Potato SA Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Potato SA Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a passion for agriculture, food security, agribusiness, and sustainable farming? The Potato SA Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial assistance to motivated students who wish to pursue studies in agricultural and related fields. As the official industry body representing potato producers in South Africa, Potato SA plays a vital role in developing skills, research, and innovation within the potato value chain, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
The Potato SA Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, which may include tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals, and a living allowance. In addition, bursary recipients benefit from practical exposure through industry-related training, mentorship, and potential work opportunities within the agricultural sector. This bursary is aimed at students who show strong academic potential and a genuine interest in contributing to South Africa’s agricultural development, food production, and rural economic growth.
By applying for the Potato SA Bursary 2026/2027, students not only gain financial support but also secure a valuable opportunity to build a successful career in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural economics, plant production, and other related fields that are critical to food security and national development.
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 Potato SA Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Potatoes South Africa (PSA)
Potatoes South Africa (PSA) is the official industry body representing the interests of potato producers across South Africa. Its mandate is to serve, promote, and protect the potato industry while ensuring that it remains competitive and sustainable. PSA is governed by a Board of Directors who are responsible for safeguarding the interests of potato producers and ensuring that the industry continues to thrive.
To strengthen skills development within the agricultural sector, the Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT) was established in 2004. The Trust provides financial support to students studying agriculture-related qualifications, with the goal of ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable professionals entering the potato industry. By investing in education, the PIDT helps secure the future of South Africa’s potato value chain.
About the Potatoes SA Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Potatoes South Africa invites eligible students to apply for bursary funding for the 2026 academic year. The bursary is designed to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students who are pursuing studies aligned with agricultural development and potato-related research.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is awarded for studies in the following areas:
Undergraduate Studies:
- Agricultural fields, including but not limited to:
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- Agricultural Economics
- Agronomy
- Plant / Crop Production
- Soil Science
- Other studies that are relevant to the potato industry
Postgraduate Studies:
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Honours, Masters, or PhD degrees with a potato-related research topic
This makes the Potatoes SA bursary especially valuable for students who wish to specialise in crop science, food security, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural research.
Additional Opportunities and Selection Process
Beyond financial assistance, the Potatoes SA bursary offers valuable career development opportunities. Successful students may be given the chance to participate in:
- Internship programmes
- Workplace experience placements
These opportunities allow students to gain practical exposure to the potato industry, enhance their skills, and improve their employability after graduation.
Once students have completed their studies, they will be required to work in a potato-industry-related organisation, company, or institution for a period equal to the value or duration of the bursary awarded. This work-back commitment ensures that the industry benefits directly from the investment made in students’ education.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted no later than 31 December. If you do not receive any feedback by this date, your application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for Potato SA Bursary Application 2026/2027
To be considered for the Potatoes SA Bursary Programme, applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying full-time towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (Honours, Masters, or PhD) in one of the approved agricultural fields
- You must be entering your second year or higher of study in 2026
- You must be registered at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must have a strong academic record
Failure to meet all of the above requirements will result in your application not being considered.
How to Apply for Potato SA Bursary 2026/2027
All applications must be submitted online via the official application portal: Potatoes South Africa Bursary Application Form 2026
Applicants must upload clear copies of the following compulsory supporting documents. Incomplete applications may be disqualified:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Certified copies of all qualification certificates obtained
- Latest academic transcripts/records (on institutional letterhead)
- Academic reports of all completed Degrees or Diplomas (on institutional letterhead)
- Admission letter from your tertiary institution (on institutional letterhead)
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income, such as:
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- Payslips if employed
- Affidavit if unemployed
- SASSA slip if receiving a social grant
- For Masters and PhD students:
- A progress report or recommendation letter from your supervisor
- Any additional documents that may strengthen your application
Ensure that all documents are clear, certified where required, and correctly uploaded before submitting your application.
Closing Date for Potato SA Bursary Application 2026/2027
The closing date for applications is: 31 October
Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. It is strongly advised that you apply well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues or missing documentation.
Contact Details for Potatoes South Africa
For any questions or further information regarding the bursary programme, you may contact Potatoes South Africa directly:
- Telephone: 012 349 1906
- Email: bursaries1@potatoes.co.za