The maize industry remains one of South Africa’s most vital agricultural sectors, sustaining food security and supporting livelihoods across the country. To ensure continuous innovation, research, and knowledge growth within the industry, the Maize Trust has once again opened applications for its 2026 postgraduate bursary programme. This initiative provides ambitious young researchers with the financial support they need to contribute meaningfully to the future of the maize value chain.
Who Can Apply?
The Maize Trust Bursary Programme is designed for postgraduate students who are passionate about advancing the maize industry through academic research. The basic requirements include:
- South African citizenship is mandatory.
- Applicants must be admitted to full-time study at a recognized institution of their choice.
- The bursary is only awarded to Master’s and Doctoral studies (no undergraduate or diploma qualifications will be considered).
- The chosen field of study must be directly relevant to the South African maize industry.
- Students must not be receiving other study-related funding unless expressly approved by the Trust.
- Applicants are expected to work within the maize industry for the same number of years they received funding.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Maize Trust Bursary, applicants must submit a detailed and complete application package. This includes:
- A completed bursary application form.
- A certified copy of a South African identity document/passport.
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- The latest academic transcript/record on official letterhead.
- Proof of registration and a fee statement (if available).
- A formal bursary agreement to be signed with the Trust upon acceptance.
Additionally, a supervisor from the university must be designated and approved by the Maize Trust. Both the student and supervisor will be required to submit annual progress reports, upon which continued funding will depend.
Funding Value and Duration
The Maize Trust offers competitive bursary amounts tailored to the level of study:
- Master’s by Dissertation (MSc):
- R99,750 per annum for two years.
- Funding is conditional on approved progress reports.
- Doctoral Research (PhD):
- R131,250 per annum for three years.
- Funding is similarly linked to academic progress.
These bursaries cover essential academic costs and provide students with the opportunity to focus fully on their research.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE MAIZE TRUST BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR 2026 HERE
Commitment to the Maize Industry
Recipients of the bursary are not only given the opportunity to pursue advanced studies but are also entrusted with the responsibility of giving back to the maize industry. Graduates will be expected to work within the industry for the same number of years they received funding, ensuring that the sector continues to benefit from their skills, research, and expertise.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2026 Maize Trust Bursary Programme must be submitted no later than 30 September 2025. This closing date is strictly enforced, so prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents well in advance.
Our Conclusion
The Maize Trust Bursary Programme is more than just financial aid—it is an investment in the next generation of agricultural researchers and innovators. If you are committed to shaping the future of South Africa’s maize industry, this bursary provides the perfect platform to pursue your postgraduate dreams while contributing to the nation’s food security.
CLOSING DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
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