary covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs, paid according to approved progress reports.

The first instalment of the bursary is expected in January 2027. While specific funding for Honours studies is not detailed, the programme generally supports postgraduate academic pursuits. The financial support aims to alleviate the economic burden on students, allowing them to focus on their research and academic development.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SACTA Bursary, applicants must be South African citizens. They must have completed Matric and be studying or planning to study full-time towards an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral qualification at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution. Applicants should not be receiving other bursary funding unless SACTA approves it.

Furthermore, candidates must intend to conduct research on a topic approved by SACTA and be willing to work within the South African agricultural industry after completing their studies. Agreement to the SACTA bursary conditions, policies, and procedures, as well as the terms of the Legal Undertaking, is also required.

Service Contract After Graduation

A key requirement for bursary recipients is a commitment to work within the South African grain and oilseeds industry upon completion of their studies. The duration of this service contract must be equivalent to the period for which the bursary was received. This ensures that the skills and knowledge gained through the programme contribute directly back to the industry.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for telephonic interviews. Successful applicants are typically notified within eight weeks after the application closing date. Applicants who do not hear back within this timeframe should assume their application was not successful.

Documents Required

Applicants need to prepare several supporting documents for their application. These include a certified copy of their ID document or passport, a colour ID photograph, and an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV). Proof of tertiary registration and a fee statement from the institution are also necessary.

Additionally, applicants must submit their full tertiary academic record, including the latest results, and details of their proposed research, including a working title and description. A Gantt chart for the proposed research and a motivational letter are also required. The motivational letter should highlight academic abilities, financial need, and future career goals. If proof of registration and fee statement are not yet available, they can be submitted after registration.

How to Apply

Applications for the SACTA Bursary 2027 are to be submitted online. Interested candidates can click here to apply for the SACTA Bursary 2027. It is important for applicants to read and understand the bursary conditions, policies, and procedures before submitting their application. These can be found at SACTA Bursary Conditions, Policies and Procedures.

All applications must be submitted by the closing date of 30 September 2026. Applicants are advised to complete the online form accurately and ensure all required documents are uploaded.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Late applications may not be considered, and incomplete applications could be disqualified. Applicants are strongly advised to ensure they meet all minimum requirements and submit all necessary certified documents before the closing date.

Closing Date

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

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