Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a postgraduate student with a strong interest in food systems, food justice, sustainability, and the social, political, and cultural dimensions of food? The Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to eligible students who wish to pursue advanced studies in Critical Food Studies and related interdisciplinary fields. This scholarship is designed for scholars who are passionate about interrogating food production, distribution, consumption, and policy within local and global contexts.
The Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship supports research and academic training that addresses pressing challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, nutrition, agricultural transformation, and socio-economic inequalities within food systems. By investing in postgraduate education, the scholarship aims to develop critical thinkers and researchers who can contribute to evidence-based policy, academic scholarship, and practical solutions that promote sustainable and equitable food futures.
Successful applicants may receive funding towards tuition fees, research-related costs, and in some cases a living or stipend allowance, depending on the structure of the award. Beyond financial assistance, recipients benefit from academic mentorship, access to interdisciplinary research networks, and opportunities to engage with institutions, communities, and policymakers working at the forefront of food systems transformation.
By applying for the Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027, students gain more than just financial support, they position themselves at the centre of critical debates shaping the future of food, sustainability, and social justice.
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 criteria, fields of study supported, application requirements, and closing date for the Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027.
About Critical Food Studies
Critical Food Studies, Transdisciplinary Humanities Approaches is a dynamic academic programme funded by the prestigious Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Established in 2019, the programme emerged from the earlier Food Politics and Cultures Project and has since evolved into a leading platform for innovative food-related humanities research in South Africa and beyond.
The programme operates as an intra-institutional collaboration between three major South African universities:
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
Its core mission is to advance the field of critical food studies by bringing together scholars across humanities disciplines to explore food as a powerful analytical lens for understanding society, culture, politics, and the economy, both locally and globally.
What Is Critical Food Studies?
Critical Food Studies is a transdisciplinary field that examines food beyond nutrition and agriculture. It investigates how food intersects with identity, power, culture, economics, history, and representation. The programme places strong emphasis on:
- Postgraduate education and mentoring
- Academic seminars and international conferences
- Scholarly and accessible online publications
- Performance and visual arts productions
- Public engagement and community dialogue
This holistic approach ensures that research is both academically rigorous and socially relevant.
About the Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027
In collaboration with UKZN, UWC, and UP, the Critical Food Studies programme invites eligible students to apply for a Postgraduate Scholarship for the academic year.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) research team, drawing from multiple colleges and disciplines—will award scholarships to:
- 1 Honours student
- 1 Master’s student
Applicants may come from any academic discipline, provided they have a strong interest in transdisciplinary humanities research using food as a central analytical focus.
Fields and Research Themes Covered
Applicants are encouraged to pursue research that uses food to critically examine society and culture. Research interests may include, but are not limited to:
- Cultural and sensory experiences of food, including taste, appetite, and desire
- Food representation, branding, and marketing in modern commodity cultures
- Symbolic meanings of “good food,” cooking, and cuisine in identity and subject formation
- Food consumption in struggles for agency, social status, and cultural autonomy
- The materiality and visual representation of food in art, performance, and popular culture
These themes allow scholars to explore food as a deeply social, political, and imaginative practice.
Academic Support and Mentorship
Successful scholars will benefit from a strong support structure designed to foster academic excellence and collaboration. This includes:
- Co-supervision by experienced academics
- Dedicated cohort seminars and workshops
- Ongoing mentoring throughout the academic year
The programme aims to build a vibrant research community while strengthening humanities research capacity in South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements for Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Honours applicants)
- Hold an Honours degree (for Master’s applicants)
- Be fully registered for the academic year
- Demonstrate a clear interest in interdisciplinary, humanities-based food research
Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027
There is no application form for this scholarship. Eligible students must submit the following compulsory documents via email:
- A motivation letter outlining your interest in humanities-informed food research and future research plans
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Where to Submit Your Application
All applications must be emailed to: MagudulelaM@ukzn.ac.za (Nokuthula Magudulela)
Email subject line: Critical Food Studies Scholarship Application
Closing Date for Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 11 March
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Contact Details for Scholarship Enquiries
For further information or queries regarding the scholarship, contact:
Prof Lebo Moletsane: moletsaner@ukzn.ac.za
