Sorghum Trust Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Sorghum Trust Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a strong interest in agriculture, agribusiness, food security, and sustainable farming? The Sorghum Trust Scholarship 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to deserving students who wish to pursue studies in agricultural and related fields. Established to promote the development and advancement of the sorghum industry in South Africa, the Sorghum Trust invests in education to empower young professionals who will strengthen agricultural innovation, research, and production in the country.
The Sorghum Trust Scholarship provides valuable financial assistance that may include coverage for tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, and other essential academic costs. Beyond funding, beneficiaries gain the opportunity to build strong connections within the agricultural sector, access industry exposure, and develop practical knowledge that supports the growth of the grain and farming industries. This scholarship is ideal for students who show academic excellence and a genuine commitment to contributing to South Africa’s agricultural development and food sustainability.
By applying for the Sorghum Trust Scholarship 2026/2027, students not only reduce their financial burden but also position themselves for impactful careers in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural economics, food science, and related disciplines that are vital to the nation’s economy and food security.
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 Sorghum Trust Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.
About Sorghum Trust
The Sorghum Trust Scholarship Programme plays a vital role in strengthening and transforming the South African sorghum industry through targeted funding and research support. Established after the termination of the Sorghum Board in 1997, all industry funding was transferred to the Sorghum Trust with a clear mission: to use its income optimally to support research, development, and the dissemination of market information that benefits the sorghum value chain.
The Trust focuses on providing financial support to organisations and individuals who contribute to innovation, sustainability, and growth within the sorghum sector. By investing in advanced academic research and skills development, the Sorghum Trust ensures that South Africa’s sorghum industry remains competitive, productive, and scientifically driven.
About Sorghum Trust Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
The Sorghum Trust invites applications from postgraduate students who wish to pursue Master’s or Doctoral (PhD) studies in fields that are directly relevant to the sorghum industry in South Africa. This prestigious scholarship programme is designed to encourage high-level research that addresses real challenges and opportunities within the agricultural and crop science sectors.
The scholarship is ideal for students who are passionate about agriculture, plant sciences, data-driven farming, and sustainable food production, and who intend to build long-term careers within the South African agricultural industry.
Fields of Study Covered
The Sorghum Trust Scholarship supports a wide range of disciplines linked to crop production, food science, and agricultural innovation. Fields of study 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 crop industries)
- 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 related to the sorghum industry
This broad coverage ensures that research can address both traditional agricultural challenges and modern technological advancements within the sector.
Scholarship Coverage and Value
Each year, the Sorghum Trust awards scholarships to two successful candidates, with each scholarship valued at R30,000.
The funds are paid out in instalments based on approved progress reports submitted by the student and their academic supervisor. The first payment is typically made in January of the academic year. This structure encourages accountability and ensures that research milestones are met effectively.
Service Contract and Selection Process
A key condition of the Sorghum Trust Scholarship is the service commitment. After completing their studies, recipients are required to work within the South African sorghum industry for a period equal to the duration of the scholarship funding received. This ensures that the skills and knowledge gained are reinvested into the local agricultural sector.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in telephonic interviews. Final decisions are communicated within eight weeks after the application closing date. If no feedback is received within this period, applicants should regard their application as unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for Sorghum Trust Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intending to study full-time towards a Master’s or Doctoral qualification
- Field of study must be relevant to the South African sorghum industry
- Must be registered or accepted at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution
- Must not be receiving any other bursary or funding (unless approved by the Trust)
- Dissertation or thesis topic must be approved by the Sorghum Trust
- Must be willing to work in the South African agricultural industry after graduation
- Must agree to all scholarship conditions, policies, and procedures
- Must accept the terms of the Legal Undertaking (Section E of the application form)
Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in automatic disqualification.
How to Apply for Sorghum Trust Scholarship 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online via the official Sorghum Trust Scholarship application platform. Applicants are required to upload all supporting documentation during the application process.
Required Supporting Documents:
- Certified copy of ID document or Passport (not older than 3 months)
- Colour ID photo
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of tertiary registration and fee statement (on institutional letterhead)
- Full academic record, including latest results
- Proposed research details, including:
-
- Working research title
- Research description
- Gantt chart
- A motivational letter explaining:
- Academic ability
- Financial need
- Career goals and commitment to the sorghum industry
Incomplete applications or missing documents may lead to disqualification.
Closing Date for Sorghum Trust Scholarship Application 2026/2027
The closing date for applications is: 30 September
Late applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit all documentation well in advance of the deadline.
Contact Details of Sorghum Trust
For any queries related to the Sorghum Trust Scholarship Programme, applicants should contact the bursary administrators directly:
L&L Agricultural Services
Contact Person: Marilette Maritz
Email: marilette@llagric.co.za
Contact Page: agrimanage.co.za/contact-us