The SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary 2027 is open to South African Matric learners who intend to begin full-time studies in Food Science and Technology in 2027. Offered through the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation, the programme provides financial assistance towards tuition fees for learners who meet the academic and other eligibility requirements.
Successful applicants can receive funding of up to R60,000 per year towards tuition fees at a South African tertiary institution. Applicants need suitable results in Mathematics and Physical Science, while their Grade 11 and latest Grade 12 results form part of the assessment.
SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) |
| Programme | SAAFoST Foundation Matriculant Bursary |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Study Field | Food Science and Technology |
| Target Group | Matric learners entering tertiary education |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Funding | Up to R60,000 per year |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Mathematics Requirement | Achievement Rating 5 |
| Physical Science Requirement | Achievement Rating 5 |
| Application Method | Application form submitted by email |
| Closing Date | 30 October 2026 |
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens who have lived in South Africa for at least three years before applying. They must intend to register as full-time students at a South African tertiary institution and pursue an undergraduate degree or diploma in Food Science and Technology.
The programme is aimed at learners entering tertiary education rather than students who are already progressing through an undergraduate qualification. Applicants must also be able to complete their studies within the period permitted by the SAAFoST Foundation. An undergraduate degree up to BSc Honours should be completed within four years, a BTech degree within five years and a diploma within four years.
Applicants are responsible for securing admission to an appropriate tertiary institution. The bursary application and university admission process are separate, so learners should continue with their university applications independently.
Academic Requirements
Mathematics and Physical Science are important eligibility requirements. Applicants need an Achievement Rating of at least 5 in both subjects, which corresponds to a result of 60–69%. Life Sciences is recommended for learners entering the field but is not listed with the same compulsory minimum rating.
Applicants are required to provide their Grade 11 final examination results together with their latest available Grade 12 results. These results allow the Foundation to assess academic performance before final Matric results become available.
Meeting the minimum marks makes a learner eligible for consideration but does not guarantee funding. Bursary awards are determined through the Foundation’s selection process.
What Can You Study?
The bursary supports undergraduate qualifications in Food Science and Technology. Applicants should therefore make sure their intended programme falls within the field rather than assuming that any science-related qualification will qualify.
Food Science and Technology applies scientific principles to the production, processing, preservation, quality and safety of food. Depending on the qualification and eventual career path, graduates can work in food manufacturing, product development, quality assurance, food safety, research, laboratory environments and other areas of the food industry.
This makes the bursary particularly relevant to learners interested in combining science with the practical processes involved in producing and improving food products.
What Does the SAAFoST Bursary Cover?
Successful recipients can receive up to R60,000 per year towards actual tuition fees charged by their tertiary institution. The award is paid directly to the institution rather than being transferred to the student as unrestricted cash.
Funding is paid in two instalments. Payment of the second instalment depends on the recipient achieving satisfactory academic results during the first semester. The amount awarded should therefore be understood as tuition assistance of up to the stated annual maximum rather than a guaranteed R60,000 payment to every successful applicant.
Students may still need to make arrangements for expenses that are not covered by their individual award. The conditions of the bursary agreement provided to successful applicants should be used to determine exactly what funding applies to each recipient.
Conditions Attached to the Bursary
Successful applicants must sign a bursary agreement and comply with the academic and membership conditions attached to the award. Recipients are required to register as SAAFoST members within three months of registering at their tertiary institution and remain active members for the duration of their studies.
Recipients must also provide the Foundation with six-monthly reports and examination results. Continued assistance depends on satisfactory academic progress, and the Foundation does not fund repeated courses, subjects or modules.
The bursary may become repayable under certain circumstances. These can include interrupting or terminating studies without formal permission, failing to complete the qualification within the permitted period or failing an academic year or semester. Applicants should therefore understand the conditions attached to the funding before accepting an award.
Documents Required
A complete application must include the application form together with the supporting information requested by the Foundation. Applicants should prepare:
- A head-and-shoulders passport-size photograph
- Certified copy of a South African ID document or RSA passport
- Certified Grade 11 final examination results
- Latest Grade 12 examination results
- Personal statement
- Character reference
Applicants should make sure their academic records clearly show their Mathematics and Physical Science results and that all copies submitted are readable.
