Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary Scheme
Meat Industry Trust (MIT) (applications assessed by the MIT's Bursary Working Committee)
The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary Scheme funds South African Master's and Doctoral students whose research applies to red meat species — cattle, sheep and goats — across fields such as consumer insights, environmental sustainability, genetics, animal health, product safety, meat science and livestock nutrition. It awards R60,000 per annum and can continue for the duration of the degree, subject to progress and re-registration. Selection by the MIT's Bursary Working Committee is based on academic merit, the scientific quality of the project proposal and the contribution the project could make to the red meat industry.
- Amount
- R60,000 per annum. Master's degree: maximum R120,000 over 2 consecutive years. Doctorate: maximum R180,000 over 3 consecutive years.
- Deadline
- 31 October 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Meat Industry Trust (MIT) (applications assessed by the MIT's Bursary Working Committee) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Qualifies to register for a Master's (MSc) or Doctorate (PhD) degree at a South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Must be a registered full-time student
- ✓ Must not be employed
- ✓ Must declare any other bursaries to avoid conflicts
- ✓ Research project must apply only to red meat species: cattle, sheep and goats
- ✓ Selection based on academic record, scientific quality of the project proposal, and the contribution the project/expertise could make to the red meat industry
What's Included
- ✓ R60,000 per year toward postgraduate study
- ✓ Can continue for the duration of the degree (2 years Master's / 3 years Doctorate), subject to confirmed progress and re-registration - continued funding is not guaranteed
- ✓ Normally paid in two instalments to the university: the first after proof of acceptance and registration, the second after a supervisor's report confirming satisfactory progress
- ✓ Maximum of R120,000 over two years for a Master's degree
- ✓ Maximum of R180,000 over three years for a Doctorate
- ✓ Opportunity to contribute research of direct value to South Africa's red meat industry
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Meat Industry Trust (MIT) (applications assessed by the MIT's Bursary Working Committee) bursary application
- 1
Confirm that your proposed research applies only to red meat species (cattle, sheep and goats) and falls within one of the MIT's listed research fields
- 2
Go to the bursary page at meatindustrytrust.org/bursary-application and follow the Apply Now link to the online submission page
- 3
Download and complete the MIT application form
- 4
Complete the online submission (personal details, university, degree, thesis title and supervisor details) and attach the completed application form and supporting documents
- 5
Submit by 31 October 2026 - incomplete applications or missing documents may not be considered
- 6
The Bursary Working Committee assesses applications on academic merit, the scientific quality of the project proposal and the contribution the project could make to the red meat industry
- 7
Successful students are paid in instalments after submitting proof of registration and a supervisor's progress report
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed MIT application form (downloaded from the online application page)
- 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID document
- 📄 Full academic record / transcript
- 📄 Proof of registration or proof that you qualify to register for a Master's or Doctoral degree at a South African tertiary institution
- 📄 Research project proposal (demonstrating relevance to red meat species — cattle, sheep and goats)
- 📄 Details of your proposed supervisor
- 📄 Declaration of any other bursaries or funding received
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is the MIT bursary worth?
- The bursary is R60,000 per annum. A Master's student can receive a maximum of R120,000 over two consecutive years, and a Doctoral student a maximum of R180,000 over three consecutive years. Funds are normally paid in two instalments to the university, after proof of registration and a supervisor's confirmation of progress.
- Who qualifies for the Meat Industry Trust bursary?
- You must be a South African citizen who qualifies to register for a Master's (MSc) or Doctorate (PhD) at a South African tertiary institution, be a registered full-time student, and not be employed. Your research project must apply only to red meat species — cattle, sheep and goats — and you must declare any other bursaries you hold.
- Which fields of study does the bursary fund?
- It funds postgraduate research of importance to the red meat industry: consumer insights, economics and marketing; environmental impact and sustainability; genetics, genomics and breeding; animal health and biosecurity; hygiene, product safety and quality assurance; meat science; livestock nutrition; physiology, growth and reproduction; production systems; rangeland, pasture and water resources; transition agriculture; and waste management, all relating to cattle, sheep and goats only.
- When does the MIT bursary close?
- The current window opened on 30 September 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026, according to the MIT's online application page. The previous window also ran from 30 September to 31 October (in 2025).
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 October 2026
Apply on Meat Industry Trust (MIT) (applications assessed by the MIT's Bursary Working Committee)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Meat Industry Trust (MIT) (applications assessed by the MIT's Bursary Working Committee):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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