The South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) invites qualifying South African postgraduate students to apply for the SANSOR Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: Recognised and accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa
SANSOR Bursary Programme 2027
SANSOR is offering bursary funding to postgraduate students conducting scientific research that supports the South African seed industry.
Funding is available to qualifying students registered for Honours, Master’s or Doctoral studies at recognised tertiary institutions in South Africa.
Bursaries are awarded primarily on academic merit and are granted for one academic year at a time.
Bursary Programme Overview
Organisation: South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR)
Programme: SANSOR Bursary Programme 2027
Study Level: Honours, Master’s and PhD
Focus: Seed industry research
Citizenship: South African citizens by birth
Funding Period: One year at a time
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Method: Online
Fields of Study Funded
SANSOR supports postgraduate research in fields relevant to the seed industry, including:
- Agronomy
- Biotechnology
- Entomology
- Genetics
- Horticulture
- Molecular Plant Biology
- Pasture Science
- Plant Breeding
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Physiology
Applicants’ research or study subjects should support SANSOR’s vision and mission and contribute to the seed industry.
Eligible Postgraduate Qualifications
The bursary is available for:
- Honours Degrees
- Master’s Degrees
- Doctoral Degrees / PhD
Applicants must already have completed an undergraduate degree.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens by birth.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree.
- Be registered to study towards an Honours, Master’s or Doctoral qualification in 2027.
- Be registered at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Pursue studies or research relevant to the seed industry.
- Have a study subject that supports SANSOR’s vision and mission.
- Not be receiving other government funding.
Applicants must inform SANSOR of any other government funding they receive.
How Bursaries Are Awarded
SANSOR bursaries are awarded based on:
Academic merit
Funding is awarded for:
One year at a time
Students may be considered for additional years of bursary support if they maintain satisfactory academic performance.
How Bursary Payments Are Made
Bursary funding is paid directly into the student’s account at their university.
Payments are made in:
Two tranches
The supplied information does not specify the exact monetary value of the bursary.
Additional Benefits
In addition to financial support, bursary recipients may receive opportunities to:
- Attend employment-skills workshops.
- Participate in field trips to seed companies.
- Learn more about the South African seed industry.
- Network with professionals working in the seed sector.
- Develop career-related skills and industry knowledge.
Academic Performance
Continued bursary support for additional years depends on satisfactory academic performance.
Students receiving funding should therefore maintain the academic standards required by SANSOR.
Government Funding Restriction
Applicants must not be receiving other government funding.
Candidates are required to disclose any government funding they receive when applying.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following compulsory documents:
- ID document.
- Degree certificate, where applicable.
- Academic transcripts for completed studies.
- Academic transcripts for current studies.
Missing compulsory documentation may result in the application being disqualified.
How to Apply for SANSOR Bursary Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online.
Click here to apply for SANSOR Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants should complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documentation before submitting their application.
Bursary Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
30 September 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Selection Process
Successful applicants will be informed after the selection process.
Applicants who do not receive feedback should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Important Application Notes
Applicants should note that:
- The bursary is specifically for postgraduate studies.
- Honours, Master’s and PhD students may apply.
- Applicants must be South African citizens by birth.
- An undergraduate degree must already have been completed.
- Studies must relate to the seed industry.
- Applicants must study at a recognised South African tertiary institution.
- Academic merit is an important selection criterion.
- Funding is awarded one year at a time.
- Further funding depends on satisfactory academic performance.
- Applicants may not receive other government funding.
- Compulsory supporting documents must be submitted.
- Applications close on 30 September 2026.