The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation invites eligible students to apply for full-term undergraduate bursaries in Food Science and Technology for the 2026 academic year. The bursary is awarded on the basis of academic merit, employment equity and demonstrated potential.
At a glance
- Who it’s for: Full-time undergraduate students in Food Science and Technology (first degree or diploma) at a South African tertiary institution, who meet SAAFoST’s criteria (including membership requirements).
- What it covers: SAAFoST states the bursary provides financial assistance for actual tuition fees charged by the institution, up to a maximum of R40 000 per annum (paid directly to the institution, in two instalments, subject to academic performance).
- Service obligation: No work-back service period is stated, but recipients must sign a contract and comply with bursary conditions (including progress reporting). In certain cases, SAAFoST may convert the bursary to a loan repayable (see conditions).
- Closing date: 30 January 2026.
Who’s offering this?
This bursary is offered by the SAAFoST Foundation, linked to the South African Association for Food Science and Technology. The official bursary page and application form are hosted on SAAFoST’s website.
Eligibility checklist
- You are enrolled for full-time undergraduate study (first degree or diploma) in Food Science and Technology at a South African tertiary institution.
- You are in a position to complete your qualification within the prescribed period (SAAFoST indicates typical maximum durations for degree/diploma pathways on the official bursary page).
- You are a South African citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in South Africa for at least 3 years before applying.
- You have been a SAAFoST member for at least 12 months before applying.
- You can provide a personal statement (max 1 A4 page) and a reference letter from someone at your tertiary institution who knows you in a learning capacity.
What the bursary covers
- Tuition fees: Actual tuition fees levied by the institution, up to R40 000 per annum until graduation (as per SAAFoST’s bursary package description).
- Payment method: Paid directly to the institution yearly in two instalments, with instalments subject to satisfactory results.
Note: The official bursary package description only specifies tuition support. If you need support for accommodation, meals or books, confirm whether any additional assistance is available through your institution or other funders.
Bursary conditions to understand
- Recipients must sign a contract.
- Awarding a bursary is not automatic; SAAFoST Foundation may decide not to award a bursary.
- Recipients must submit six-monthly reports and exam results, including participation in SAAFoST activities.
- SAAFoST may convert the bursary into a loan repayable (at prime interest), in circumstances such as interrupting studies, not completing within the required period, or failing a year/semester (as described on the official bursary page).
- SAAFoST states that repeated courses/modules are not paid.
Documents to prepare
- Head-and-shoulders passport-size photograph.
- Certified copy of your ID book / Smart ID or RSA passport.
- Certified copy of your most recent academic results.
- Personal statement (max 1 A4 page).
- Reference letter (with referee contact details).
- Proof of registration at your tertiary institution for 2026.
Closing date
30 January 2026.
SAAFoST also indicates a review period in February and an award announcement in March.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without meeting the 12-month SAAFoST membership requirement.
- Submitting an incomplete application (missing photo, certified copies, results, statement, reference, or proof of registration).
- Waiting until the last few days and missing the closing date due to document certification or email issues.
- Not following the “Food Science & Technology” requirement (this bursary is field-specific).
How to apply
- Download and complete the official application form (PDF).
- Attach all required supporting documents (use the checklist above).
- Email your completed application to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer (the official bursary page lists irene@saafost.org.za and a contact number for queries).
- Submit before 30 January 2026 and keep a copy of your email submission for your records.