SACTA Bursaries 2027: Postgraduate Funding for Agriculture Students

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is offering postgraduate bursaries for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for South African students pursuing studies in agriculture, specifically focusing on grain and oilseeds breeding and technology. The bursary aims to support research relevant to the industry and offers significant funding for Master’s and Doctoral candidates.

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 is designed to support postgraduate students who are committed to advancing South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology sector. It provides financial assistance for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies at recognized tertiary institutions. A key aspect of this bursary is the requirement for recipients to conduct research that directly benefits the agricultural industry.

This bursary is not just about financial aid; it’s an investment in future agricultural leaders and innovators. The programme encourages a deep dive into specialized fields, fostering expertise that can drive progress in crop science and related areas. Successful applicants will gain valuable research experience and contribute to the growth of a critical sector in South Africa.

About SACTA

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) plays a vital role in the South African agricultural landscape. The organization focuses on supporting and advancing the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. SACTA works to ensure that the country remains competitive in agricultural innovation and production.

Through initiatives like this bursary programme, SACTA demonstrates its commitment to developing skilled professionals who can contribute to the sector’s ongoing success. Their work supports research, development, and the adoption of new technologies in agriculture.

Available Bursary Opportunities

SACTA offers bursaries for postgraduate studies in a wide range of fields relevant to the grain and oilseeds industry. These include:

• Agronomy
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Engineering
• Agricultural Meteorology
• Agricultural Writers
• 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

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can expect significant financial support for their postgraduate studies. The bursary value varies based on the level of study. Master’s students pursuing a dissertation can receive up to R99,750 per annum for two years. Doctoral candidates undertaking research can receive up to R131,250 per annum for three years.

The funding is disbursed based on approved progress reports from the student and their supervisor. This ensures that the financial support is tied to academic and research advancement. The first instalment of the bursary is anticipated in January 2027.

Programme Duration and Location

The SACTA Bursary Programme is available for studies conducted in South Africa. The duration of the funding is dependent on the specific postgraduate degree being pursued. Master’s by Dissertation studies are typically funded for up to two years, while PhD/Doctoral research can be supported for up to three years.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have successfully completed Matric.
• Be currently 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 enroll at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution.
• Not be receiving any other bursary or funding award, unless specifically permitted by the Trust.
• Agree to conduct research on a topic approved by the Trust.
• Be willing to work within the South African agricultural industry after completing their studies.
• Read and accept the SACTA bursary conditions, policies, and procedures.
• Agree to the terms outlined in the Legal Undertaking section of the application form.

Competencies Required

Beyond academic qualifications, SACTA looks for candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the agricultural sector. Applicants should possess a willingness to learn and a proactive approach to research. The ability to conduct independent study and manage research projects effectively is also important.

A genuine interest in contributing to the grain and oilseeds industry in South Africa is essential. Candidates should be prepared to engage with the terms of the bursary, including the service contract after graduation.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for South African citizens who are passionate about agriculture and wish to pursue advanced studies in fields related to grain and oilseeds. If you are aiming for an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree and your research interests align with the industry’s needs, this opportunity could be for you. It is particularly suited for individuals who are committed to a career in agricultural research and development within South Africa.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents with their application:

• A certified copy of your South African ID document or passport (certified within the last three months).
• A colour ID photograph.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of tertiary registration and a fee statement from your institution, printed on their letterhead.
• Your full tertiary academic record, including the most recent results, on the institution’s letterhead.
• Details of your proposed research, including a working research title and a description.
• A Gantt chart for your proposed research.
• A motivational letter supporting your application. This letter should highlight your academic abilities, financial needs, and future career aspirations.

If proof of registration and the fee statement are not yet available, they can be submitted after you have registered.

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 read and understand 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 the next stage of the selection process. If you do not hear back from SACTA within eight weeks after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful. Applicants must ensure they meet all the minimum requirements and submit all requested documents accurately.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SACTA Bursary 2027 applications is 30 September 2026. It is advisable to submit your application well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.

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