Hey future agricultural trailblazers! Are you passionate about making a real difference in South Africa’s food production? If you’re a bright, ambitious student looking to dive deep into grain and oilseed research at a postgraduate level, then you’re in the right place! We’re talking about the awesome **SACTA Postgraduate Bursary 2025** – a fantastic opportunity that could fund your Honours, Masters, or PhD degree and kickstart your career in vital agricultural research.
This isn’t just about getting a qualification; it’s about contributing to food security, developing innovative farming methods, and becoming a leader in South Africa’s agricultural sector. SACTA (South African Cultivar & Technology Agency) is looking for the best and brightest to help them grow more food and train new experts, ensuring a better farming future for our nation. So, let’s get into the details and see if this incredible bursary is your next big step!
Who Can Apply?
Ready to see if you fit the bill? Here’s what SACTA is looking for in their ideal candidates:
- **Citizenship:** You must be a South African citizen.
- **Academic Level:** This bursary is exclusively for students pursuing Honours, Masters, or Doctoral (PhD) degrees.
- **Academic Performance:** You need to have a strong academic record, having scored at least 70% in your previous degree.
- **Research Focus:** Your proposed research must be relevant to the grain and oilseed industry in South Africa. Think topics that directly contribute to the country’s farming sector!
- **Research Approval:** SACTA must approve your specific research plan and your supervisor before your studies begin.
- **Study Mode:** You need to be studying full-time at a recognized South African tertiary institution.
- **Exclusivity:** You cannot hold any other bursaries that come with a compulsory work-back clause after graduation.
- **Age:** Good news – there’s no age limit for this bursary, as it’s focused on advanced studies.
What Does It Cover?
Wondering what kind of financial support you’ll get? SACTA offers generous funding to help you focus on your studies without the added stress of financial worries:
| Name of Bursary | SACTA Postgraduate Bursary 2025 |
|---|---|
| Organized By | South African Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) |
| Duration | Up to 2 years for Masters by Dissertation students; up to 3 years for PhD/Doctoral students. |
| Stipend | Up to R99 750 per annum for Masters by Dissertation students, and up to R131 250 per annum for PhD/Doctoral students. |
| Location | Studies must be conducted at a recognized South African tertiary institution. |
Beyond the financial aid, this bursary also helps kickstart your career! Students who receive this funding are typically required to work in South Africa’s grain and oilseed industry after graduating. The work-back period usually matches the duration of your funding, giving you valuable experience and a clear path into the industry.
How to Apply?
Ready to submit your application? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- **Visit the SACTA Website:** Head over to the official SACTA website. This is where you’ll find their online application form.
- **Gather Your Documents:** Before you start the online form, make sure you have all your necessary documents ready. You’ll need:
- A copy of your South African ID.
- Your comprehensive CV (Curriculum Vitae).
- Official academic transcripts/results from your previous degrees.
- A recent, clear photograph of yourself.
- A compelling motivation letter explaining why you deserve the bursary and how your research aligns with SACTA’s goals.
- **University Registration Proof:** If you are already registered at a university, include proof of registration. If not, don’t worry – you can submit this later once you’re officially enrolled.
- **Sign the Legal Form:** There’s a crucial legal document called “Section E” that you *must* sign. Ensure you complete this carefully.
- **Complete and Upload:** Fill out the online form thoroughly and upload all your prepared documents as instructed. Double-check everything before submitting!
- **Selection Process:** After the closing date, SACTA Directors will review all applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for phone interviews.
- **Research & Supervisor Approval:** A key step is SACTA’s approval of both your specific research plan and your proposed supervisor.
- **Contract Signing:** If you are selected, you will need to sign an official bursary contract with SACTA.
- **Notification:** SACTA aims to notify successful applicants via email within approximately two months after the application closing date.
Remember, the deadline to apply for the SACTA Postgraduate Bursary 2025 is **01 October 2025**. Make sure you submit your complete application before this date to be considered!
If this sounds like the perfect bursary to boost your agricultural research career, don’t wait! Apply now and explore even more incredible bursary opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
