The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) was founded in 1965 as a private sector initiative and is one of the oldest education trust funds in South Africa. Its mission is to promote and support high-quality, sustainable education within the sugarcane growing regions of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Over the decades, SITFE has made a profound impact on education and community upliftment. Since its inception, the Trust has awarded bursaries to more than 10 200 learners, funded school infrastructure projects, supported tertiary institutions, and worked alongside specialist educational organisations to deliver impactful programmes in arts, culture, and teacher development.
About the SITFE Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
SITFE is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded to students residing in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga who plan to pursue Agriculture studies at one of the following institutions:
- Cedara College of Agriculture
- Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
- University of Mpumalanga
Selection Process
- Shortlisting: Candidates will be contacted in the first week of December 2025 and required to attend an interview in mid-December 2025.
- Initial selection: Based on Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (for learners in Matric or those not yet studying) or latest tertiary results (for current students).
- Final selection: Based on Matric final results.
- Notification: Successful candidates will be informed by 31 January 2026. If no feedback is received by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Please note: SITFE reserves the right to withdraw the bursary if recipients secure other full bursary funding or student loans.
Eligibility Requirements for the SITFE Bursary
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria before applying:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must reside in a sugarcane growing province (KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga).
- Must be in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Must have applied or registered to study within the Faculty of Agriculture at Cedara College of Agriculture, Owen Sithole College of Agriculture, or the University of Mpumalanga.
- Must be from the “missing middle” income group – with a household income between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum.
- Preference will be given to:
- Children of sugarcane farmworkers.
- Disadvantaged applicants.
- First-year students from sugarcane growing areas, especially where mills and sugar industry administration offices are located.
How to Apply for the SITFE Bursary
Applications can be submitted in one of the following ways (submit only once):
- Online application: [SITFE Bursary Application 2026]
- Hard copy application: Download and complete the SITFE Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)
Completed applications must be submitted via:
- Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za (Use the subject line: “SITFE Bursary 2026”)
- Post: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must include certified copies of the following:
- ID document.
- Matric trial results and statement of results/Matric certificate.
- Tertiary final exam results (if currently studying).
- Proof of connection to the sugar industry (if applicable).
- Parents’/guardians’ proof of household income (payslips, pension receipts, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Death certificate of parent(s), if applicable.
- Proof of application or registration for 2026 at a recognised university, university of technology, or agricultural college (on the institution’s letterhead).
Important: Missing documents may lead to disqualification
Our Conclusion
The SITFE Bursary Programme is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about agriculture who live in sugarcane-growing provinces. With a legacy of supporting education and development, SITFE continues to open doors for South African youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. If you meet the criteria, don’t miss your chance to apply and be part of this life-changing opportunity.
Enquiries:
- Tel: 031 508 7034
- Fax: 031 508 7191
- Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za
CLOSING DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2025
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