Home Bursaries SACTA Bursary
Open · Closes 30 Sep 2026

South African Cultivar and Technology Agency

SACTA Bursary

Closes

30 September 2026

Value

Up to R131 250 per year

Level

Honours, Masters, PhD

For

SA citizens

Sector

Agriculture

Work-back

Yes, in SA grain sector

About this bursary

The South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA) provides funding for postgraduate research degrees. The scheme supports students pursuing qualifications connected to the South African grain and oilseeds industry.

SACTA collects and manages crop breeding levies across the country. The bursary addresses research gaps and helps build expertise in areas like plant breeding, crop protection, and agricultural technology.

Bursary holders must carry out research topics approved by the Trust. Every candidate agrees to work in the South African agricultural sector after graduating.

Obligation

Graduates must work in the South African grain and oilseed sector for a period equal to the duration of funding received.

Courses of study covered

Agronomy
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Meteorology
Biometry
Conservation Agriculture
Data Science
Food Sciences
Molecular Biology
Pasture Science
Plant Biochemistry
Plant Breeding
Plant Pathology
Plant Physiology
Soil Science
Weed Science

What the bursary covers

Funding up to R99 750 per year for Masters by Dissertation (max 2 years)
Funding up to R131 250 per year for PhD research (max 3 years)
Payouts scheduled in installments following progress approval

Who can apply

You qualify if

  • Applicants must hold South African citizenship and have passed matric.
  • Candidates must be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time for Honours, Masters, or PhD studies.
  • The study programme must focus on topics relevant to grain and oilseed technology.
  • Studies must take place at an accredited public university in South Africa.
  • Applicants cannot hold other concurrent bursary funding without prior approval from the Trust.
  • Candidates must agree to complete a work-back obligation in the local agricultural sector.

You do not qualify if

  • Undergraduate students are not eligible.
  • Non-South African citizens will not be considered.
  • Part-time students and applicants with unapproved secondary bursaries do not qualify.

Documents you need to submit

  • Certified copy of South African ID document or passport
  • Recent colour identity photo
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of university registration and detailed fee account
  • Complete tertiary academic record on institutional letterhead
  • Detailed research proposal with title, summary, and timeline
  • Letter of motivation outlining academic performance, financial circumstances, and career objectives

ID documents must be certified within the past three months.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Access the official SACTA online application portal.
  2. 2
    Fill in your personal details, academic history, and course information.
  3. 3
    Upload certified copies of all requested supporting documents and research plans.
  4. 4
    Submit the completed online form prior to the closing deadline.

Ensure all attachments are clear and legibly scanned.

How you are selected

1
Shortlisted candidates will take part in telephone interviews.
2
Successful applicants receive feedback within eight weeks after applications close.
3
If no response is received within eight weeks, consider the application unsuccessful.

Forms, downloads and links

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