SACTA Bursaries 2027: Funding for Postgraduate Agricultural Studies
The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is offering postgraduate bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students. This opportunity is for those pursuing Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees in fields related to South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. The bursary provides substantial financial support and requires recipients to contribute to the agricultural sector after graduation.
The application deadline is September 30, 2026. This programme aims to support advanced studies that will help improve South Africa’s agricultural sector, particularly in grain and oilseeds. It is a chance for dedicated students to receive funding for their research and development work.
About the SACTA Bursary Programme
The SACTA Bursary Programme is designed to support postgraduate research that advances South Africa’s grain and oilseeds breeding and technology. It offers financial aid to students undertaking specialized studies, encouraging innovation and growth in agriculture. The bursary is intended for full-time students at recognized universities.
This program seeks individuals passionate about improving crop genetics and agricultural technology. Those who receive the bursary will work on research projects approved by SACTA, ensuring their work aligns with the agency’s goals. The program aims to develop skilled professionals committed to the agricultural field.
About SACTA
The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is an organization focused on the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology sector in South Africa. It supports research and development projects that benefit the agricultural industry. SACTA works to keep the industry competitive and sustainable through new technologies and skilled workers.
Fields of Study Supported
SACTA offers bursaries for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various agricultural and scientific areas. These include Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Biometry, Data Science, Food Sciences, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The main focus is on subjects directly related to the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry.
Other related fields that may be considered are 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. Students studying any subject that supports the grain and oilseeds sector are encouraged to apply.
Value of the SACTA Bursary
The financial support from SACTA depends on the level of study. Master’s by Dissertation students can receive up to R99,750 per year for up to two years. Doctoral Research students are eligible for up to R131,250 per year for up to three years. The bursary covers tuition, living costs, and research expenses, paid based on approved progress reports.
The first payment is expected in January 2027. While specific funding for Honours studies is not detailed, the program generally supports postgraduate academic work. This financial help is meant to reduce the financial pressure on students, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and research.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the SACTA Bursary, applicants must be South African citizens. They must have completed Matric and be studying or planning to study full-time for an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree at an accredited institution. Applicants should not be receiving other bursary funding unless SACTA approves it.
Additionally, candidates must plan to conduct research on a topic approved by SACTA and agree to work in the South African agricultural industry after finishing their studies. Accepting the SACTA bursary conditions, policies, and procedures, along with the terms of the Legal Undertaking, is also necessary.
Service Commitment After Graduation
A main requirement for bursary recipients is a promise to work within South Africa’s grain and oilseeds industry after completing their studies. The length of this service commitment must match the duration for which the bursary was awarded. This ensures that the skills and knowledge gained through the program directly benefit the industry.
Selection Process
Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited for phone interviews. Successful applicants are usually notified within eight weeks after the application deadline. If you do not hear back within this period, you should assume your application was not successful.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare several supporting documents. These include a certified copy of their ID or passport, a color ID photo, and an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV). Proof of university registration and a fee statement from the institution are also needed.
Furthermore, applicants must submit their complete academic record from tertiary education, including the most recent results. They also need to provide details of their proposed research, including a working title and description. A Gantt chart for the research plan and a motivational letter are required. The motivational letter should explain academic strengths, financial needs, and future career plans. 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 should be submitted online. Interested candidates can apply through the provided link. It is important for applicants to read and understand the bursary conditions, policies, and procedures before applying.
All applications must be submitted by the closing date of September 30, 2026. Applicants are advised to fill out the online form carefully and upload all required documents.
Important Notes
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps. Late applications may not be considered, and incomplete applications could be rejected. Applicants should make sure they meet all the minimum requirements and submit all necessary certified documents before the deadline.
Closing Date
The deadline for the SACTA Bursary 2027 is September 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before this date to avoid any last-minute problems.
