SAAFoST Bursary 2027: R60,000/Year for Food Science Students, Closes 30 October

The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation is offering its Matriculant Bursary for the 2027 academic year. Grade 12 learners who achieved at least Level 5 (60 percent) in Mathematics and Physical Science, and who plan to start a full-time degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology in 2027, can apply for tuition funding of up to R60 000 per year. The bursary is paid directly to your institution. Applications close on 30 October 2026.

About the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary 2027

SAAFoST is the professional body for food scientists, food technologists, nutritionists, quality assurance specialists and researchers across Southern Africa. Founded in 1960, it runs conferences, training courses and industry networks, and its members work at companies like Tiger Brands, Clover, RCL Foods, Nestle, Pioneer Foods and hundreds of smaller manufacturers, as well as at universities, laboratories and government regulators.

The SAAFoST Foundation is the association’s education arm. It administers bursaries and awards to bring new talent into the food science profession, which is short of qualified people in South Africa. The Matriculant Bursary specifically targets school leavers entering their first year of a Food Science or Food Technology degree or diploma, and awards are made on three criteria: academic merit, employment equity and demonstrated potential.

Food science is one of the most reliable career paths in South Africa. Every packaged product on a Shoprite or Pick n Pay shelf passed through a food technologist’s hands for formulation, safety testing, shelf-life and labelling. The sector is large, regulated, and hires steadily even when the wider economy slows. This bursary funds the first step in, and SAAFoST membership, which is free for students and compulsory for bursary holders, connects you to the industry from day one.

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Tuition fees only, per the institution’s statement of account, up to a maximum of R60 000 per year

Paid directly to your tertiary institution in two instalments

The second instalment is paid on condition that your first semester results are satisfactory

Free SAAFoST student membership with access to industry events, networking and resources

Accommodation, books, meals and transport are not covered. Recipients must submit six-monthly reports and exam results to the Foundation. If a semester or year is failed, or studies are interrupted, terminated or changed, the bursary converts into a repayable loan.

Resident in South Africa for at least three years before applying

Currently in Matric (Grade 12) in 2026

Minimum Level 5 (60 to 69 percent) for Physical Science and Mathematics in Matric; Life Science is recommended

Enrolled or accepted to study full-time in 2027 towards a first undergraduate degree or diploma in the Food Science and Technology field

At a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa

Able to complete the qualification within the prescribed period: four years for a degree or diploma, five years for a BTech

Willing to register as a SAAFoST member within three months of registration and remain an active member for the duration of study

Preference is given to Matric learners with strong academic results or clear potential.

Completed SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary Application Form 2027

Certified copy of your ID document or passport

Passport-sized photo (head and shoulders only)

Certified copy of your Grade 11 final results

Certified copy of your latest Matric results

Personal statement (Part D of the form) covering your achievements, career objectives and how a food science education will make a difference in your life and the scientific community

One-page reference letter with contact details, written by someone who has known you in a learning capacity for at least three years, such as a teacher or principal

All documents are compulsory. Applications with missing items may be disqualified.

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Download the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary Application Form 2027 using the link below.

Complete every section, including the personal statement in Part D.

Ask a teacher or principal who has known you for three or more years for a one-page reference letter with their contact details.

Certify copies of your ID, Grade 11 results and latest Matric results at a police station or post office.

Scan the completed form, photo and all documents into clear PDF files.

Email everything to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer at mdo@saafost.org.za with the subject line “SAAFoST Matric Bursary Application”.

Submit before 30 October 2026 and keep a copy of your sent email. Applications are reviewed in November 2026 and recipients are announced in December 2026.

Download the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary Application Form or Apply at SAAFoST

The closing date for the SAAFoST Matric