SACTA Bursary Application for 2026/2027

The South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA) plays a vital role in strengthening South Africa’s agricultural sector by supporting innovation, research, and skills development within the grain and oilseed industry. SACTA was established to address a major challenge in the agricultural space: the lack of new technology and research advancement for self-pollinated and open-pollinated grain and oilseed crops. These include critical crops such as wheat, barley, soya beans, and selected canola cultivars, which form the backbone of the country’s food security and agricultural economy.

As a central institution, SACTA is responsible for administering breeding levies for all self-pollinated grain and oilseed crops in South Africa. These levies are used to fund research, development, and innovation that drive sustainable agricultural practices and improve crop performance. By investing in advanced studies and scientific research, SACTA ensures that the local grain and oilseed industry remains competitive, productive, and resilient in the face of climate change and evolving global agricultural standards.

To further support this mission, the SACTA Bursary Programme for 2026 invites talented and committed students to apply for postgraduate funding. This bursary is designed to develop high-level skills and research capacity in areas that are directly relevant to South Africa’s grain and oilseed industry. The programme focuses on supporting postgraduate studies at Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral level, ensuring that future researchers, scientists, and industry specialists are equipped to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural sector.

Fields of Study Covered by the SACTA Bursary

The SACTA bursary is aimed at students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in disciplines that support innovation and growth within the grain and oilseed industry. While the list is not limited to specific fields, preference is given to studies that have a clear application in crop production, agricultural technology, plant sciences, and agribusiness development.

Fields of study may include, but are not limited to:

• Agronomy
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Engineering
• Agricultural Meteorology
• Agricultural Writing
• Biometry
• Conservation Agriculture
• Data Science
• Demand Planning
• Food Sciences (relevant to the crop industry)
• Livestock Science
• Molecular Biology
• Pasture Science
• Plant Biochemistry
• Plant Breeding
• Plant Entomology
• Plant Nematology
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Virology
• Precision Agriculture
• Seed Applied Technologies
• Soil Microbiology
• Soil Science
• Weed Science
• Any other field directly related to the grain and oilseed sector

This wide range of disciplines ensures that SACTA supports both scientific research and technological advancement across the entire agricultural value chain.

SACTA Bursary Coverage, Value, and Payment Structure

The financial value of the SACTA bursary depends on the level of postgraduate study:

• Master’s by Dissertation: Funding of up to R99 750 per annum for a maximum of 2 years.
• PhD / Doctoral Research: Funding of up to R131 250 per annum for a maximum of 3 years.

Bursary funds are released in instalments and are linked to academic progress. Payments are made based on approved progress reports submitted by both the bursary recipient and their academic supervisor. The first instalment is scheduled to be paid in January 2026, provided that all conditions have been met.

This structured payment approach ensures accountability and encourages students to maintain strong academic performance throughout their studies.

Service Contract and Selection Process

All successful bursary recipients are required to enter into a service contract with SACTA. This means that once students have completed their studies, they must work within South Africa’s grain and oilseed industry for a period equal to the duration of the bursary received. This requirement ensures that the skills and knowledge developed through the bursary programme directly benefit the local agricultural sector.

The selection process is competitive. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and required to participate in telephonic interviews. Final outcomes will be communicated within 8 weeks after the application closing date. If applicants do not receive feedback within this period, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Eligibility Requirements for SACTA Bursary Application 2026/2027

To qualify for the SACTA 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 or intend to study full-time towards a Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral qualification relevant to the South African grain and oilseed industry.
• You must be enrolled or planning to enrol at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution.
• You must not be receiving any other bursary or funding (unless approved by the Trust).
• Your dissertation or thesis topic must be approved by the SACTA Trust.
• You must be willing to work in the South African agricultural industry after graduation.
• You must have read and agreed to all SACTA bursary conditions, policies, and procedures.
• You must agree to the terms outlined in the Legal Undertaking (Section E) of the application form.

Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in the application not being considered.

How to Apply for SACTA Bursary 2026/2027

Applications must be submitted online via the official SACTA bursary application platform: SACTA Bursary Application 2026

Applicants must upload clear and certified copies of the following supporting documents. Missing documents may lead to disqualification:

• Certified copy of ID document or Passport (not older than 3 months)
• Colour ID photograph
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Proof of tertiary registration and fee statement on institution letterhead
• Full academic record, including latest results, on institution letterhead
• Detailed research proposal, including:
  • Working research title
  • Description of the research
  • Gantt chart
• Motivational letter explaining:
  • Academic strengths
  • Financial need
  • Career goals and commitment to the agricultural sector

Closing Date for SACTA Bursary Application 2026/2027

The closing date for the SACTA Bursary Application 2026 is: 1 October

Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all documentation well before the deadline.

Contact Details of SACTA

For any queries regarding the SACTA bursary programme, applicants should contact the bursary administrators directly:

Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd

Contact Person: Beatrix De Witt

Email: beatrix@agrimanage.co.za