SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027 | Apply Now

About SAAFoST

SAAFoST is a non-profit, largely volunteer-run, national association of food science and other technical professionals concerned with advancing food science and technology knowledge. This it does by publishing a membership magazine titled “Food Science and Technology,” encouraging scientific research and the publication of papers and articles, organising meetings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, congresses, and assisting in educational activities.

The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation invites students to apply for their bursaries programmes for the 2027 academic year.

Organisation: SAAFoST Foundation • Type: Non-profit, volunteer-run • Focus: Food Science and Technology • Academic Year: 2027

What Field of Study Is Covered?

The SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027 will be awarded for undergraduate studies (degree or diploma) within the Food Science and Technology field.

What Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?

The SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027 will provide cover for tuition fees only (per the tertiary institution’s statement of account), up to a maximum value of R60,000 per annum.

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

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

Eligibility Requirements for the SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027

Before you apply for the SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have been resident within South Africa for a minimum of 3 years before applying
• You must be currently in Matric
• You must have completed a Further Education & Training Certificate (FETC) (General) qualification or the equivalent
• You must have achieved a minimum of level 5 (60 to 69%) for Physical Science and Mathematics in Matric (Life Science is recommended)
• You must be enrolled to study full-time towards a first undergraduate Degree or Diploma within the Food Science and Technology field in 2027
• You must be enrolled and accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institute in South Africa
• You must be able to complete your studies within the prescribed period:
  • Undergraduate Degree (up to B.Sc Hons): must be completed within 4 years
  • Diploma: must be completed within 4 years
  • BTech Degree: must be completed within 5 years
• You must register as a SAAFoST member within 3 months of registration at your selected tertiary institution, and remain an active member for the entire duration of study (applications for students are free)

Preference will be given to: Matric students with strong academic results or potential.

Required Documents

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form for the SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.

• ID document OR passport
• Passport-sized photo (head and shoulders only)
• Grade 11 final results
• Matric latest results
• Personal Statement (including personal achievements and career objectives, outlining how your education and training in food science and technology will make a positive difference in your life and in the scientific community) – Part D of the application form
• Reference Letter with contact details (written by someone who has known you in a learning capacity for a minimum of 3 years) – 1 page

Important Information

• The SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027 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
  • Studies are incomplete
• All applications will be reviewed in November 2026 and successful recipients will be announced in December 2026

Contact Information

If you have any queries related to the SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027, please contact SAAFoST directly:

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

SAAFoST Bursaries South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary

• Organisation: SAAFoST Foundation
• Bursary Name: SAAFoST Matriculant and Undergraduate Bursaries
• Academic Year: 2027
• Who can apply: South African citizens currently in Matric
• Field of study: Food Science and Technology (Degree or Diploma)
• Minimum Matric requirements: Level 5 (60-69%) for Physical Science and Mathematics (Life Science recommended)
• Residency requirement: 3+ years in South Africa
• Bursary value: Up to R60,000 per annum (tuition fees only)
• Payment structure: 2 instalments (second dependent on satisfactory first semester results)
• SAAFoST membership required: Yes (free for students)
• Study duration limits: Degree up to 4 years, Diploma up to 4 years, BTech up to 5 years
• Bursary may convert to loan if: Semester/year failed, studies terminated/interrupted, studies incomplete
• Required documents: ID/passport, photo, Grade 11 results, Matric results, personal statement, reference letter (3+ years learning capacity)
• Application method: Download form, email to mdo@saafost.org.za
• Email subject line: “SAAFoST Matric Bursary Application” or “SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary Application”
• Closing date: 30 October 2026
• Review and announcement: November 2026 review, December 2026 announcement