Home Bursaries Potatoes SA Bursary
Closed · Closed 31 Aug 2026

Potato Industry Development Trust

Potatoes SA Bursary

Closes

31 August 2026

Level

2nd Year to PhD

For

South African citizens

Sector

Agriculture

Type

Full bursary with work-back

Work-back

1 year service per year funded

About this bursary

The Potato Industry Development Trust offers funding for students enrolled in agricultural degrees across South Africa. Managed in partnership with Potatoes South Africa, this scheme supports four candidates taking undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications tailored to the potato sector.

Established in 2004, the trust works to build expertise for the local potato value chain. It assists students who have completed their first year of study, giving them financial support alongside real practical workplace exposure.

Successful applicants commit to working within a potato-related company or institution after graduation. The service duration matches the number of academic years funded by the trust.

Obligation

Graduates must work in a potato-related business or institution for a duration matching the years of funding received.

Courses of study covered

Agricultural Economics
Agronomy
Plant Production
Crop Production
Soil Science
Other potato-relevant agricultural studies

What the bursary covers

Comprehensive coverage for academic tuition fees
Practical workplace experience through structured industry programmes
Internship opportunities to help build practical skills
Direct employment pathway in the South African potato sector

Who can apply

You qualify if

  • You must hold South African citizenship and have completed matric.
  • You must be enrolled full-time at an accredited public tertiary institution in South Africa.
  • You need to be entering your second year, BTech, Honours, Masters, or PhD level in 2027.
  • Your qualification must fall within the listed agricultural study fields.
  • You must maintain a strong academic record throughout your studies.

You do not qualify if

  • First-year undergraduate students entering tertiary studies for the first time.
  • Foreign nationals without South African citizenship.
  • Students registered at unaccredited institutions.

Documents you need to submit

  • Certified copy of South African identity document
  • Copy of matric certificate
  • Certificates for completed higher education qualifications where applicable
  • Most recent academic transcripts or record
  • Official university acceptance letter or proof of registration
  • Proof of household income using payslips, SASSA grant slips, or an affidavit
  • Supervisor progress report and recommendation letter for Masters or PhD candidates

Merge all supporting files into a single PDF in the exact order requested before uploading.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Fill out the online application form using the provided portal link.
  2. 2
    Select where you heard about the funding scheme when prompted.
  3. 3
    Gather all mandatory supporting documents into a single PDF file.
  4. 4
    Name the PDF using your full name and identity number.
  5. 5
    Upload your combined PDF via the upload link generated after form submission.

Ensure files are arranged in the specified order before merging into one PDF.

How you are selected

1
Applications are reviewed after the closing date with a focus on academic merit and field suitability.
2
Shortlisted candidates will receive feedback by 31 December 2026.
3
If you do not hear back by that date, regard your application as unsuccessful.

Forms, downloads and links

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