The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) invites postgraduate candidates studying Food Science or Food Technology to apply for its 2026 Brian Koeppen Memorial Scholarship—honouring the late Professor B. H. Koeppen—with awards for both Master’s and Doctoral research tuition support.

About the Bursary Provider

SAAFoST is the professional body representing food science and technology practitioners in South Africa. Through its Foundation, it supports postgraduate research via scholarships and grants to develop knowledge and innovation in the field.

Fields Covered

The scholarship supports postgraduate studies (Master’s or Doctorate) in:

  • Food Science (at Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Venda, Free State)
  • Food Technology (at CPUT, DUT, TUT, UJ)

One Master’s and one Doctoral award will be issued, each valued at R35 000 per annum.

Expenses Covered

Each scholarship provides R35 000 per annum toward tuition fees. If recipients already hold funding that covers tuition, the award may be redirected—upon prior approval—to support conferences, study materials, research visits, or related academic expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, the nominee must:

  • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
  • Have held active SAAFoST membership for at least one consecutive year
  • Be registered in a Master’s or Doctoral programme in Food Science or Food Technology for at least one year
  • Be nominated by the Head of Department at an approved university
  • Demonstrate academic excellence and provide a research project proposal and progress report

How to Apply

Students may not apply directly. Department Heads must nominate up to one candidate via the official nomination form (PDF), accompanied by:

  • Academic records and progress report
  • Project proposal
  • Proof of SAAFoST membership
  • Proof of registration and ID
  • Details of any other financial support received

Email the package to SAAFoST’s Membership Development Officer at irene@saafost.org.za with subject line “Brian Koeppen Memorial Scholarship Application”.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about the bursary.

Closing Date

27 February 2026. Nominations received after this date will not be considered.

Award Recipients

Recent recipients include:

  • 2025: Chane Pretorius (UP, Master’s) & Rinus Behrens (UFS, Doctorate)
  • 2024: Tilana Marais (UP, Master’s) & Zamancwana Mahlanza (UJ, Doctorate)

Contact the Bursary Provider

SAAFoST Foundation – Membership Dev Officer
Tel: 071 870 2633
Email: irene@saafost.org.za
Website: saafost.org.za

1. Who can be nominated?
Candidates are Master’s or Doctoral students in Food Science/Technology at approved universities, with ≥1 year registered and 1 year of SAAFoST membership.
2. How many scholarships are awarded?
Two: one for Master’s and one for Doctoral students, each valued at R35 000 per annum.
3. What can the money be used for?
Primarily tuition; if tuition is covered, funds may go toward conferences, materials, study visits or research—upon approval.
4. How does the nomination process work?
Department Heads at approved universities nominate one candidate via official form plus supporting documents—students cannot apply directly.
5. Which universities are included?
Food Science: Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Venda, Free State. Food Technology: CPUT, DUT, TUT, UJ.
6. What documents are needed?
Academic records, progress report, project proposal, proof of SAAFoST membership, registration, ID, and details of other financial aid.
7. When must nominations reach SAAFoST?
27 February 2026. Late submissions won’t be accepted.
8. Can recipients hold other bursaries?
Yes. If another award covers tuition, the scholarship funds must be used for other approved academic purposes with prior consent.
9. How will selection be made?
Based on academic excellence, research progress, and institutional nomination—final decision by the SAAFoST Foundation.
10. Who can I contact for inquiries?
Contact Irene from Membership Development at irene@saafost.org.za or call 071 870 2633.