Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a strong interest in agriculture, crop science, and food security? The Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Application for 2026/2027 is now open, offering financial support to deserving students who wish to pursue studies related to winter cereal production and the broader agricultural value chain. The Winter Cereal Trust (WCT) is a respected industry body committed to the sustainable development of South Africa’s winter cereal sector, including wheat, barley, oats, and related crops, through research, skills development, and human capital investment.
The Winter Cereal Trust Bursary provides financial assistance that may cover tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, and other study-related expenses, depending on the level of study and available funding. Beyond financial support, the bursary aims to develop skilled professionals who will contribute to agricultural research, crop improvement, agronomy, plant breeding, agricultural economics, and food production systems critical to South Africa’s food security and rural development.
By applying for the Winter Cereal Trust Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just funding, they become part of an industry-focused initiative that supports innovation, research excellence, and long-term growth within the agricultural sector.
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 Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Winter Cereal Trust (WCT)
The Winter Cereal Trust (WCT) was founded in 1997 and consists of two separate trusts, each serving a distinct purpose:
- Winter Cereal Research Trust – focuses on participating in and supporting research related to winter cereals and South Africa’s strategic interests in the industry.
- Winter Cereal General Trust – provides funding for technical, industrial, and scientific research into the production of winter cereals in South Africa.
Winter cereals include wheat, oats, barley, rye, triticale, and durum wheat, all of which play a critical role in national food security and the agricultural economy. In 2006, the Trust introduced its bursary scheme to financially assist students entering the small grains research sector.
About the Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
The Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Programme is awarded annually to students whose studies and research are directly relevant to the Small Grains Industry. Funding is primarily aimed at postgraduate research, but support may also be available for final-year undergraduate and honours students.
The Trust awards bursaries as follows:
- Up to 10 bursaries per year for Masters (MSc) and Doctoral (PhD) studies
- Up to 3 bursaries per year for final-year undergraduate and/or honours students intending to pursue postgraduate studies up to at least MSc level (subject to availability of funds)
- Postdoctoral bursaries may also be awarded, depending on available funding
All funded research topics must be approved by the Winter Cereal Trust and be relevant to the small grains sector.
Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Coverage Value
The value and duration of the bursary depend on the level of study:
- Undergraduate / Honours students: ± R64,135 per year (1 year)
- Masters / MSc students: ± R77,698 per year (up to 2 years)
- Doctoral / PhD students: ± R94,965 per year (up to 3 years)
Each bursary recipient is assigned a Mentor and/or Co-Promotor with proven expertise in small grains research. The mentor plays a critical role in guiding the student, monitoring progress, and reporting to the Winter Cereal Trust to ensure academic success.
Service Contract, Mentorship & Selection Process
Bursary recipients are required to attend the annual 2-day Winter Cereal Trust Technical Committee meeting held in Pretoria each September. Travel and accommodation costs are covered by the Trust. These meetings provide valuable networking opportunities and help students align their research with national small grains research priorities.
After completing their studies, bursary recipients must work in the Small Grains Industry for a period equal to the duration of the bursary received.
Selection process:
Shortlisted candidates will be notified in writing within 25 working days after submitting their application. If no feedback is received within this period, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Application 2026/2027
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be Black (African, Coloured, or Indian)
- Must be in the final year of undergraduate or honours studies
- Must intend to pursue a Masters or Doctoral qualification in the Small Grains Industry
- Must be studying at a recognized and accredited South African tertiary institution
- Research thesis topic must be approved by the Winter Cereal Trust
- Must have nominated a Mentor and Co-Promotor (where applicable), approved by both the university and the Trust
How to Apply for Winter Cereal Trust Bursary 2026/2027
Applicants must:
- Download and complete the Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Application Form (.pdf).
- Read the Bursary Agreement and Bursary Scheme Information documents before applying.
- Submit the completed application together with the following mandatory supporting documents:
Required Supporting Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Details of postgraduate studies and academic achievements
- Recent colour photograph
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research study proposal
- Motivational letter explaining the value of your research to the Small Grains Industry
- Mentor’s letter of support
- Mentor’s motivation letter for the research project
- Co-Promotor’s letter of support
- Proof of other funding available (source and amount)
- Proof of residence
Submission Methods
Applications may be submitted via:
Email:
Post:
Winter Cereal Trust
PO Box 7088
Centurion
0046
Hand Delivery:
Block C, Agri-hub Office Park
477 Witherite Road
The Willows
Pretoria
0046
Closing Date for Winter Cereal Trust Bursary Application 2026/2027
The official closing date for applications is 31 August.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Contact Details of Winter Cereal Trust
For enquiries related to the bursary programme, contact:
- Contact Person: Ms Thato Kganakga (Senior Administrative Officer)
- Telephone: 012 007 1200
- Email: thato@wctrust.co.za