SAAFoST Bursary: Undergraduate

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident citizen
• You must have been a resident within South Africa for a minimum of 3 years before applying
• You must have completed Matric
• You must have been a member of SAAFoST for a minimum of 12 months before applying
• You must be studying full time towards a first undergraduate Degree or Diploma within the Food Science and Technology field
• You must be able to complete your studies within the prescribed period of the relevant South African Tertiary institution or following period: Undergraduate Degree (up to B.Sc (Hons): must be completed within 4 years Bachelors Degree/ Higher Diploma: must be completed within 4 years Bachelors Degree: must be completed within 3 years
• You must be studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• Preference will be given to undergraduate students with strong academic results or potential
• Undergraduate Degree (up to B.Sc (Hons): must be completed within 4 years
• Bachelors Degree/ Higher Diploma: must be completed within 4 years
• Bachelors Degree: must be completed within 3 years

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to SAAFoST - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

SAAFoST Bursary South Africa: Undergraduate Students 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE SAAFOST BURSARY COVER?

The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation is inviting students to apply for their bursary programmes, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies (degree or diploma), within the Food Science and Technology field.

Note: SAAFoST is also awarding the following bursaries:

• SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary: for students currently in Matric, who intend on studying full time towards a first undergraduate Degree or Diploma within the Food Science and Technology field. (Read more abut the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary here).
• SAAFoST Part-Time Bursary for SAAFoST Members: for SAAFoST paid up full members, studying part time studies towards a BSc Hons or BTech qualification, within the Food Science and Technology field. (Read more abut the SAAFoST Part-Time Bursary here).

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE SAAFOST BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide cover for tuition fees only (per the tertiary institutions statement of account), up to a maximum value of R60 000 per annum, until the student graduates.

The bursary payment will be made directly to the tertiary institution in 2 instalments. The second instalment will be paid on condition that the students first semester results are satisfactory.

The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary will be awarded based on 3 main criteria: academic merit, employment equity, and demonstrated potential.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE SAAFOST UNDERGRADUATE BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE SAAFOST UNDERGRADUATE BURSARY?

Download and complete the application form in either of the following formats:

• SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf)
• SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2027 (.docx)

Applications must be submitted via email to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer: [email protected](Insert the words “SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary Application” in the email subject line).

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the SAAFoST bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE SAAFOST UNDERGRADUATE BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document OR passport (certified copy)
• Passport sized photo (head & shoulders only)
• Most recent tertiary academic results (certified copy)
• Proof of registration at a tertiary institution, for the 2025 academic year (on institutions letterhead)
• Matric latest results (certified copy)
• Personal Statement (outlining the following: how your education and training within the food science and technology sector will make a positive impact in the scientific community and in your own life - maximum 1 A4 page)
• Reference Letter with contact details (written by someone at your tertiary institution who has known you in a learning capacity) (read our tips on how to get a reference letter/ testimonial for your bursary application)

NOTES ABOUT THE SAAFOST UNDERGRADUATE BURSARY

• The bursary will be administered by the SAAFoST Foundation, in liaison with the relevant institutions Student Liaison Representatives.
• The SAAFoST Foundation reserves the right not to award any bursaries.
• Bursary recipients must submit 6 monthly reports and exam results to the SAAFoST Foundation, as well as details of participation in SAAFoST activities.
• SAAFoST bursaries will be converted into a repayable loan if: a semester or year is failed; studies are terminated or interrupted including course changes; and studies are incomplete.
• All applications will be reviewed in February 2027 and successful recipients will be announced in March 2027.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SAAFOST UNDERGRADUATE BURSARY?

29 January 2027.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SAAFoST directly:Tel: 071 870 2633Email: [email protected]

WHAT DOES THE SAAFOST DO?

The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) is a leading non-profit professional body that represents individuals working in food science, food technology, nutrition, research, quality assurance, manufacturing, academia, and related sectors throughout Southern Africa. Since its establishment in 1960, the association has played an important role in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting innovation, and supporting the growth of the region’s food industry.

SAAFoST encourages professional development by hosting conferences, technical workshops, training courses, webinars, networking events, and industry exhibitions. The association also publishes educational resources and facilitates collaboration between researchers, universities, students, government institutions, and food industry professionals. Operated with the support of dedicated volunteers and a broad membership base, SAAFoST remains committed to raising professional standards and fostering excellence within the food science and technology community.

To further support education and skills development, SAAFoST established the SAAFoST Foundation. The Foundation oversees the administration of bursaries, scholarships, awards, and other student support initiatives, helping to develop the next generation of food science and technology professionals in Southern Africa.

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