The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation is a key player in South Africa’s food and allied industries, serving as the go-to association for food science, technology, and related professionals. SAAFoST is dedicated to expanding the knowledge base of food science and technology by promoting scientific research, publishing a membership magazine, and organizing workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and educational activities. This non-profit organization, primarily run by volunteers, boasts around 2,000 members across Southern Africa.
The SAAFoST Foundation is responsible for managing SAAFoST’s academic bursaries, awards, and prizes.
About the SAAFoST Bursary Programmes – Fields Covered
The SAAFoST Foundation is inviting students to apply for their bursary programmes for the 2025 academic year. These bursaries are aimed at students studying within the Food Science and Technology field. SAAFoST offers three types of bursaries:
- SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary: For students currently in Matric who plan to study full-time towards a first undergraduate Degree or Diploma in the Food Science and Technology field. (Read more about the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary here).
- SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary: For students pursuing full-time studies towards a first undergraduate Degree or Diploma in the Food Science and Technology field.
- SAAFoST Part-Time Bursary for SAAFoST Members: For full SAAFoST paid-up members studying part-time towards a BSc Hons or BTech qualification in the Food Science and Technology field. (Read more about the SAAFoST Part-Time Bursary here).
More About the SAAFoST Bursary Programmes – Selection & Coverage Value
The SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary is awarded based on academic merit, employment equity, and demonstrated potential.
The bursary covers tuition fees only (according to the institution’s statement of account), up to R40,000 per annum, until graduation. Payments are made directly to the institution in two installments, with the second installment contingent on satisfactory first-semester results.
Eligibility Requirements for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
To apply, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Have been a resident in South Africa for at least 3 years before applying
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying full-time towards a first undergraduate Degree or Diploma in the Food Science and Technology field
- Be entering your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of study in 2025
- Be studying at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Have been a SAAFoST member for at least 12 months before applying
- Be able to complete your studies within the prescribed period (up to 3 years for a Bachelor’s Degree, 4 years for a Higher Diploma, and 4 years for Undergraduate degree studies up to BSc Hons)
- Preference is given to students with strong academic results or potential
How to Apply for the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
Download and complete the SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2025 (Undergraduate Students) (.pdf) or the SAAFoST Bursary Application Form 2025 (Undergraduate Students) (.docx).
Enter “busa.hlayiso.com” when asked how you heard about the SAAFoST bursary.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your application:
- ID document OR passport (certified copy)
- Passport-sized photo (head & shoulders only)
- Most recent tertiary academic results (certified copy)
- Proof of registration at a tertiary institution for the 2025 academic year (on institution’s letterhead)
- Latest Matric results (certified copy)
- Personal Statement (1 A4 page max) outlining how your education and training in the food science and technology sector will positively impact the scientific community and your life
- Reference Letter with contact details from someone at your tertiary institution who knows you in a learning capacity (read our tips on how to get a reference letter for your bursary application)
Submit your application via email to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer at irene@saafost.org.za (use “SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary Application” as the email subject line).
Notes About the SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary
- The bursary is administered by the SAAFoST Foundation in liaison with the relevant institutions’ Student Liaison Representatives.
- The SAAFoST Foundation reserves the right not to award any bursaries.
- Bursary recipients must submit six-monthly reports and exam results to the SAAFoST Foundation, along with details of participation in SAAFoST activities.
- SAAFoST bursaries can be converted into repayable loans if a semester or year is failed, studies are terminated or interrupted (including course changes), or studies are incomplete.
- Applications will be reviewed in February 2025, with successful recipients announced in March 2025.
Closing Date
31 January 2025 – apply before this date to be considered.
Contact Details
For any queries related to this bursary programme, contact SAAFoST directly:
- Tel: 071 870 2633
- Email: irene@saafost.org.za