Personal Statement and Character Reference
The application includes a personal statement of no more than one A4 page. Applicants are asked to explain how education and training in Food Science and Technology could make a positive difference in their lives and in the scientific community.
This gives learners an opportunity to provide context beyond their academic results. The statement can explain their interest in Food Science and Technology, what attracted them to the field, what they hope to achieve through tertiary education and how they intend to use the knowledge and skills they gain.
Applicants also need a character reference from someone who has known them in a learning capacity for at least three years. Because obtaining a suitable reference may take time, learners should arrange it while preparing the rest of their supporting documents rather than leaving it until submission.
How to Apply for the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary 2027
Applications are made using the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary application form. Learners should first confirm that they meet the eligibility and academic requirements before preparing their supporting documents.
The application process is:
- Download the Matriculant Bursary application form.
- Complete all sections that apply to you.
- Prepare the required identity and academic documents.
- Write the required personal statement.
- Obtain the character reference.
- Check the completed form and supporting documents.
- Email the application and attachments to mdo@saafost.org.za.
- Keep a copy of everything submitted.
SAAFoST lists 073 339 0870 as the contact number for the Membership Development Officer.
Apply for the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary 2027
Already Studying at University?
Students who are already enrolled in Food Science and Technology should not use the Matriculant programme simply because it covers the same field. SAAFoST has a separate Undergraduate Bursary designed for existing full-time tertiary students.
The Undergraduate Bursary has its own eligibility criteria. Among the requirements, applicants must have been SAAFoST members for at least 12 months before applying. Its current application cycle closes on 29 January 2027, giving eligible existing students a separate funding route.
Selection Process
Once applications have been received, the SAAFoST Foundation assesses eligible submissions during November 2026. Bursary awards are expected to be announced in December 2026.
Selection is not automatic. Academic results, eligibility and the information supplied with the application are considered before the Foundation makes its final decision. Learners selected for funding must also secure admission and registration at an appropriate tertiary institution before the bursary can be implemented.
Application Checklist
Before sending the application, applicants should make one final check to make sure nothing required has been left out:
- Completed Matriculant Bursary application form
- Certified South African ID document or RSA passport
- Certified Grade 11 final examination results
- Latest available Grade 12 results
- Personal statement of no more than one A4 page
- Character reference
- Correct telephone number and email address
- Clear and readable attachments
Keeping a complete copy of the application and attachments is also useful in case any information needs to be referred to later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can current Matric learners apply?
Yes. The programme is intended for eligible Matric learners preparing to begin tertiary studies in Food Science and Technology.
How much funding can successful applicants receive?
The Foundation can contribute up to R60,000 per year towards tuition fees. The amount is paid directly to the tertiary institution.
What Mathematics and Physical Science marks are required?
Applicants need an Achievement Rating of at least 5, equivalent to 60–69%, in both Mathematics and Physical Science.
Is Life Sciences compulsory?
Life Sciences is recommended. The stated compulsory academic threshold applies to Mathematics and Physical Science.
Can current university students apply for this bursary?
The Matriculant Bursary is aimed at learners entering tertiary education. Existing Food Science and Technology students should check the separate SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary.
Does receiving the bursary guarantee funding for every year?
Continued assistance depends on the conditions of the bursary, including satisfactory academic progress. Recipients must provide examination results and comply with the programme’s requirements.
Are repeated modules funded?
No. The Foundation states that repeated courses, subjects or modules are not covered.
Do learners need to apply to university separately?
Yes. Admission to a tertiary institution is separate from the bursary selection process, so applicants need to arrange their own university admission.
Preparing a Strong Application
Applicants should give themselves enough time to prepare the academic records, personal statement and character reference required for the application. The personal statement should reflect the learner’s genuine interest in Food Science and Technology rather than relying on a generic bursary motivation.
Before submitting, learners should confirm that the application form is complete and that every required attachment has been included. A carefully prepared application allows the Foundation to assess the learner’s academic record, eligibility and motivation using the information requested by the programme.