Agricultural Bursary Opportunity at Potatoes South Africa

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) is offering four comprehensive bursaries for the 2027 academic year, aimed at nurturing future leaders and experts in the potato industry. This programme supports academically gifted South African citizens pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in vital agricultural fields. By investing in education, PSA seeks to strengthen the industry's talent pipeline, promote research, and ensure sustainable growth within the potato sector, which plays a crucial role in the nation's food security and economy.

Internship and Workplace Experience

Bursary recipients may also have the opportunity to participate in:

Internship programmes.
Workplace experience programmes.

These opportunities are intended to provide practical experience and improve employment prospects within the industry.

Work-Back Requirement

Students who receive funding will be required, after completing their studies, to work for a potato-industry-related organisation, company, or institution. The required work period will be equal to the period for which the bursary was awarded. Applicants should consider this obligation carefully before accepting bursary funding.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

Certified copy of ID document.
Matric certificate.
Qualification certificates, where applicable.
Most recent academic transcripts.
University admission letter or proof of registration.
Parent or guardian proof of household income.
Payslips if the parent or guardian is employed.
Affidavit if unemployed.
SASSA slip if receiving a social grant.
Any other relevant supporting documents.

Masters and PhD applicants must also submit:

Progress report; or
Recommendation letter from their supervisor.

Important PDF Submission Requirements

All supporting documents must be combined into one single PDF document. Documents must be arranged in the same order listed in the application requirements. The final PDF filename must include the applicant's full name and ID number. For example: Joe_Smith_0102030040455.pdf. The document submission link will be provided after completing the online bursary application form.

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by no later than 31 December 2026. Applicants who do not receive feedback by that date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

Important Application Notes

Only four bursaries are available for 2027.
Funding is available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Applicants must be entering at least their second year of study in 2027.
Eligible fields include Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Plant/Crop Production and Soil Science.
Other potato-related fields may also be considered.
A strong academic record is required.
Supporting documents must be combined into one PDF.
Masters and PhD applicants must submit a progress report or supervisor recommendation.

Why Join Potatoes South Africa

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) is a dynamic organisation at the heart of the country's potato industry, dedicated to promoting and sustaining the growth of this vital agricultural sector. As a bursary recipient, you will gain exposure to an industry that is crucial for food security, economic development, and rural livelihoods in South Africa. PSA offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research, innovative farming practices, and market development within the potato value chain. This bursary is not just financial aid; it's an investment in your future career, providing a pathway to becoming a specialist in agricultural economics, agronomy, or plant science. You will be part of a community committed to excellence, sustainability, and making a tangible impact on the nation's agricultural landscape. The work-back requirement ensures practical experience and a direct contribution to the industry, fostering a sense of purpose and professional development.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Please complete the online application first and then follow the provided instructions for uploading the single PDF containing all supporting documents. For direct application, please use the provided link: Click here to apply for Potatoes South Africa Bursary Programme 2027.

Bursary Description