SAAFoST Bursary (for Matric Students) Application for 2026/2027

SAAFoST Bursary (for Matric Students) Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on SAAFoST Bursary (for Matric Students) Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African Matric learner with a strong interest in food science, nutrition, agriculture, and related scientific fields? The SAAFoST Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to promising students who wish to pursue studies that contribute to South Africa’s food, health, and nutrition sectors. The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) is a professional body dedicated to advancing food science and technology, promoting innovation, and developing skilled professionals who will help ensure food safety, quality, and sustainability in the country.

The SAAFoST Bursary provides valuable financial assistance to deserving Matric students who plan to study towards qualifications in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, and other related scientific disciplines at recognized South African institutions. The bursary aims to support academically strong learners who show passion for science and a desire to build a career in the food and nutrition industry. By investing in young talent, SAAFoST plays a vital role in shaping the future workforce needed to strengthen South Africa’s food systems and scientific research.

Through the SAAFoST Bursary 2026/2027, beneficiaries may receive support towards tuition fees and other study-related expenses, easing the financial burden on students and their families. More importantly, recipients gain recognition from a respected professional association, which can open doors to networking opportunities, industry exposure, and long-term career development within the food science and technology sector.

By applying for the SAAFoST Bursary for Matric Students 2026/2027, learners take an important step toward a rewarding career that combines science, innovation, and service to society through food security and nutrition.

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 SAAFoST Bursary Programme 2026/2027.

About South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST)

The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) is a professional body representing food scientists, technologists, and related professionals serving South Africa’s food and allied industries. SAAFoST is dedicated to advancing the knowledge base of Food Science and Technology through scientific research, workshops, seminars, exhibitions, publications, and educational support.

SAAFoST is a non-profit organisation run largely by volunteers and has approximately 2,000 members across Southern Africa. To strengthen its impact in education, SAAFoST established the SAAFoST Foundation, which is responsible for administering academic bursaries, awards, and prizes to deserving students.

Fields Covered

The SAAFoST Foundation invites students to apply for its 2026 bursary programmes in the field of Food Science and Technology. These bursaries are designed to support students at different stages of their academic journey.

SAAFoST offers three types of bursaries:

1. SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary
   For learners currently in Matric who intend to study full time towards a first undergraduate Degree or Diploma in Food Science and Technology.
2. SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
   For students studying full time towards their first undergraduate Degree or Diploma in Food Science and Technology.
3. SAAFoST Part-Time Bursary for Members
   For paid-up SAAFoST members studying part-time towards a BSc Honours or BTech qualification in Food Science and Technology.

Selection Criteria, Coverage Value & Renewal

The SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary is awarded based on three main criteria:

• Academic merit
• Employment equity
• Demonstrated potential

Bursary Coverage

The bursary covers tuition fees only, as reflected on the tertiary institution’s statement of account, up to a maximum value of R40,000 per annum.

Payments are made directly to the tertiary institution in two instalments:

• The first instalment at the beginning of the academic year
• The second instalment after satisfactory first-semester results

Renewal of the Bursary

The bursary is renewable annually, provided the student:

• Maintains satisfactory academic performance
• Completes studies within the prescribed time frames:
• • Up to 4 years for Diploma studies
  • Up to 4 years for Undergraduate Degree studies (including BSc Hons)
  • Up to 5 years for BTech studies

Eligibility Requirements for SAAFoST Bursary (for Matric Students) Application 2026/2027

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must have resided in South Africa for at least 3 years prior to applying
• Must be currently in Matric
• Must intend to study full time towards a first Degree or Diploma in Food Science and Technology in 2026
• Must be accepted at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• Must have completed a Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) or equivalent
• Must have achieved at least Level 5 (60–69%) in:
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Science
    (Life Science is recommended)
• Must demonstrate strong academic results or potential
• Must register as a SAAFoST member within three months of registering at the tertiary institution and remain an active member for the duration of studies (student membership is free)

How to Apply for SAAFoST Bursary (for Matric Students) 2026/2027

Step 1: Download the Application Form

Choose one of the following formats:

• SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2026 (Matric Students) (.pdf)
• SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2026 (Matric Students) (.docx)

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Attach certified copies of the following:

• South African ID document or Passport
• Passport-sized photo (head and shoulders only)
• Grade 11 final results
• Latest Matric results
• Personal Statement (Part D of the form):
• • Include personal achievements
  • Career objectives
  • Explain how studying Food Science and Technology will benefit you and the scientific community
• Reference Letter (1 page):
  • Written by someone who has known you in a learning capacity for at least 3 years
  • Must include contact details

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Email your completed application and documents to: irene@saafost.org.za

Use the subject line: “SAAFoST Matric Bursary Application 2026”

Important Notes About the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary

• The bursary is administered by the SAAFoST Foundation in collaboration with student liaison representatives at institutions
• The Foundation reserves the right not to award any bursaries
• Recipients must submit:
• • Six-monthly progress reports
  • Exam results
  • Proof of participation in SAAFoST activities
• The bursary may be converted into a repayable loan if:
  • A semester or year is failed
  • Studies are terminated or interrupted
  • Course changes are made
  • Studies are not completed

Applications will be reviewed in November 2025, and successful candidates will be announced in December 2025.

Closing Date for SAAFoST Bursary (for Matric Students) Application 2026/2027

Application Deadline: 31 October

Late applications will not be accepted, so ensure you apply before the deadline.

Contact Details of South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST)

For any bursary-related enquiries, contact:

SAAFoST Membership Development Officer

• Tel: 071 870 2633
• Email: irene@saafost.org.za