Maize Trust Bursary Funding Opportunity — South Africa 2025/2026
Quick Facts: Eligibility: South African citizens • Qualification: Full-time Master’s (MSc) or Doctoral (PhD) degree • Focus: Research aligned with maize industry priorities • Apply via Agri Manage Solutions.
Introduction
The Maize Trust Bursary is a prestigious postgraduate funding opportunity for South African students pursuing advanced studies that support the maize industry. Managed by Agri Manage Solutions on behalf of The Maize Trust, this bursary encourages innovation, research excellence, and long-term contribution to agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security.
Purpose and Importance
The bursary aims to:
- Strengthen research capacity in South Africa’s maize sector.
- Promote innovation and scientific advancement in fields such as plant biology, soil science, agricultural engineering, and food sciences.
- Ensure graduates contribute meaningfully to the maize industry, improving productivity and sustainability.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen or hold a valid South African passport.
- Postgraduate Enrollment: Full-time Master’s (MSc) or Doctoral (PhD) programme.
- Field of Study: Research must align with maize industry priorities, including agronomy, agricultural economics, plant breeding, soil science, plant pathology, food science, and data science applications in agriculture.
- Exclusive Funding: Applicants cannot hold another major bursary unless approved in writing by The Maize Trust.
- Commitment: Recipients must be willing to work in sectors of the maize industry for a duration equivalent to the bursary period.
Required Documents
- Completed application form from Agri Manage Solutions.
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport (certified within last three months).
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- Most recent official academic transcript on institution letterhead.
- Proof of registration and current fee statement (if available).
- Proposed research details: title, description, and optionally a Gantt chart or work-plan.
- Motivational statement explaining academic goals, financial need, and impact of the bursary on your research.
Value, Duration, and Conditions
- Funding Amounts: Fixed annual stipend for Master’s students; larger stipend and longer duration for Doctoral students.
- Duration: Covers the full period required to complete the qualification, subject to satisfactory progress reports.
- Legal Agreement: Recipients must sign a formal bursary agreement with The Maize Trust.
- Progress Monitoring: Regular academic progress reports are required; failure may result in bursary withdrawal.
How to Apply
- Download the application form via Agri Manage Solutions.
- Complete all sections, including the legal undertaking portion.
- Assemble supporting documents: certified ID/passport, CV, transcripts, proof of registration, research plan, and motivation letter.
- Submit your application before the closing date. Late or incomplete submissions are typically not considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Choose a research topic that aligns with the maize industry’s priorities.
- Write a clear, compelling motivation letter that shows your contribution to the field.
- Ensure all documents are current and properly certified.
- Confirm your supervisor is approved by The Maize Trust if required.
- Proofread carefully to avoid errors and omissions.
Conclusion
The Maize Trust Bursary is a prime opportunity for South African postgraduate students to advance research in agriculture, particularly the maize sector. With financial support, professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact, eligible students should prepare their applications carefully and submit on time. This bursary not only supports your studies but also strengthens the future of South Africa’s maize industry.
For more bursary opportunities and career resources in South Africa, visit Wikihii or join our WhatsApp channel for updates: Wikihii Updates.
