Agricultural Research Council (ARC) invites South African unemployed students to apply for the ARC Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 17 June 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Agricultural Research Council Bursary South Africa 2027
The Agricultural Research Council is inviting students to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary programme is aimed at students who want to pursue Masters and Doctoral studies in agricultural sciences and related fields.
A total of 14 bursaries will be awarded, including 7 bursaries for Masters studies and 7 bursaries for Doctoral studies.
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will be awarded for Masters and Doctoral studies in the following agricultural-related fields:
Agribusiness Management.
Agricultural Economics.
Agricultural Extension.
Agricultural Management.
Econometrics.
Environmental and Natural Resources Management.
Gender Studies.
Information Systems.
Intellectual Property Management and Commercialisation.
International Relations.
Knowledge Management.
Social Sciences.
Social Accounting Matrix, Computable General Equilibrium Models and Agent-Based Modelling.
Socioeconomics.
Bursary Benefits
The ARC bursary offers students an opportunity to be paired with senior ARC professionals through a mentorship programme.
Successful bursary recipients may also be considered for possible work placement opportunities at the ARC and other affiliated organisations, subject to the availability of positions.
The bursary may provide support for thesis, dissertation, research publications and printing costs.
Recipients may also gain access to ARC laboratories and research facilities for research trials.
Additional Benefits
Students may have an opportunity to work on real-life projects that address socioeconomic challenges through ARC co-supervision.
The programme may also provide research skills training workshops to help students improve their academic writing skills.
Funding Duration
The bursary may provide funding for a maximum of three years for Masters studies.
Doctoral students may receive funding for a maximum of five years.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Applicants must be currently unemployed.
Masters bursary applicants must have completed an Honours Degree in one of the agricultural-related fields listed above.
Doctoral bursary applicants must have completed a Masters or MSc Degree in one of the agricultural-related fields listed above.
Applicants must be studying or intending to study towards a Doctoral or Masters Degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field listed above.
Applicants must be studying, registered or accepted to study at a university in South Africa.
Applicants must not be receiving any other bursary funding or NSFAS funding.
Preference will be given to students from designated groups in line with the ARC Employment Equity Plan.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four weeks after the closing date.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within this period should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Candidates may be required to undergo positive security clearance.
Competency and leadership assessments may also form part of the selection process.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
Cover letter.
Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Certified copy of South African ID document.
Driver’s licence.
Certified copies of completed qualification certificates.
SAQA evaluation report, if the applicant has foreign qualifications.
Proof of registration or acceptance at a university, on the institution’s letterhead.
Details of three contactable referees.
Applicants must ensure that all required documents are submitted. Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online at:
Masters bursary: Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Application 2027
(Reference number: ARC-925)
Doctoral bursary: Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Application 2027
(Reference number: ARC-926)
Bursary Enquiries
For enquiries related to the ARC Bursary Programme, applicants may contact the Agricultural Research Council directly.
Contact Person: Mr Ndikho Mbuce
Email: arcpdp@arc.agric.za
Closing Date
The closing date for the Agricultural Research Council Bursary South Africa 2027 is 17 June 2026.
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The Agricultural Research Council Bursary South Africa 2027 is a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African students who want to pursue Masters or Doctoral studies in agricultural sciences and related fields.
Students who meet the requirements should apply before 17 June 2026 and ensure that all supporting documents are submitted correctly.