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 fields related to the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

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: Matric (for entry into Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral studies)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the SACTA Bursary Programme

The SACTA Bursary Programme aims to support postgraduate students whose research aligns with 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. Successful applicants are expected to conduct research relevant to the industry and adhere to the funding conditions.

This bursary is designed to foster expertise and innovation within the agricultural sector. It encourages students to focus on critical areas that can advance crop development and technology in South Africa. The programme also includes a service contract requirement after graduation.

About SACTA

The SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is an organization focused on advancing the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry in South Africa. It plays a role in supporting research and development within this vital agricultural sector. SACTA works to ensure the industry remains competitive and innovative.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for postgraduate studies in a variety of fields. These include, but are not limited to, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, and Plant Breeding. Other relevant areas such as Data Science, Food Sciences, Molecular Biology, and Soil Science are also supported.

The full list of supported fields includes:

• 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 will receive financial support for their postgraduate studies. The funding amount varies based on the level of study. Master’s by Dissertation students can receive up to R99,750 per annum for two years. Doctoral Research students can receive up to R131,250 per annum for three years.

The bursary covers tuition and other study-related expenses as per the approved progress reports. The first instalment of the bursary is expected in January 2027. The funding for Honours studies is not specified.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary can support studies for up to three years, depending on the level of qualification. Master’s studies are typically funded for two years, while Doctoral studies are funded for up to three years. The bursary is open to students across South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the SACTA Bursary, 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 studying or enrolled at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution.
• Not be receiving another bursary or funding award, unless approved 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.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as competencies, the bursary implies a need for strong academic abilities and a commitment to research. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of their chosen field and its relevance to the agricultural industry. A willingness to learn and contribute to the sector is also important.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for South African students who have completed Matric and are pursuing or intend to pursue postgraduate studies in agriculture, plant science, or related fields. It is particularly suited for those passionate about research and innovation within the grain and oilseeds sector. Applicants should be committed to contributing to the South African agricultural industry after graduation.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Certified copy of 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 the proposed research, including a working research title and description.
• Gantt chart for the proposed research.
• Motivational letter supporting the application.

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 must be submitted online.

Click here to apply for the SACTA Bursary 2027

Applicants are strongly advised to read the bursary conditions, policies, and procedures before applying:

SACTA Bursary Conditions, Policies and Procedures

All applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026 .

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for telephonic interviews. Successful candidates are expected to be notified within eight weeks after the closing date. Applicants who do not receive feedback within this period should consider their applications unsuccessful. Bursary recipients are required to work within the South African grain and oilseeds industry for a period equal to the duration of their bursary support.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SACTA Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026 .

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