The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 is now open for applications. If you are passionate about food science and technology and are studying towards a full-time undergraduate degree or diploma in this field, the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation wants to support you. The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 is awarded on the basis of academic merit, employment equity, and demonstrated potential. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027: who qualifies, what the bursary covers, what conditions apply, and how to apply before the closing date.
About SAAFoST and the Bursary Programme
The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation is inviting interested students to apply for full-term bursaries in the field of Food Science and Technology. The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 is offered to full-time undergraduate food science and technology students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential.
SAAFoST is the leading professional body for food science and technology in South Africa. Through its foundation, SAAFoST aims to develop the next generation of food scientists and technologists who will contribute to the country’s food industry and scientific community.
Organisation: SAAFoST Foundation • Bursary Type: Undergraduate full-term • Field: Food Science and Technology • Academic Year: 2027
Who Qualifies for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027?
Before you apply for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. The selection of candidates is based on academic excellence, potential, and employment equity considerations.
- You must be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study for a first degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology at a South African tertiary institution
- You must be able to complete your chosen study programme within the prescribed period of your institution
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident who has been resident in South Africa for at least 3 years prior to application
- You must have been a member of SAAFoST for at least 12 months preceding the application
Eligible Study Periods
- Undergraduate Degree (up to B.Sc Hons) – 4 years
- B. Degree – 4 years or Higher Diploma
- B. Degree – 3 years
Important: You must have been a SAAFoST member for at least 12 months before applying. If you are not yet a member, you can join here: https://www.saafost.org.za/membership/
What Does the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 Cover?
The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 provides financial assistance for actual tuition fees levied by your tertiary institution. The bursary covers:
- Tuition fees – Up to a maximum of R40,000 per annum until graduation
Payment is made directly to your tertiary institution yearly in two installments:
- First installment – Subject to satisfactory final marks for the previous year of study
- Second installment – Subject to satisfactory results in the first semester
What Are the Bursary Conditions?
If you are awarded the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027, you will be required to sign a contract accepting the following conditions:
- Granting of bursaries is not automatic – SAAFoST Foundation reserves the right not to award a bursary
- Only students who apply within the specified date and have fully completed the required application forms will be considered
- You must provide the SAAFoST Foundation with a six-monthly report and exam results outlining the highlights of your year’s study, including participation in SAAFoST activities
When the Bursary Converts to a Loan
The bursary will, at the sole discretion of the SAAFoST Foundation, be converted into a loan repayable in equal instalments at the prime rate of interest if, without formal permission:
- You terminate or interrupt your studies
- You do not complete your studies within the stated period
- You fail any year or semester of study
Failed Courses and Bursary Suspension
Should you not successfully complete all stipulated courses in any bursary year, the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 may be suspended for the following year. However, if you successfully complete all courses in that subsequent year (including carried-over courses), the SAAFoST Foundation will refund all suspended tuition fees, and the bursary will continue as before. Note that no repeated courses, subjects, or modules will be paid for by the SAAFoST Foundation.
Required Application Documents
When applying for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027, ensure you provide the following with your completed application form:
- A head and shoulders passport-size photograph of yourself
- A certified copy of your ID book or RSA passport
- A certified copy of your most recent academic results
- A personal statement (not more than 1 A4 page) outlining how your education and training in food science and technology will make a positive difference in your life and in the scientific community
- A reference letter that speaks of your character – written by someone at your tertiary institution who has known you in a learning capacity
- Proof of registration at a tertiary institution for 2027
How to Apply for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027. Applications are submitted via email.
Step 1: Download the Application Form
Choose your preferred format and download the application form:
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill in all required sections of the form carefully. Make sure you complete:
- Part C – Academic results
- Part D – Personal statement and reference letter
Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents
Collect all the required documents listed above, including your certified ID, academic results, photograph, personal statement, reference letter, and proof of registration.
Step 4: Email Your Application
Send your completed application form and all supporting documents to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer:
- Email: irene@saafost.org.za
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027: 29 January 2027. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Important Dates
- Review period: February 2027
- Award announcement: March 2027
Important: Applications will be reviewed by the SAAFoST Foundation, whose decision is final and binding.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027, please contact the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer:
- Phone: 071 870 2633
- Email: irene@saafost.org.za
SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: SAAFoST Foundation
- Bursary Name: SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
- Academic Year: 2027
- Field of study: Food Science and Technology
- Study type: Full-time undergraduate degree or diploma
- Who can apply: South African citizens or permanent residents (3+ years residency)
- SAAFoST membership required: Yes, at least 12 months before applying
- What is covered: Tuition fees up to R40,000 per annum
- Application method: Download form and email to irene@saafost.org.za
- Closing date: 29 January 2027
- Review period: February 2027
- Award announcement: March 2027
Frequently Asked Questions About the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027
1. Can I apply if I am not yet a SAAFoST member?
No. The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 requires that you have been a member of SAAFoST for at least 12 months before applying. If you are not yet a member, you can join on the SAAFoST website, but you will need to wait until you meet the 12-month requirement before applying.
2. Can I apply if I am a part-time student?
No. The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 is only for full-time undergraduate students studying towards a first degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology.
3. Does the bursary cover books, accommodation, or living expenses?
The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 covers actual tuition fees only, up to a maximum of R40,000 per annum. You will need to make separate arrangements for books, accommodation, and other living expenses.
4. What happens if I fail a subject?
If you fail any year or semester of study, the bursary may be converted into a loan. If you fail to complete all stipulated courses in a bursary year, the bursary may be suspended. No repeated courses, subjects, or modules will be paid for by the SAAFoST Foundation.
5. Who should write my reference letter?
Your reference letter should be written by someone at your tertiary institution who has known you in a learning capacity – such as a lecturer, professor, or academic advisor. The letter should speak to your character and potential.
6. What should I include in my personal statement?
Your personal statement (maximum 1 A4 page) should explain how your education and training in food science and technology will make a positive difference in your life and in the scientific community. Be specific about your goals and your passion for the field.
7. When will I find out if I got the bursary?
The review period for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary 2027 is February 2027, and successful applicants will be announced in March 2027.
8. Where can I find more food science and technology bursaries?
Visit EduFunds food science bursaries page or government bursaries for more funding opportunities in this field.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation
Undergraduate Bursary 2027
Developing the next generation of food scientists and technologists