The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation is inviting applications for its 2027 bursary programmes for students pursuing studies in Food Science and Technology at South African tertiary institutions.

The Foundation offers separate bursary opportunities for Matriculants entering their first year and current undergraduate students continuing their studies. Selection is based on factors including academic merit, employment equity and demonstrated potential.

1. SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary 2027

This bursary is intended for learners who are completing Matric and intend to pursue full-time undergraduate Food Science and Technology studies at a South African tertiary institution.

Quick Details

Provider: SAAFoST Foundation
Programme: SAAFoST Foundation Matriculant Bursary
Academic year: 2027
Study level: First-year undergraduate
Study mode: Full-time
Field: Food Science and Technology
Institution: South African tertiary institution
Funding: Tuition fees up to R60,000 per year
Closing date: 30 October 2026
Application: Email application to SAAFoST Membership Development Officer

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Have been resident in South Africa for at least three years before applying.
• Be completing Matric or have a recognised equivalent qualification.
• Achieve an Achievement Rating of at least 5 in Mathematics and Physical Science.
• Life Science is recommended.
• Be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study in Food Science and Technology.
• Study towards a first degree or diploma at a South African tertiary institution.

Bursary Value

The SAAFoST Foundation provides financial assistance towards actual tuition fees, up to a maximum of R60,000 per annum.

The payment is made directly to the tertiary institution in two instalments, with the second instalment subject to satisfactory first-semester results.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide:

• Completed SAAFoST bursary application form
• Head-and-shoulders passport-size photograph
• Certified copy of South African ID or RSA passport
• Certified Grade 11 final examination results
• Latest Grade 12 examination results
• Evidence of the required Mathematics and Physical Science achievement
• Personal statement of no more than one A4 page
• Reference letter

The official requirements should be checked carefully before submission.

Closing Date

30 October 2026

The official SAAFoST page states that applications are reviewed in November, with the award announcement scheduled for December.

2. SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027

The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary is intended for students who are already studying Food Science and Technology and are progressing through their undergraduate qualification.

The 2027 application form specifically describes the bursary as being for students in their 2nd to 4th year of study.

Quick Details

Provider: SAAFoST Foundation
Programme: SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
Academic year: 2027
Study level: Undergraduate
Year of study: 2nd–4th year
Study mode: Full-time
Field: Food Science and Technology
Institution: South African tertiary institution
Funding: Tuition fees up to R60,000 per year
Closing date: 29 January 2027
Application: Email completed application to SAAFoST

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study.
• Be studying towards a first degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology.
• Be studying at a South African tertiary institution.
• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Have been resident in South Africa for at least three years before applying.
• Have been a SAAFoST member for at least 12 months before applying.
• Be able to complete the qualification within the prescribed period.

Bursary Value

The bursary covers actual tuition fees charged by the tertiary institution, up to a maximum of:

R60,000 per year

Payment is made directly to the institution in two instalments. The second instalment is dependent on satisfactory first-semester results.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary application form
• Head-and-shoulders passport-size photograph
• Certified copy of ID book or RSA passport
• Certified latest academic results
• Personal statement of no more than one A4 page
• Reference letter
• Proof of registration at a tertiary institution for 2027

Personal Statement

Applicants must explain, in no more than one A4 page, how their education and training in Food Science and Technology will make a positive difference in their lives and in the scientific community.

Closing Date

29 January 2027

SAAFoST states that applications will be reviewed in February and the award announcement is expected in March.

Important Bursary Conditions

Receiving the bursary is not automatic. The SAAFoST Foundation reserves the right not to award a bursary.

Recipients are required to provide the Foundation with six-monthly reports and examination results, including information about their studies and participation in SAAFoST activities.

The Foundation also states that, under certain circumstances, the bursary can be converted into a repayable loan, including where a student terminates or interrupts their studies without permission, does not complete within the prescribed period, or fails a year or semester.

How to Apply

Applications are made using the official SAAFoST application forms.

Matriculant Bursary

Closing: 30 October 2026

Completed applications should be emailed to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer.

Email: mdo@saafost.org.za
Telephone: 073 339 0870

Undergraduate Bursary

Closing: 29 January 2027

The current official SAAFoST webpage provides the application form and lists the Membership Development Officer as the application contact.

Email: mdo@saafost.org.za
Telephone: 071 870 2633

Important: The official 2027 undergraduate application PDF currently displays irene@saafost.org.za and telephone 071 870 2633, while the main SAAFoST webpage lists mdo@saafost.org.za. Because of this discrepancy, applicants should verify the preferred email address with SAAFoST before submitting.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is particularly relevant to students interested in careers in:

• Food Science
• Food Technology
• Food processing
• Food safety
• Food quality
• Product development
• Food manufacturing
• Scientific research
• Agricultural and food industries

The Matriculant Bursary is for learners preparing to begin their undergraduate studies, while the Undergraduate Bursary is for students already progressing through their Food Science and Technology qualification.

Important Dates

Official Application

Applicants should use the official SAAFoST bursary information and application forms:

SAAFoST Bursaries – Official Website

SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027

SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary