2027 Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust Postgraduate Bursary: Requirements and How to Apply
South African postgraduate students pursuing research in relevant areas can apply for consideration for the 2027 Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) Postgraduate Bursary at the University of Pretoria (UP).
The bursary supports high-quality scientific research at postgraduate level and provides separate funding opportunities for Master’s and Doctoral students. Importantly, students cannot apply directly to the OPDT. Applications must be submitted through the University of Pretoria’s Postgraduate Scholarship Office.
Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) |
| Opportunity | 2027 Postgraduate Bursary |
| Opportunity Type | Bursary |
| Study Level | Postgraduate |
| Funding | Master’s and Doctoral bursaries |
| Nationality | South African citizens |
| Study Location | University of Pretoria |
| Faculty | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
| Qualification | Master’s or Doctoral degree |
| Research | Approved postgraduate research project |
| Institution | University of Pretoria |
| Funding Type | External Funded Bursary |
| Opening Date | 17 July 2026 |
| Closing Date | 21 September 2026 at 23:59 |
| Application Method | Through UP’s Postgraduate Scholarship Office |
Why This Opportunity Matters
Postgraduate research can provide students with the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and contribute to scientific research.
The OPDT bursary is structured around research development. The Master’s bursary aims to support deserving students as they develop into competent and independent researchers.
The Doctoral bursary is aimed at students who have already demonstrated research ability and will be undertaking a research project.
For students pursuing postgraduate research connected to the agricultural and natural sciences, this type of external funding can help support their academic journey.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is intended for South African citizens who meet the academic and research requirements for postgraduate study.
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the Republic of South Africa.
- Qualify for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral degree at a recognised tertiary institution.
- Undertake an approved research project.
- Conduct the research under the guidance of a recognised promoter.
- Be studying at a recognised university.
- Meet the relevant University of Pretoria postgraduate admission requirements.
The supplied information specifically identifies the University of Pretoria and its Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Who Should Not Apply?
You should not rely on this bursary if you:
- Are not a South African citizen.
- Do not qualify for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral programme.
- Are not undertaking an approved research project.
- Do not have appropriate supervision from a recognised promoter.
- Are looking for undergraduate funding.
- Intend to submit an individual application directly to the OPDT.
The final point is particularly important: individual applications submitted directly to the OPDT will not be considered.
Requirements
To qualify for consideration, students must have:
- South African citizenship.
- Admission or eligibility for admission to a relevant postgraduate degree.
- An approved research project.
- A recognised promoter/supervisor.
- Registration or intended registration at a recognised tertiary institution.
- The academic ability to undertake postgraduate research.
Doctoral applicants should also be able to demonstrate their research ability, as the Doctoral bursary is specifically intended for students who have demonstrated their ability as researchers.
Bursary Funding
The supplied bursary information confirms that the OPDT provides two tiers of postgraduate support:
Master’s Bursary
The Master’s funding is intended to help deserving students develop the skills needed to become competent and independent researchers.
Doctoral Bursary
The Doctoral bursary is intended for students who have demonstrated research ability and will be working on a research project.
Funding amount: Not specified in the supplied information.
Students should therefore avoid assuming a specific rand value until the official bursary information confirms the amount.
Duration
The supplied information does not specify a fixed funding duration.
The actual period of support may depend on the student’s postgraduate programme, research project and applicable bursary conditions.
Applicants should confirm the funding period with the University of Pretoria’s Postgraduate Scholarship Office.
Documents Required
The supplied information does not provide a complete document checklist.
Postgraduate applicants should nevertheless be prepared to provide documents that may be requested during the university’s application process, such as:
- South African ID.
- Proof of postgraduate admission or registration.
- Academic transcripts.
- Research proposal or project information.
- Details of the research promoter/supervisor.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Other supporting documentation requested by UP.
Important: Only submit documents specifically requested by the University of Pretoria or through the official application process.
How to Apply
The application process is different from many bursaries.
Do not apply directly to the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust.
Instead:
- Confirm that you meet the South African citizenship requirement.
- Confirm that you qualify for a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
- Ensure that your research project has the required approval.
- Work with your recognised promoter/supervisor.
- Check the University of Pretoria’s postgraduate scholarship information.
- Follow the instructions provided by the UP Postgraduate Scholarship Office.
- Submit the required information and supporting documentation through the university’s prescribed process.
- Make sure your application reaches the relevant UP office before 21 September 2026 at 23:59.
- Keep copies of everything submitted for your records.
Important Application Rule
The most important instruction in the bursary notice is that applications may not be made directly to the OAC/OPDT by individuals.
Only applications submitted by the University of Pretoria’s Postgraduate Scholarship Office will be considered.
This means prospective applicants should contact the appropriate UP postgraduate scholarship office early rather than attempting to email or submit an application directly to the Trust.
Important Before You Apply
There are several details postgraduate students should verify before applying.
First, make sure your research project falls within the scope of the bursary and has the necessary approval.
Second, confirm the correct process with the University of Pretoria’s Postgraduate Scholarship Office. The bursary notice specifically states that the university office must submit applications.
Third, do not assume that being admitted to a postgraduate programme automatically guarantees funding. Bursary awards are subject to the applicable selection and funding conditions.
Finally, apply well before the 21 September 2026, 23:59 deadline to allow sufficient time for the university’s internal process.
Official Source
Bursary: 2027 Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust Postgraduate Bursary
Institution: University of Pretoria
Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Funding type: External Funded Bursary
Application route: University of Pretoria Postgraduate Scholarship Office
Closing date: 21 September 2026 at 23:59
Verification: The opportunity details supplied identify the University of Pretoria as the study location and state that individual applications submitted directly to the OPDT will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the OPDT Postgraduate Bursary?
The bursary is open to South African citizens who qualify for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral degree and will conduct an approved research project under a recognised promoter.
Does the bursary fund Master’s students?
Yes. The OPDT provides a Master’s Bursary aimed at developing deserving students into competent and independent researchers.
Does the OPDT fund PhD students?
Yes. A Doctoral Bursary is available for students who have demonstrated their research ability and will be working on a research project.
Can I apply directly to the OPDT?
No. The supplied bursary information specifically states that individuals may not apply directly to the OPDT.
Applications must be submitted by the University of Pretoria Postgraduate Scholarship Office.
Where is the bursary available?
The supplied listing identifies the University of Pretoria as the study location and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences as the faculty.
How much does the OPDT bursary pay?
The funding amount is not specified in the supplied information. Applicants should confirm the current award amount with the University of Pretoria.
When does the 2027 OPDT bursary close?
The application period closes on 21 September 2026 at 23:59.
Do I need a research project?
Yes. Applicants must conduct an approved research project under the guidance of a recognised promoter at a recognised university.
Related Opportunities
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Youthscope Verification
Source: University of Pretoria bursary listing supplied for the 2027 Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust Postgraduate Bursary.
Last checked: 1 September 2026.
Status: Open.
Closing date: 21 September 2026 at 23:59.
Key verification point: Individual applicants cannot submit applications directly to OPDT; applications must come through the University of Pretoria Postgraduate Scholarship Office.
Editorial Information
Author: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Reviewer: Youthscope Editorial Team
Published: 1 September 2026
Updated: 1 September 2026
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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