South African Association for Food Science and Technology Foundation
SAAFoST Matric Bursary
Closes
30 October 2026
Value
Up to R60 000 per year
Level
Undergraduate (Degree / Diploma)
For
Matriculants
Sector
Food Science & Technology
Type
Partial Bursary (Tuition)
About this bursary
The South African Association for Food Science and Technology Foundation provides financial support to learners completing Grade 12 who intend to study towards higher qualifications in food science and food technology. Funding goes directly towards course registration and tuition fees up to a maximum limit of R60 000 annually.
SAAFoST offers this grant to help promising school leavers gain access to South African public universities and universities of technology. The program aims to strengthen technical skills and scientific capacity across the country's food manufacturing, quality assurance, and processing sectors.
Payments are processed in two separate instalments each academic year, with the second release depending on satisfactory performance in mid-year examinations. Awardees must join SAAFoST as student members within three months of tertiary registration.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must hold South African citizenship and have resided in South Africa for at least three consecutive years.
- Candidates must currently be in Grade 12 or hold a completed FETC qualification.
- A minimum mark of 60% (Level 5) in both Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric is required.
- Applicants must be accepted for full-time study towards an initial undergraduate degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology at a recognized South African tertiary institution for 2027.
- Studies must be completed within the standard timeframe, up to four years for degrees and diplomas, or five years for BTech studies.
- Recipients must register as SAAFoST student members within three months of university enrollment.
You do not qualify if
- Non-South African citizens and individuals who have lived in the country for less than three years are not eligible.
- Students pursuing part-time studies or qualifications outside the food science field cannot apply for this specific grant.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of South African identity document or passport
- Head-and-shoulders passport-sized photo
- Certified copy of Grade 11 final results
- Certified copy of latest Grade 12 results
- Completed Personal Statement outlining achievements, career goals, and intended community impact
- One-page testimonial from an academic referee who has known the applicant for at least three years
Submit clear certified copies alongside the completed application form.
How to apply
- 1Download the official application document in PDF or Word format.
- 2Complete all required sections including the personal statement portion.
- 3Gather certified copies of all requested support documents.
- 4Email the complete package to [email protected] with SAAFoST Matric Bursary Application in the subject line.
Applications must reach SAAFoST by the specified closing date.