SAAFoST Bursary
South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST)
The SAAFoST Foundation funds full-time students entering food science and technology, one of South Africa's persistent scarce-skill areas. It runs a Matriculant Bursary for Grade 12 learners and an Undergraduate Bursary for students already studying food science and technology, each paying actual tuition fees of up to R60,000 a year and awarded on academic merit, employment equity and demonstrated potential. For 2027, matriculant applications close on 30 October 2026 and undergraduate applications on 29 January 2027.
- Amount
- Actual tuition fees of up to R60,000 per year, paid directly to the institution in two instalments
- Deadline
- 30 October 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen (or, for the undergraduate bursary, permanent resident) who has lived in South Africa for at least 3 years before applying
- ✓ Enrolled for full-time undergraduate study for a first degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology at a South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Matriculant bursary: an achievement rating of at least 5 in both Mathematics and Physical Science (Life Sciences recommended)
- ✓ Undergraduate bursary: a member of SAAFoST for at least 12 months before applying
- ✓ Able to complete the programme within the prescribed period (for example, 4 years for a degree up to BSc Hons)
- ✓ Selection on academic merit, employment equity and demonstrated potential
- ✓ Matriculant bursary holders must join SAAFoST within three months of registering and stay active members for the duration of study
What's Included
- ✓ Actual tuition fees of up to R60,000 per year, paid directly to the institution
- ✓ Funding until graduation, subject to satisfactory results each semester
- ✓ Links into the food science professional community through SAAFoST membership
- ✓ Exposure to industry through SAAFoST activities and events
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) bursary application
- 1
Choose the correct stream: the Matriculant Bursary (Grade 12 learners) or the Undergraduate Bursary (current food science and technology students)
- 2
Download the application form (PDF or Word) from the relevant bursary page on saafost.org.za
- 3
Complete the form, write a personal statement of no more than one A4 page and obtain a character reference
- 4
Email the completed application and certified documents to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer (mdo@saafost.org.za)
- 5
Submit by the closing date: 30 October 2026 for the Matriculant Bursary, or 29 January 2027 for the Undergraduate Bursary
- 6
Matriculant applications are reviewed in November and awards announced in December; undergraduate applications are reviewed in February and awards announced in March
Required Documents
- 📄 Head-and-shoulders passport-size photograph
- 📄 Certified copy of your ID book or RSA passport
- 📄 Matriculants: certified Grade 11 final and latest Grade 12 results (achievement rating 5, or 60-69%, in Mathematics and Physical Science)
- 📄 Undergraduates: certified copy of your most recent academic results and proof of 2027 registration at a tertiary institution
- 📄 Personal statement (maximum one A4 page)
- 📄 Reference letter from someone who has known you in a learning capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the SAAFoST bursary close?
- For 2027, the Matriculant Bursary closes on 30 October 2026, with review in November and awards in December. The Undergraduate Bursary closes on 29 January 2027, with review in February and awards in March.
- What marks do I need as a matriculant?
- You need an achievement rating of at least 5 (60-69%) in both Mathematics and Physical Science; Life Sciences is recommended.
- Is there an option for students already at university?
- Yes. The Undergraduate Bursary is for full-time students already studying towards a first degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology. Applicants must have been SAAFoST members for at least 12 months before applying.
- How much does the bursary pay, and do I have to pay it back?
- It pays actual tuition fees of up to R60,000 a year directly to your institution. SAAFoST may convert the bursary into a loan, repayable at the prime interest rate, if you interrupt or abandon your studies, fail a year or semester, or do not finish within the prescribed period without its permission.
- How are recipients selected?
- Awards are made by the SAAFoST Foundation on academic merit, employment equity and demonstrated potential, and its decision is final.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 October 2026
Apply on South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST)'s official siteNeed help? Contact South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST):
Email: mdo@saafost.org.za
Phone: 071 870 2633
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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