SITFE Bursary Programme
The SITFE Bursary Programme provides full bursaries to South African students from sugarcane-growing provinces (KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga) who are studying Agriculture. Established in 1965 and administered by the South African Sugar Association, the fund awards up to 41 full bursaries each year, with preference given to children of sugarcane farmworkers and disadvantaged first-year students from the "missing middle".
Eligible Fields of Study
Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) (administered by the South African Sugar Association) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Resident of a sugarcane-growing province (KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga)
- ✓ Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- ✓ Applied or registered to study Agriculture at an eligible institution (Cedara College of Agriculture, Owen Sithole College of Agriculture, or University of Mpumalanga)
- ✓ Household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum (the 'missing middle')
- ✓ Preference given to children of sugarcane farmworkers and disadvantaged first-year students
What's Included
- ✓ Full bursary covering tertiary study costs
- ✓ Up to 41 full bursaries awarded each year
- ✓ Financial, educational and physical support throughout your studies
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) (administered by the South African Sugar Association) bursary application
- 1
Visit the SITFE bursary information page to confirm the application window is open (applications open annually around July to October)
- 2
Apply online via the SITFE online bursary application form, or download the hard-copy application form
- 3
Complete the form and gather all supporting documents
- 4
If applying by hard copy, email or post the completed form to the South African Sugar Association using the subject line '[SITFE Bursary YEAR]'
- 5
Submit before the annual closing date (the closing date for the 2026 academic year was 21 November 2025)
- 6
Wait for shortlisting and selection by SITFE
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Certified matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results
- 📄 Proof of application or registration to study Agriculture at an eligible institution
- 📄 Proof of household income
- 📄 Proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga
- 📄 Motivational letter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for the SITFE bursary?
- South African citizens who live in a sugarcane-growing province (KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga), are in Matric or have completed Matric, and have applied or registered to study Agriculture at an eligible institution such as Cedara College of Agriculture, Owen Sithole College of Agriculture or the University of Mpumalanga. The household income should fall between R350,000 and R600,000 per year (the 'missing middle').
- How many SITFE bursaries are awarded each year?
- Up to 41 full bursaries are awarded annually. Preference is given to children of sugarcane farmworkers and to disadvantaged first-year students.
- When does the SITFE bursary close?
- Applications open annually around July to October. For the 2026 academic year the closing date was 21 November 2025, and applications are currently shown as closed on the official site. The application window reopens between July and October each year.
- How do I apply for the SITFE bursary?
- You can apply online through the SITFE online bursary application form, or download the hard-copy form and email or post it to the South African Sugar Association using the subject line '[SITFE Bursary YEAR]'. The postal address is PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 21 November 2025
Apply on Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) (administered by the South African Sugar Association)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) (administered by the South African Sugar Association):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 031 508 7034
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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