The South African Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) is offering bursaries in 2025 for students who want to pursue advanced studies in grain and oilseed breeding. This program is designed to support Honours, Masters, and PhD students while contributing to the development of South Africa’s agricultural sector. Students selected for the bursary will receive financial support and gain opportunities to build a career in the farming industry.
Overview of the SACTA 2025 Bursary
The SACTA bursary is aimed at postgraduate students studying at recognized South African universities. The program helps fund research that can improve food production and strengthen the country’s grain and oilseed industry.
- Duration: Up to 2 years for Masters by Dissertation students, up to 3 years for PhD/Doctoral students
- Stipend: Up to R99,750 per year for Masters students, up to R131,250 per year for PhD students
- Location: South African universities
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the SACTA bursary, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be enrolled for Honours, Masters, or PhD studies
- Have strong academic results, with at least 70% in the previous degree
- Propose research that benefits South Africa’s grain and oilseed sector
- Obtain approval for the research topic from SACTA
- Be a full-time student at a recognized South African university
- Not have other funding that requires work commitments after graduation
There are no age restrictions for applicants since the bursary is for advanced degrees.
Benefits of the SACTA Bursary
The SACTA bursary offers several advantages for students pursuing postgraduate studies:
- Financial Support: Helps cover tuition fees and living costs, reducing financial stress
- Focused Study: Students can dedicate time to their research without worrying about funding
- Career Opportunities: After completing studies, students are offered positions in South Africa’s grain and oilseed sector
- Industry Connections: Students work under the guidance of experienced supervisors, building networks in the agricultural field
How to Apply
Applicants need to complete an online application through the SACTA website. The following documents are required:
- South African ID copy
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic records and transcripts
- Recent photograph
- Motivation letter explaining why the bursary is needed
- Proof of university registration and fee statement (if already enrolled)
- Signed Section E legal form
Make sure all documents are uploaded correctly, as incomplete applications may be rejected. SACTA reviews applications and notifies applicants within eight weeks after the closing date.
Selection Process
The SACTA bursary selection involves the following steps:
- Initial review of all applications by SACTA directors
- Phone interviews for shortlisted candidates
- Approval of the research plan and assigned supervisor
- Signing a bursary contract for selected students
This process ensures that bursaries are awarded to students who demonstrate strong potential to contribute to South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Important Deadlines
Applications for the 2025 SACTA bursary are open now and will close on October 1, 2025. Students should submit their applications before the deadline to be considered.
