The South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) Postgraduate Bursary 2027 is open for South African postgraduate students whose research can contribute to the seed industry.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR)
Opportunity type: Postgraduate research bursary
Who it’s for: South African-born citizens admitted to eligible postgraduate study at recognised tertiary institutions
Study level: Honours, MSc and PhD; doctorate and postdoctoral support is considered only for high-priority seed-industry research
Fields: Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, Horticulture, Pasture Science, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Genetics and Molecular Plant Biology
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 19 August 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a research-focused postgraduate bursary. The proposed research topic must support SANSOR’s vision and mission and must be useful to the South African seed industry.
Successful applicants must be registered for the relevant degree before funds are released. Funding in one year does not guarantee funding in later years; continuation is reassessed based on progress reports from both the student and academic supervisor.
About the sponsor
SANSOR represents South Africa’s seed industry and supports activities relating to seed production, certification, research, plant breeding and industry development. Its postgraduate bursary programme helps build research capacity in disciplines important to the seed sector.
Sponsor/entity link: SANSOR Post-graduate Bursaries
What it covers
The bursary amount depends on available funds and the merits of the research application. SANSOR pays approved bursary funding directly into the student’s account at the university in two tranches.
The programme also offers practical-development opportunities such as soft-skills workshops, field trips to seed companies and networking with seed-industry professionals.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African-born citizen
- Must have qualified for admission to an Honours, MSc or PhD degree at a recognised tertiary institution
- The proposed research must be relevant and advantageous to the seed industry
- PhD applications are considered according to SANSOR’s priorities for the specific research topic
- Doctorate and postdoctoral support is considered only where the research is of high priority to the seed industry
- Must be registered for the degree before bursary funds are made available
- The bursary may not be held together with other government funding
Documents to prepare
- Typed SANSOR bursary application form
- Copy of South African ID
- Degree certificates, where already issued
- Academic transcripts
- Gantt chart showing the research timeline
- Research information requested in the application form
- Details of other government funding received or applied for
Closing date
30 September 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting a research topic with little relevance to the seed industry
- Leaving out the Gantt chart
- Failing to disclose other government funding
- Assuming the bursary automatically renews in subsequent years
- Submitting an incomplete or handwritten form where SANSOR requests a typed application
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against SANSOR’s official postgraduate bursary page. SANSOR confirms the eligible research fields, admission requirements, funding process, supporting-document list, annual 1 August opening date and 30 September closing date. Your site currently contains an older 2023–2024 SANSOR post rather than a dedicated current-cycle 2027 update.
How to apply
- Open the SANSOR Post-graduate Bursaries page.
- Download and complete the bursary application form electronically.
- Prepare your ID, degree certificates, academic transcripts and Gantt chart.
- Email the complete application to research@sansor.co.za.
- Submit before the closing date.