The SAAFoST Foundation invites students to apply for their bursary programmes for the 2025 academic year.
SAAFoST Bursary South Africa 2025
Bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing studies in the Food Science and Technology field. There are three types of bursaries offered:
- SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary: For students currently in Matric who plan to study full-time towards their first undergraduate degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology.
- SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary: Students studying full-time for a first undergraduate degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology.
- SAAFoST Part-Time Bursary for SAAFoST Members: For paid-up SAAFoST members studying part-time towards a BSc Hons or BTech qualification in Food Science and Technology.
About the Bursary Provider – SAAFoST
The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation is an association that serves professionals in the food science and technology sectors in South Africa.
SAAFoST’s mission is to enhance the knowledge of food science and technology by supporting scientific research, publishing a membership magazine, and hosting various workshops, seminars, and exhibitions. The foundation is non-profit, operated mainly by volunteers, and has around 2,000 members across Southern Africa.
The SAAFoST Foundation manages SAAFoST’s academic bursaries, awards, and prizes.
SAAFoST Bursary Programmes – Selection & Coverage Value
The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary will be awarded based on three main criteria: academic merit, employment equity, and demonstrated potential.
According to the tertiary institution’s Statement of account, the bursary will cover tuition fees only up to a maximum of R40,000 annually until the student graduates.
The payment will be made directly to the institution in two instalments. The second instalment will be contingent upon satisfactory results from the first semester.
Eligibility Requirements for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
Applicants must meet the following criteria before applying (failure to meet all requirements will result in disqualification):
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- You must have been a resident of South Africa for at least 3 years before applying.
- You must have completed the Matric
- You must be studying full-time for your first undergraduate degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology.
- You must be entering your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of study in 2025
- You must study at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
- You must have been a paid-up SAAFoST member for at least 12 months before applying.
- You must be able to complete your studies within the prescribed time (max 3 years for a Bachelor’s, 4 years for Higher Diplomas or Undergraduate Degrees, and up to 4 years for BSc Hons)
- Preference will be given to students with strong academic performance or potential.
How to Apply for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
- Download and complete the SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2025 (Undergraduate Students) in .pdf or SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2025.docx format.
Submit the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (failure to submit any required documents may disqualify your application):
- Certified copy of your ID document or passport
- Passport-sized photo (head and shoulders only)
- Most recent tertiary academic results (certified copy)
- Proof of registration at a tertiary institution for 2025 (on the institution’s letterhead)
- Latest Matric results (certified copy)
- Personal Statement (maximum 1 A4 page outlining how your education in Food Science and Technology will positively impact the scientific community and your life)
- Reference Letter (from a tertiary institution staff member who has known you in a learning capacity)
Applications must be submitted via email to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer:
Email: irene@saafost.org.za
Subject line: “SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary Application“
Application details for the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary and SAAFoST Part-Time Bursary are available on the SAAFoST website.
Notes About the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
- The SAAFoST Foundation will administer the bursary in collaboration with relevant Student Liaison Representatives from the institutions.
- The SAAFoST Foundation reserves the right not to award any bursaries.
- Bursary recipients must submit 6-monthly reports and exam results to the SAAFoST Foundation and participate in SAAFoST activities.
- If a semester or year fails or studies are interrupted or incomplete, the bursary will be converted into a repayable loan.
All applications will be reviewed in February 2025, and successful applicants will be announced in March 2025.
Closing Date for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
31 January 2025
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please ensure you apply before the closing date to be considered.)
Contact the Bursary Provider
For any queries regarding this bursary programme, please get in touch with SAAFoST directly:
- Tel: 071 870 2633
- Email: irene@saafost.org.za
