Maize Trust Bursary Scheme
The Maize Trust (administered by Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with Grain SA)
The Maize Trust Bursary Scheme funds postgraduate research that benefits the South African maize industry, supporting MSc (by dissertation) and PhD (doctoral research) students at recognised South African universities. The Maize Trust is a statutory levy-based body established in 1998 to advance maize-industry research and development, and the scheme is administered by Agri Manage Solutions in partnership with Grain SA. Funding covers two years for a Master's and three years for a Doctoral degree.
- Amount
- MSc/Master's by dissertation: R99,750 per annum for two years. PhD/Doctoral research: R131,250 per annum for three years.
- Deadline
- Closed 30 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
The Maize Trust (administered by Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with Grain SA) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Admitted for full-time study at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Studying towards a Master's (MSc) by dissertation or a Doctoral (PhD) research degree - the scheme does not fund other qualifications
- ✓ Proposed dissertation/thesis research must be relevant to the South African maize industry and approved by the Trust before studies begin
- ✓ A supervisor designated by the university and approved by the Maize Trust
- ✓ Not in receipt of any other bursary or study-related funding unless explicitly approved by the Trust
- ✓ Must submit a completed application form (including the signed Legal Undertaking in Section E) with all required supporting documents
- ✓ Recipient expected to work in the South African maize industry for the same period for which the bursary was awarded
What's Included
- ✓ MSc/Master's by dissertation: R99,750 per annum for up to two years
- ✓ PhD/Doctoral research: R131,250 per annum for up to three years
- ✓ First instalment paid in January, with further payments released against approved progress reports from the student and supervisor
- ✓ Funds research directly relevant to the South African maize industry
- ✓ Access to the Agri Manage Solutions website, including agricultural-sector job advertisements, and industry networking opportunities
Work Commitment
After completing their studies, recipients must work for a maize-industry organisation or institution in South Africa for a period equal to the period for which the bursary was awarded. Failing to do so means repaying the bursary with interest at the prime overdraft rate, reduced pro rata for any period already worked.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your The Maize Trust (administered by Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with Grain SA) bursary application
- 1
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (SA citizen, admitted for a full-time MSc by dissertation or PhD research degree at a recognised South African institution, with research relevant to the maize industry)
- 2
Read the terms, conditions and bursary policy on the Maize Trust Bursary page on the Agri Manage Solutions site (agrimanage.co.za)
- 3
Have your proposed research topic confirmed as relevant to the South African maize industry, and ask your supervisor to register on the Agri Manage website for the Maize Trust scheme
- 4
Complete the official application form, sign the Legal Undertaking (Section E) and gather all required supporting documents
- 5
Submit your application between 1 and 30 September - the 2027 round closed on 30 September 2026
- 6
Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by telephone; if you have not heard from the Trust within 8 weeks of the closing date, your application was unsuccessful
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed Maize Trust Bursary application form
- 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- 📄 Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- 📄 Latest academic transcript on the institution's official letterhead
- 📄 Proof of registration and fee statement (if available)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Maize Trust Bursary?
- South African citizens who are enrolled or accepted for full-time study towards a Master's (MSc) by dissertation or a Doctoral (PhD) research degree at a recognised South African tertiary institution. The proposed dissertation or thesis research must be relevant to the South African maize industry and approved by the Trust before it commences. It is a postgraduate-only scheme.
- How much funding does the Maize Trust Bursary provide?
- An MSc/Master's by dissertation is funded at R99,750 per annum for up to two years, and a PhD/Doctoral research degree is funded at R131,250 per annum for up to three years. Applicants should not be receiving any other bursary or study-related funding unless the Trust has explicitly approved it.
- When do applications open and close?
- Applications open on 1 September and close on 30 September each year, according to the Maize Trust bursary page (Agri Manage's homepage gives 1 October for all its schemes). The 2027 round closed on 30 September 2026. Successful applicants are notified within 8 weeks of the closing date, and the first bursary instalment is paid in January.
- Is there a work-back obligation?
- Yes. Recipients are expected to work in the South African maize industry for a period equal to the period for which the bursary was awarded - for example, two years for a funded MSc or three years for a funded PhD.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 30 September 2026.
Applications open on 1 September and close on 30 September every year, according to the Maize Trust bursary page (Agri Manage's homepage gives 1 October for all its schemes). The round for 2027 funding closed on 30 September 2026; the 2028 round had not been announced as of 12 October 2026.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check The Maize Trust (administered by Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with Grain SA)'s official siteNeed help? Contact The Maize Trust (administered by Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with Grain SA):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 (0)12 807 3958
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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