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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What Is Covered
- 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.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens
- 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.
Required Documents
- 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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How to Apply
- 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
Closing Date
The closing date for the SAAFoST Matriculant Bursary 2027 is 30 October 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Most Grade 12 learners with good Maths and Science marks are pushed towards medicine, engineering or accounting and never hear about food science, even though the food and beverage manufacturing sector is one of South Africa’s largest employers and a consistent hirer of graduates. Food technologists, quality controllers, product developers and regulatory specialists are needed at every factory, retailer and laboratory in the country, and salaries grow quickly with experience.
Because the field is less crowded, competition for this bursary is lighter than for general funding schemes, and SAAFoST membership plugs you into the industry before you finish first year. For a learner from a household that cannot afford university fees, R60 000 a year in tuition removes the biggest barrier. Combined with NSFAS or institutional aid for accommodation and books, it can make a full qualification affordable. If you have Level 5 in Maths and Science and you enjoy chemistry and biology, this is a serious option worth a week of preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the SAAFoST bursary 2027 if I am already at university?
Not for this bursary. The Matriculant Bursary is only for learners currently in Grade 12. SAAFoST runs a separate Undergraduate Bursary for students already enrolled.
Which institutions can I study at?
Any recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution offering a Food Science or Food Technology degree or diploma, including universities of technology such as CPUT, DUT and TUT and universities such as Stellenbosch, Pretoria and UKZN.
Does the bursary cover accommodation or books?
No. It covers tuition fees only, up to R60 000 per year, paid directly to the institution.
What happens if I fail a year?
The bursary converts into a repayable loan if you fail a semester or year, interrupt or terminate your studies, or change courses. Keep your results up and report every six months as required.
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