Home Bursaries Maize Trust Bursary
Open · Closes 30 Sep 2026

The Maize Trust

Maize Trust Bursary

Closes

30 September 2026

Value

Up to R131 250 per year

Level

Master's and PhD

For

South African citizens

Sector

Agricultural Sciences

Work-back

Equal to funded duration

About this bursary

The Maize Trust Bursary provides financial support to postgraduate students undertaking full-time Master's or Doctoral research relevant to the South African maize sector. Managed on behalf of the Trust by Agri Manage Solutions, funding is open for studies across various specialised agricultural and plant science fields.

This programme aims to strengthen scientific expertise and innovation within the local grain industry. It targets students whose dissertation or thesis proposals directly address challenges or opportunities in maize production, crop health, or related agricultural disciplines.

Bursary recipients commit to working within South Africa's maize industry after graduation for a period equal to the duration of their funding.

Obligation

Graduates must work in the South African maize industry for a period matching the duration of their bursary.

Courses of study covered

Agronomy
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Meteorology
Biometry
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
Soil Microbiology
Soil Science
Weed Science

What the bursary covers

Master's (MSc) funding up to R99 750 per year for up to two years
Doctoral (PhD) funding up to R131 250 per year for up to three years
First funding installment paid in January following approved progress reports

Who can apply

You qualify if

  • You must be a South African citizen with a completed matric certificate.
  • You must be registered or planning to register for full-time Master's or PhD studies at a recognised tertiary institution.
  • Your research topic must focus on an area relevant to the South African maize industry and receive approval from the Maize Trust.
  • You cannot hold other bursary funding at the same time without prior approval from the Trust.
  • You must agree to all bursary terms and complete the legal undertaking section of the application.
  • You must be willing to work in the South African maize industry after finishing your studies.

You do not qualify if

  • Undergraduate students.
  • Non-South African citizens.
  • Students holding concurrent funding without explicit permission from the Maize Trust.

Documents you need to submit

  • Certified copy of South African ID or passport (not older than three months)
  • Recent colour ID photograph
  • Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of university registration and fee statement on official letterhead
  • Full tertiary academic transcript on official letterhead
  • Detailed research proposal including research title, description, and Gantt chart
  • Motivation letter covering academic ability, financial need, and career goals

Ensure certified documents are clear and less than three months old. Registration proof may be submitted after acceptance if not immediately available.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Visit the online application page on the Agri Manage Solutions portal.
  2. 2
    Fill in all personal details, study plans, and background information.
  3. 3
    Upload clear copies of all required supporting documents.
  4. 4
    Complete and sign the Legal Undertaking section on the application form.
  5. 5
    Submit your application before the closing deadline.

Incomplete submissions or missing attachments may result in application rejection.

How you are selected

1
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for telephonic interviews.
2
Final outcomes are communicated within eight weeks of the closing date.
3
If you do not receive feedback within eight weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Forms, downloads and links

Last verified: September 2026   ·   Category: Science   ·   Reviewed by grantZA Editorial
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