OAC/OPDT Postgraduate Scholarship 2027/2028 — Funds are made available on an annual basis by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) for bursaries to assist deserving candidates to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree. The objective in awarding a master’s bursary is to train students to become competent researchers, whilst a doctoral bursary is awarded only to students who have demonstrated their ability as researchers and who will be working on a research project regarded as being of high priority by the oilseeds industry. The objective of the scholarship is to provide an opportunity for deserving candidates to obtain a postgraduate degree which will enable them to contribute to high quality scientific research in oilseeds.

About OAC/OPDT

The Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) and Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC) provide funding on an annual basis for postgraduate bursaries to assist deserving candidates in obtaining master’s or doctoral degrees. The objective is to train students to become competent researchers who can contribute to high quality scientific research in the oilseeds sector.

Requirements for OAC/OPDT Postgraduate Scholarship 2027/2028

The scholarship is open to:

Citizens of the Republic of South Africa
Who have qualified for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral degree at a recognised tertiary institution
The subject of study must fall within the broad framework of the objectives of the OPDT/OAC (for Master’s)
For Doctoral degrees, the subject must be deemed of high priority by the OPDT/OAC

Value and Duration

Value: R70,000 per annum
Master’s Degree duration: 2 years (guideline)
Doctorate duration: 3 years (guideline)

The amount is paid directly to the candidate following receipt of sufficient proof that the candidate has been accepted and registered at the University for the year in question. The allocation of a scholarship is not regarded as a guarantee that the allocation will be repeated in successive years. Scholarship allocations for successive years will be paid upon receipt of documentation from the academic leader that satisfactory progress was made during the previous academic year as well as proof of registration for the next year.

Evaluation and Selection

The scholarship is awarded on merit
For Doctoral degrees, also according to the requirements of the OAC/OPDT for a specific study
Selection takes place at the universities
First-time applicants should be listed in priority sequence by the university
Applications of selected candidates are submitted by the universities and considered by the OAC/OPDT during October
Selected candidates may be requested to attend a personal interview at OAC/OPDT’s account

Results announced: 30 November (directly after the OAC/OPDT meeting)

Obligations

The successful candidate must conduct an approved research project under the leadership of a recognised study leader at the university concerned
The project may be used as a partial requirement for a postgraduate qualification
A formal contract must be signed by both parties
The incumbent must submit a final report (thesis) on completion of the research, in addition to normal progress reports by the academic leader

How to Apply for OAC/OPDT Postgraduate Scholarship 2027/2028

Step 1: Read the Bursary Guidelines before making an application.

📄 Read Bursary Guidelines

Step 2: Download and complete the relevant application form.

📝 Download Application Form

Step 3: Completed bursary application forms for 2027/2028 must be returned via the university to the Oil & Protein Seeds Development Trust and Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OPDT/OAC).

⏰ Closing Date: 30 September 2026 (completed applications must reach the OAC/OPDT by this date)

Contact Details

Further details and application forms are available at:

Postal Address: The Chief Executive Officer, Oilseeds Advisory Committee, P.O. Box 5562, Rivonia, 2128
Email: info@opot.co.za
Phone: +27 11 234 3400 / +27 11 234 3401

Programme Details

Organisation: Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) / Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC)
Scholarship Name: OAC/OPDT Post Graduate Scholarship
Academic Year: 2027/2028
Study Levels: Master’s and Doctoral degrees
Field: Research related to oilseeds (subject must fall within OPDT/OAC objectives)
Value: R70,000 per annum
Duration: 2 years (Master’s) / 3 years (Doctorate) – guideline
Citizenship: South African citizens only
Selection: Merit-based, via universities
Application Method: Via university to OPDT/OAC
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Results Announced: 30 November 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the OAC/OPDT Post Graduate Scholarship?

A scholarship programme funded by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) for the 2027/2028 academic year, supporting South African students pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees in research related to oilseeds. The scholarship is valued at R70,000 per annum for up to 2 years (Master’s) or 3 years (Doctorate).

2. Who is eligible to apply?

South African citizens who have qualified for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral degree at a recognised tertiary institution. For Master’s, the subject must fall within OPDT/OAC objectives. For Doctoral, the subject must be deemed high priority by OPDT/OAC.

3. What is the value of the scholarship?

R70,000 per annum. For Master’s degrees, the guideline duration is 2 years; for Doctorates, 3 years.

4. How is the scholarship paid?

The amount is paid directly to the candidate following proof of acceptance and registration. Renewal for successive years requires documentation of satisfactory progress from the academic leader and proof of registration.

5. What are the obligations of recipients?

Conduct an approved research project under a recognised study leader, sign a formal contract, and submit a final report (thesis) on completion, in addition to normal progress reports.

6. How are candidates selected?

Selection takes place at universities, which submit applications in priority sequence. The OAC/OPDT considers applications during October. Selected candidates may be requested to attend an interview. Results are announced on 30 November.

7. How do I apply?

Read the bursary guidelines, download the application form from the OPOT website, complete it, and return it via your university to the OPDT/OAC before the closing date of 30 September 2026.

8. When is the closing date?

30 September 2026. Completed applications must reach the OAC/OPDT by this date.

9. When will results be announced?

Results will be made known directly after the OAC/OPDT meeting on 30 November 2026.

10. Where can I find more agricultural research scholarships?

For more agricultural and research scholarships, explore our agricultural bursaries database or check postgraduate scholarships.

For more postgraduate and research scholarships, visit EduFunds.co.za

Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust • Oilseeds Advisory Committee
Post Graduate Scholarship 2027/2028
Advancing Oilseeds Research • Developing Future Researchers