Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a passion for agriculture, science, food security, and sustainable development? The ARC Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to dedicated students who wish to pursue studies in critical fields such as agricultural science, animal science, plant production, biotechnology, environmental science, and related disciplines. As one of South Africa’s leading research institutions, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) plays a vital role in advancing agricultural innovation, improving food systems, and promoting sustainable farming practices that contribute to national development and economic growth.
The ARC Bursary provides comprehensive funding, which may include tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals, and a monthly allowance. In addition to financial assistance, bursary recipients benefit from access to research facilities, mentorship from experienced scientists, and practical exposure through internships and research projects. This bursary is aimed at high-performing students who show strong potential to contribute to agricultural research, rural development, and scientific advancement in South Africa.
By applying for the ARC Bursary 2026/2027, students not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also gain an opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research that addresses food security, climate change, and sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is South Africa’s premier agricultural science institution, playing a critical role in advancing agricultural research, innovation, and technology transfer across the country. The ARC provides a strong scientific foundation and a broad technology dissemination network that supports the entire agricultural industry, from small-scale farmers to large commercial enterprises.
The ARC is renowned for its expertise in:
- Crop and livestock research
- Agricultural economics and policy development
- Biotechnology and biosciences
- Animal and plant health
- Proteomics and molecular sciences
- Agricultural capacity development
- Natural resource management
- Technology transfer and innovation
Through its work, the ARC contributes directly to food security, environmental sustainability, economic development, and improved livelihoods in South Africa.
About the ARC Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields of Study Covered
The ARC is inviting applications for its Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. The bursary is aimed at students who intend to pursue or are already registered for a Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and related fields.
The programme supports postgraduate studies in disciplines that align with the ARC’s strategic research priorities, ensuring that recipients contribute meaningfully to national agricultural development.
1. Agricultural Economics and Capacity Development
Fields include:
- Agribusiness Management
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Extension
- Econometrics
- Environmental & Natural Resources Management
- Information Systems
- Intellectual Property and Commercialisation
- Socio-Economics
2. Agricultural Engineering
Fields include:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Mechanisation
- Agrometeorology
- Bio-resource Engineering
- Farm Structures and Infrastructure
- Irrigation Engineering
- Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing
- Precision Agriculture
- Renewable Energy
3. Animal Sciences
Fields include:
- Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Science
- Aquaculture
- Classical Virology
- Food Safety
- Food Science and Technology
- Immunology
- Meat Science
- Rangeland and Pasture Science
- Reproductive Physiology
- Sero-diagnosis of Bacterial Diseases
- Zoology
4. Biotechnology
Fields include:
- Animal Health
- Aquaculture
- Biofuels and Renewable Energy
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Classical Virology
- Ethnoveterinary Medicine
- Genetics
- Genome Engineering and Novel Crop Development
- Life Sciences
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Breeding in Plants
- Molecular Pathology in Plants and Animals
- Plant Tissue Culture and Food Safety
- Taxonomy
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Science
- Veterinary Technology
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoology
5. Plant Sciences
Fields include:
- Agro-Processing and Product Development
- Agronomy
- Analytical Chemistry
- Bacteriology and Crop Protection
- Data Science
- Earth Observation
- Entomology
- Environmental Restoration
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Horticulture
- Marker-Assisted Breeding
- Microbiology
- Mine Rehabilitation and Crop Protection
- Mycology and Crop Protection
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Nematology
- Plant Breeding
- Plant Pathology and Virology
- Remote Sensing
- Soil and Water Sciences
- Weed Sciences
ARC Bursary Programme – Expenses Covered, Payment and Benefits
The ARC bursary is valued at R140 000 per year and may be used to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Food
- Study materials and other essential academic expenses
In addition to financial support, bursary recipients benefit from:
- A dedicated mentor from the ARC
- Participation in real-life research projects
- Workplace training during academic holidays or as agreed with the mentor
- Exposure to professional research environments
The bursary is paid in 12 monthly instalments, once:
- A contract has been signed, and
- Valid proof of registration has been submitted.
All successful applicants will also be subject to a positive security clearance.
Eligibility Requirements for ARC Bursary Application 2026/2027
To qualify, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed an Honours degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field
- Must be studying or intending to study towards a Master’s degree in one of the listed fields
- Must be registered, accepted, or intending to register at a South African university
- Preference is given to students from designated groups, in line with the ARC Employment Equity Plan
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in the application not being considered.
How to Apply for ARC Bursary 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online via: Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Application 2026
Reference Number: ARC-PDP0001
Applicants must upload clear copies of the following compulsory documents:
- Cover letter
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- Proof of university registration or acceptance (on institutional letterhead)
- Contact details of three (3) referees
Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
Closing Date for ARC Bursary Application 2026/2027
The closing date for the ARC Bursary Programme 2026 is:
Application Deadline: 25 October
Late applications will not be accepted. It is strongly advised to apply well before the deadline.
Contact Details of Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
For any enquiries, contact the ARC directly:
Contact Persons:
- Mr Ndikho Mbuce
- Ms Nebreska Heyns
Email: arcpdp@arc.agric.za
Telephone:
- 012 427 9815
- 012 427 9858
