Maize Trust Bursary Scheme

1. 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. 2

   Read the terms, conditions and bursary policy on the Maize Trust Bursary page on the Agri Manage Solutions site (agrimanage.co.za)

3. 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. 4

   Complete the official application form, sign the Legal Undertaking (Section E) and gather all required supporting documents

5. 5

   Submit your application between 1 and 30 September - the 2027 round closed on 30 September 2026

6. 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

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.