SACTA Bursaries 2027: Postgraduate Funding for Agriculture Students

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is offering postgraduate bursaries for the 2027 academic year, providing financial support for South African students pursuing advanced studies in agriculture and related fields. This program is designed to foster expertise within South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.

About the SACTA Bursary Programme

SACTA aims to support students undertaking Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral studies at recognized tertiary institutions. The bursary is specifically for research relevant to the grain and oilseeds sector. Successful applicants will receive funding that can significantly ease the financial burden of postgraduate education, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits.

Fields of Study Covered

The SACTA Bursary Programme supports a wide range of disciplines critical to the agricultural sector. These include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• 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

SACTA Bursary Value

The financial award varies based on the level of study. Master’s students pursuing a dissertation can receive up to R99,750 per year for two years. Doctoral candidates conducting research can be awarded up to R131,250 per year for three years. The funding is disbursed based on approved progress reports from the student and their supervisor. The first payment is anticipated in January 2027. Funding for Honours studies is not specified in the provided information.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SACTA Bursary Programme, applicants must meet several 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 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 other bursary or funding awards, unless explicitly agreed upon 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, including the terms of the Legal Undertaking.

Service Contract After Graduation

A key condition of the SACTA Bursary Programme is a service obligation. Recipients are required to work within the South African grain and oilseeds industry for a period equivalent to the duration they received bursary support. This commitment helps ensure that the skills and knowledge gained through the funding directly benefit the industry.

Selection Process

The selection process involves several stages. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for telephonic interviews. Successful applicants are typically notified within eight weeks after the application closing date. If no feedback is received within this timeframe, applicants should assume their application was unsuccessful.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of supporting documents. These include:

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

How to Apply

Applications for the SACTA Bursary 2027 are submitted online. Prospective applicants should review the bursary conditions, policies, and procedures before completing the application. The deadline for submission is September 30, 2026.

Conclusion

The SACTA Bursary Programme for 2027 presents a valuable opportunity for South African postgraduate students in agriculture and related fields. By offering substantial financial support and requiring a commitment to the local industry, SACTA aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in grain and oilseeds breeding and technology. Interested students should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and submit their applications with all necessary documentation by the September 30, 2026 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions