Potatoes SA Bursary 2027: 4 Students With Agricultural Qualifications Can Apply Before 31 August

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) is inviting qualifying South African students to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

The programme will award four bursaries to students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in fields relevant to the potato industry. Eligible students can include those entering their second year or higher, as well as students studying towards BTech, Honours, Masters and PhD qualifications.

The bursary can provide valuable financial support while also potentially giving successful recipients access to internship and workplace experience opportunities within the potato industry.

Applications must be submitted online before the 31 August 2026 closing date.

Bursary Programme Overview

Organisation: Potatoes South Africa (PSA)
Programme: Potatoes South Africa Bursary Programme 2027
Number of Bursaries: 4
Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Citizenship: South African
Minimum Study Level: Second year or higher in 2027
Institution: Recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution
Location: South Africa
Application Method: Online
Closing Date: 31 August 2026

What Does the Potatoes South Africa Bursary Cover?

Potatoes South Africa is offering bursary support to students studying qualifications that are relevant to agriculture and the potato industry.

The programme is intended to support students beyond their first year of tertiary study. Applicants entering second year or a higher level in 2027 may be considered.

The programme also extends to postgraduate students, including those pursuing BTech, Honours, Masters and PhD studies.

The supplied information does not state a specific rand value for the bursary award. Applicants should therefore confirm the exact funding coverage with Potatoes South Africa before accepting an award.

Fields of Study

Applicants studying in the following fields may qualify:

Agricultural Economics.
Agronomy.
Plant Production.
Crop Production.
Soil Science.
Other fields relevant to the potato industry.

Eligible postgraduate study levels include:

BTech.
Honours.
Masters.
PhD.

Students whose qualifications are not listed but are closely connected to the potato industry should verify their eligibility with Potatoes South Africa before applying.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen.
Have completed Matric.
Be studying full-time.
Be pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification relevant to the listed agricultural fields.
Be entering second year or higher in 2027.
Be registered at or attending a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
Have a strong academic record.

First-year students entering first year in 2027 are therefore not indicated as eligible under the supplied requirements.

Internship and Workplace Experience

One feature of the programme is the possibility of practical exposure beyond financial assistance.

Bursary recipients may have opportunities to participate in:

Internship programmes.
Workplace experience programmes.

These opportunities can help students gain exposure to the agricultural and potato industries and develop practical workplace skills before or after completing their studies.

The availability and conditions of workplace opportunities should be confirmed with Potatoes South Africa.

Work-Back Requirement

Applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s work-back requirement.

Students who receive the bursary will be required, after completing their studies, to work for a potato-industry-related:

Organisation.
Company.
Institution.

The required work period will be equal to the period for which the bursary was awarded.

Students should carefully consider this obligation before accepting bursary funding.

Salary / Bursary Value

Bursary Value: Not disclosed in the supplied information.

Potatoes South Africa confirms that bursary funding is available, but the supplied information does not provide a specific rand amount or detailed breakdown of covered expenses.

Applicants should confirm the full funding package directly with PSA.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following supporting documents:

Certified copy of ID document.
Matric certificate.
Qualification certificates, where applicable.
Most recent academic transcripts.
University admission letter or proof of registration.
Parent or guardian proof of household income.
Payslips if the parent or guardian is employed.
Affidavit if the parent or guardian is unemployed.
SASSA slip if the parent or guardian receives a social grant.
Other relevant supporting documents requested during the application.

Additional Documents for Masters and PhD Applicants

Masters and PhD applicants must also provide either:

A progress report; or
A recommendation letter from their supervisor.

Important PDF Submission Requirements

Applicants should pay close attention to the document-upload instructions.

All supporting documents must be combined into one single PDF document.

The documents should appear in the same order as listed in the application requirements.

The final PDF filename must include the applicant’s full name and ID number.

For example:

Joe_Smith_0102030040455.pdf

The document submission link will be provided after the applicant completes the online bursary application form.

How to Apply

Open the Potatoes South Africa online bursary application form.
Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
Complete the online application form with accurate information.
Prepare all required supporting documents.
Combine the documents into one PDF file.
Ensure the documents are arranged in the required order.
Name the PDF using your full name and ID number.
Follow the instructions provided after completing the application form to submit your supporting PDF.
Check that your application and documents have been successfully submitted.
Keep a copy of your completed application and supporting documents for your records.

Official Application Link

Apply for the Potatoes South Africa Bursary Programme 2027

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants are expected to be contacted by no later than 31 December 2026.

Applicants who do not receive feedback by that date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

Because only four bursaries are available, eligible students should submit complete applications well before the closing date.

Bursary Application Closing Date

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

Applications should be completed and submitted before the deadline. Students should avoid waiting until the final day, particularly because supporting documents must be combined and uploaded as a single PDF.

Enquiries

For bursary-related enquiries, applicants can contact Potatoes South Africa:

Telephone: 012 349 1906
Email: bursaries1@potatoes.co.za

Expert Guidance

Career expert YouthScope Editorial Team advises applicants to start preparing their documentation early. This bursary has a particularly important document-upload requirement because supporting documents must be combined into one PDF and arranged in the specified order.

Applicants should also double-check the PDF filename, ensuring that it contains their full name and ID number. Masters and PhD applicants should make sure their progress report or supervisor recommendation is ready before starting the application.

Most importantly, applicants should understand the work-back obligation before accepting the bursary. Keep copies of the completed application, uploaded documents and any confirmation received after submission.

Always verify final requirements with Potatoes South Africa before submitting an application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Potatoes South Africa Bursary 2027?

South African citizens who have completed Matric, are studying full-time and will be entering their second year or higher in 2027 may apply if they meet the academic and field-of-study requirements.

How many bursaries are available?

Potatoes South Africa plans to award four bursaries for the 2027 academic year.

What qualifications are funded?

Fields include Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Plant Production, Crop Production, Soil Science and other studies relevant to the potato industry.

Can postgraduate students apply?

Yes. The programme includes postgraduate students studying at BTech, Honours, Masters and PhD level, subject to the stated requirements.

Is the bursary paid?

The programme provides bursary funding, but the specific rand value is not disclosed in the supplied information. Applicants should confirm the funding details with Potatoes South Africa.

Can first-year students apply?

The supplied requirements state that applicants must be entering second year or higher in 2027. Students entering first year in 2027 are therefore not indicated as eligible.

What documents are required?

Applicants need documents including a certified ID, Matric certificate, academic transcripts, proof of registration or admission, household-income documentation and other supporting documents. Masters and PhD applicants must also provide a progress report or supervisor recommendation.

Is there a work-back requirement?

Yes. Successful recipients will be required to work for a potato-industry-related organisation, company or institution after completing their studies. The work-back period will equal the period for which the bursary was awarded.

Disclaimer

YouthScope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information on the employer’s official website before submitting your application.

Opportunity Verification

✅ Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team
✅ Last Updated: 24 August 2026
✅ Information Source: Potatoes South Africa bursary programme information
✅ Status: Reviewed for accuracy

YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm final details with the official organisation before applying.

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YouthScope Editorial Team

The YouthScope Editorial Team publishes verified South African learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and career opportunities. Our team researches opportunities from official employers, government departments, SETAs, universities, and trusted organisations to provide accurate career information for South African youth.