The Agbiz Centenary Bursary supports South African citizens pursuing a master's or PhD in an agribusiness management-related field at a recognised South African university. The 2027 application cycle is open, with applications due by 6 December 2026.
Closing date: 6 December 2026
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz)
- Opportunity type: Bursary
- Who it’s for: South African citizens registered, or qualified for admission, to a master's or PhD in an agribusiness management-related field at a recognised South African university.
- Study level: Master's and PhD
- Location: South Africa
- Academic year: 2027
- Closing date: 6 December 2026
- Last verified: 2026-11-05
High-value notes (read this first)
Selection is merit-based, considering academic record and the relevance and contribution of the research to agribusiness.
Agbiz may favour applicants whose research field is relevant to agribusiness and those willing to be guided by Agbiz in formulating a research topic.
The terms say preference may be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged groups, women and disabled candidates; these are preferences, not stated minimum requirements.
The 2027 terms require biannual progress reports from the academic supervisor or head of department. If studies stop or progress is assessed as unsatisfactory, Agbiz may cancel payment and require repayment of funds already paid, with interest, within two months of cancellation.
A successful recipient must sign a formal agreement. Receiving another bursary is permitted if it is declared and Agbiz's conditions are prioritised.
Agbiz says selected applicants will be contacted by mid-January 2027; unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
About the sponsor
The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) is an association of agribusinesses operating in South and southern Africa. It works to support a competitive and sustainable environment for businesses in South African agricultural value chains and represents interests across the agribusiness sector. Agbiz offers the Centenary Bursary to support master's and PhD-level research in agribusiness management-related fields, linking the award to postgraduate study relevant to the sector.
What it covers
The 2027 terms do not specify the bursary amount. Funds will be paid in February 2027, preferably into the student's university account.
Eligible fields
- Agribusiness management-related fields; Agbiz does not publish an exhaustive list of eligible disciplines in the 2027 terms.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of the Republic of South Africa.
- Be registered or qualified for admission to a master's or PhD in an agribusiness management-related field at a recognised South African university.
- Have completed a relevant undergraduate programme or degree, or be in the final year of an undergraduate qualification.
- Have at least 60% for major subjects.
Documents to prepare
- Completed 2027 Agbiz Centenary Bursary application form.
- Recommendation letter from the academic supervisor or head of department, no longer than one page.
- Personal motivation explaining why the applicant needs the bursary and what it will be used for, no longer than one page.
- The official page refers to required supporting documentation, but the accessible 2027 terms do not specify any additional documents.
Closing date
6 December 2026
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not submit after 6 December 2026; late applications will not be considered.
- Submit a complete application: incomplete applications may be rejected without notification.
- Keep the recommendation letter and personal motivation to no more than one page each.
- Declare any other bursary, scholarship or sponsorship in the application or by the time you accept the agreement; failure to declare it results in disqualification.
How this opportunity was verified
Agbiz's official bursary page and 2027 terms and conditions, plus its official profile, verified on 5 November 2026.
How to apply
- Complete the 2027 Agbiz Centenary Bursary application form available on the official bursary page.
- Prepare a recommendation letter from your academic supervisor or head of department, no longer than one page.
- Write a personal motivation explaining why you need the bursary and what it will be used for, no longer than one page.
- Declare any other bursary, scholarship or sponsorship you receive.
- Email the completed form and supporting documents to policy@agbiz.co.za so they reach Agbiz by 6 December 2026.
- Check for Agbiz's electronic receipt confirmation and ensure your documents were successfully delivered.