🟢 STATUS: Potatoes SA Bursary 2027 NOW OPEN – Closing 31 October 2026. Requirements + documents below – takes 10 mins to apply.
Potatoes SA via the Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT established 2004) has invested in developing skills for the potato value chain. The bursary assists students from 2nd year onwards who want to contribute to food security and the potato industry in South Africa.
About Potatoes SA
Potatoes South Africa is the official body representing potato producers in South Africa. Its mandate is to serve, promote and protect the potato industry. The Potato Industry Development Trust was established in 2004 to fund agriculture studies and ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals for the sector.
Fields of Study Covered by the Potatoes SA Bursary
If you wish to apply for the Potatoes SA Bursary, you must be pursuing a career within the following study fields:
Undergraduate Applicants (must be entering 2nd year or higher in 2027):
- Agricultural Economics
- Agronomy
- Plant Production / Crop Production
- Soil Science
- Agriculture Production
- Other Agriculture fields relevant to the potato industry
Postgraduate Applicants:
Honours, Masters or PhD – with a POTATO-RELATED research topic (compulsory)
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
The Potatoes SA Bursary is open for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants for 2027 academic year.
Undergraduate Applicants:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the fields listed above
- You must be entering your 2nd year or higher of study in 2027
- You must be studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must have a strong academic record
Postgraduate Applicants:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying full-time towards Honours, Masters or PhD with a potato-related research topic
- You must be studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must have a strong academic record
How To Apply?
Apply by email. Download the Potatoes SA Bursary Application Form 2027 from potatoes.co.za and email your completed form with supporting documents to bursaries1@potatoes.co.za
Required Documents
Below is the list of all documents that must be returned with your bursary application. This will help the bursary provider when evaluating your application.
Undergraduate Applicants:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Qualification certificates (certified copies)
- Latest academic transcripts/ records (on institutions letterhead)
- Admission letter from tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
- Any additional documents that may be relevant to your application
Postgraduate Applicants:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Qualification certificates (certified copies)
- Latest academic transcripts/ records (on institutions letterhead)
- Academic reports of all Degrees or Diplomas completed (on institutions letterhead)
- Admission letter from tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
- Colour photograph (full length)
- Masters and PhD students: progress report/ recommendation letter from a supervisor
- Any additional documents that may be relevant to your application
Closing Date
31 October 2026 at 23:59. Late applications will not be accepted. Note: some portals list 31 August 2026 for 2027 intake – apply before end of August to be safe. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 31 December 2026. If you do not receive feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful.
Work-Back Obligation
After completion, you will be required to work in a potato-industry related organisation for a period equal to the duration of bursary funding. Internship and workplace experience may be offered during studies.
Bursary Contact Information
- Telephone number: 012 349 1906
- Email address: bursaries1@potatoes.co.za
See other Agriculture Bursaries available in South Africa for 2027 academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can first year students apply?
No, only students entering 2nd year or higher can apply.
Is potato-related topic compulsory for postgrad?
Yes, Honours, Masters and PhD must have a potato-related research topic.
Does Potatoes SA have a service contract?
Yes, you must work in the potato industry for equal period as bursary plus possible internship.