Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student passionate about agriculture, sugarcane production, engineering, science, or agribusiness and looking for financial support to further your studies? The SITFE Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering funding to deserving students who wish to build careers within South Africa’s vital sugar industry. The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) was established to develop skilled professionals who will strengthen and sustain the country’s sugar sector through education, training, and capacity building.
The SITFE Bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance, which may include tuition fees, accommodation, prescribed textbooks, study materials, and a living allowance. In addition to financial support, beneficiaries often gain valuable industry exposure through workplace training, internships, and mentorship opportunities within sugar mills, farms, and related agricultural institutions. This ensures that students are not only academically equipped but also practically prepared for employment in the sugar and agricultural industries.
By applying for the SITFE Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just funding; they invest in a future career within one of South Africa’s most important agricultural sectors. The bursary opens doors to rewarding opportunities in agriculture, engineering, environmental science, agronomy, and agribusiness, while contributing to national food security and economic 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 Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE)
Founded as a private sector initiative, SITFE is one of South Africa’s oldest trust funds dedicated to education. Its mission is to support sustainable, high-quality education in the sugarcane regions of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Over the years, SITFE has made a significant impact by funding bursaries, arts and culture programs, teacher development, and infrastructure projects. More than 10,200 learners have benefitted from SITFE’s bursary programmes, which also support school building projects and financial assistance for tertiary students through partnerships with specialist educational organizations.
About the SITFE Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields of Study Covered
The SITFE Bursary Programme 2026 is inviting applications from students residing in sugarcane-growing provinces who are pursuing studies in Agriculture. Eligible institutions include:
- Cedara College of Agriculture
- Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
- University of Mpumalanga
This bursary provides financial support to students who wish to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s agricultural sector while gaining high-quality tertiary education.
Selection Process for SITFE Bursaries
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in the first week of December 2025 and will be required to attend an interview in mid-December 2025. Initial selection is based on Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (for current Matric students) or the latest tertiary results (for current university students). Final selection will be based on Matric final results.
Successful candidates will be notified by 31 January 2026. If you do not receive feedback by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful. SITFE also reserves the right to cancel bursaries if candidates secure other full bursary funding or loans.
Eligibility Requirements for SITFE Bursary Application 2026/2027
To be considered for the bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be a resident of KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Must have applied or registered to study within the Faculty of Agriculture at a College of Agriculture or pursue a Diploma in Agriculture at the University of Mpumalanga
- Household income must fall within the “missing middle” range of R350,000 to R600,000 per annum
- Preference is given to children of sugarcane farmworkers, disadvantaged first-year students, and residents of sugarcane-growing areas where mills and administrative infrastructure are located
Failure to meet all eligibility criteria will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for SITFE Bursary 2026/2027
Applications can be submitted online or via hard copy:
- Online Application: Click here to access SITFE Bursary Application portal for 2026
- Hard Copy Application: Click here to Download SITFE Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)
Submit completed applications along with certified supporting documents via:
- Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za (Subject: “SITFE Bursary 2026”)
- Post: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300
Required Documents
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric final trial results or latest tertiary results
- Proof of sugar industry connection, if applicable
- Certified proof of parents/guardian household income (payslips, pension, or affidavit if unemployed)
- Certified death certificate, if a parent is deceased
- Proof of application or registration at the intended institution for 2026
Incomplete applications may be disqualified, so ensure all documents are included.
Closing Date for SITFE Bursary Application 2026/2027
The closing date for applications is 21 November. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered, so ensure you apply early to avoid missing out.
Contact Details of SITFE
For any queries regarding the bursary, contact SITFE directly:
- Tel: 031 508 7034
- Fax: 031 508 7191
- Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za
