The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) invites South African students to apply for the MIT Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2025
Location: South Africa (recognised and accredited tertiary institutions)
This prestigious bursary supports postgraduate studies (Master’s and Doctorate degrees) focused on research that enhances the South African red meat industry — covering cattle, sheep, or goats.
About the Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary Programme
The MIT Bursary aims to scientifically enhance the red meat industry through research that advances the production, processing, marketing, and welfare aspects of red meat and its products. It supports the development of human capital by funding postgraduate students whose studies contribute to innovation and sustainability within the industry.
Bursaries will be awarded based on the following criteria:
- Academic record
- Scientific quality of the project proposal
- Contribution of the project to the South African red meat industry
Fields Covered
The bursary supports research related to Red Meat Species (Cattle, Sheep, or Goats) in one or more of the following fields:
- Consumer / Economics / Marketing
- Environment / Climate / Carbon footprint
- Genetics / Genomics / Breeding
- Health / Disease control / Pharmacology / Toxicology / Biosecurity / Welfare
- Hygiene / Product safety / Quality / Food safety
- Livestock Nutrition
- Meat Science / Nutritional value
- Physiology / Growth / Reproduction
- Production systems / Efficiency / Management
- Rangeland / Pasture / Forages / Water
- Socio-economic aspects of the Red Meat Industry
- Transition agriculture in livestock production
- Waste management and utilization
Bursary Value and Duration
- R60 000 per annum, paid in two instalments directly to the university.
- Master’s degree: Up to R120 000 over two years.
- Doctorate degree: Up to R180 000 over three years.
- Renewed annually based on satisfactory academic performance and re-registration.
- First payment: after proof of registration.
- Second payment: after progress report from supervisor confirming satisfactory progress.
Bursary holders must submit annual progress reports and a final report upon completion of studies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Meet the requirements for Master’s or Doctorate registration.
- Intend to study full-time towards a Master’s or Doctorate degree in 2026 in a relevant field.
- Study at a recognised South African tertiary institution.
- Must not be employed.
- Agree to the terms and conditions of the bursary.
- May hold other bursaries but must declare all existing bursary awards.
Qualification-Specific Requirements:
- Master’s applicants: Must hold a BSc Honours or BSc (Agric) (registered with SAQA or equivalent qualification approved by SACNASP or SAVC).
- Doctorate applicants: Must hold a Master’s degree registered with SAQA or equivalent.
How to Apply
Step 1:
Download and complete the official Meat Industry Trust Bursary Application Form.
Step 2:
Apply online at:
👉 Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary Application 2026
Step 3:
Upload clear certified copies of the following supporting documents (PDF format):
- Completed application form
- Certified ID document
- Certified copies of tertiary qualifications
- Full academic record for each qualification
- Proof of registration (if available)
Important Notes
- Closing Date: 31 October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
- The BWC (Bursary Working Committee) will review applications and notify successful candidates.
- MIT reserves the right to make final decisions regarding bursary awards.