Undergraduate Food Science and Food Technology students can apply for current SAAFoST Foundation funding for the 2027 academic year. The SAAFoST Foundation Undergraduate Bursary is aimed at full-time students who are already in the Food Science / Food Technology pathway and need tuition support to continue progressing toward graduation.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: SAAFoST Foundation
Opportunity type: Undergraduate bursary
Who it’s for: Full-time undergraduate Food Science and Food Technology students
Location: South African tertiary institutions
Study field: Food Science and Technology
Closing date: 29 January 2027
Last verified: 20 May 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This bursary is for students already in the undergraduate Food Science / Food Technology pipeline. Applicants must be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study at a South African tertiary institution and must already have been a SAAFoST member for at least 12 months before applying.
The bursary can be converted into a repayable loan if the recipient terminates or interrupts studies without permission, fails a year or semester, or does not complete within the required period. Successful students must also send six-monthly reports and exam results to SAAFoST.
About the sponsor
SAAFoST is the South African Association for Food Science and Technology, serving food scientists, technologists and other professionals in the food and allied industries. Through its Foundation, it supports bursaries and study opportunities that help develop Food Science and Food Technology talent in South Africa.
Source Link: SAAFoST
What it covers
The bursary provides financial assistance for actual tuition fees charged by the tertiary institution, up to a maximum of R40,000 per year until graduation. Payment is made directly to the institution in two instalments, with the instalments linked to satisfactory academic performance.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study in Food Science and Technology
- Must be studying for a first degree or diploma at a South African tertiary institution
- Must be able to complete the chosen study programme within the prescribed period
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident citizen who has been resident in South Africa for at least 3 years before applying
- Must have been a SAAFoST member for at least 12 months before applying
- Selection considers academic excellence, employment equity and demonstrated potential
Documents to prepare
- Head-and-shoulders passport-size photograph
- Certified copy of ID book or RSA passport
- Certified copy of most recent academic results
- Personal statement
- Reference letter
- Proof of registration at a tertiary institution for 2027
Closing date
29 January 2027.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without the required 12-month SAAFoST membership history
- Submitting without proof of registration for 2027
- Leaving out the personal statement or reference letter
- Assuming the bursary covers accommodation, meals or books when the public package focuses on tuition support
- Ignoring the progress-report and possible loan-conversion conditions
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against SAAFoST’s current Undergraduate Bursary page and the 2027 undergraduate application form, including the closing date, tuition-support value, eligibility rules, documents and submission email.
How to apply
- Download the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary application form.
- Complete the form and attach all required supporting documents.
- Email the completed application to irene@saafost.org.za.
- Submit before the closing date.