The Brian Koeppen Memorial Scholarship is the award that SAAFoST, South Africa’s professional association for food scientists and technologists, reserves for food science researchers who are already well into a Master’s or doctorate. The SAAFoST Foundation created it to honour Professor B H Koeppen, who headed Stellenbosch University’s Department of Food Science until his death in 1980. Students do not apply on their own: a head of department nominates them, and the next nominations are due by 26 February 2027.
Two scholarships of R35 000 a year
The SAAFoST Foundation makes two Koeppen scholarships available: one for a Master’s programme and one for a doctoral programme. Each is worth R35 000 per year and goes towards tuition fees. If another bursary already covers some or all of a winner’s fees, the Foundation can redirect the money to academic conferences, study materials, study visits and research costs, but only with its written approval beforehand. In that case SAAFoST asks for paperwork such as an invitation letter, proof of registration, an accepted abstract or poster, proof of attendance and a report on the activity.
Which departments can put a name forward
Only eight departments may nominate, and each may send one candidate. On the food science side these are the departments at Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, the University of Venda and the University of the Free State. On the food technology side they are Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg. If you study food science elsewhere, SAAFoST’s rules do not let your department nominate you.
SAAFoST’s rules for Koeppen nominees
- You must have been a SAAFoST member for at least one full consecutive year before the nomination, so student membership has to be in place well ahead of time.
- You must already have been registered for your Master’s or doctoral programme for at least one year. First-year postgraduates do not qualify yet.
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Your department head bases the nomination on academic excellence in your previous degree results and must include a proposal for the research you are doing.
What your department sends to SAAFoST
The nomination form comes as a PDF or Word download on SAAFoST’s Brian Koeppen Memorial Scholarship page. Alongside the completed form, the department attaches:
- your full academic records from previous degrees;
- an approved progress report on last year’s research work;
- proof of registration and proof of SAAFoST membership;
- a copy of your ID, or proof of permanent residence;
- proof of any other financial support you receive.
The pack goes by email to SAAFoST’s Membership Development Officer at mdo@saafost.org.za (telephone 071 870 2633). SAAFoST’s closing date is 26 February 2027, although one line in its criteria still mentions 24 February, so ask your department to send it before the earlier date to be safe.
Who has won it recently
SAAFoST publishes its winners list. In 2026 the scholarships went to students at CPUT and TUT; in 2025 to students at the University of Pretoria and the University of the Free State; and in 2024 to students at UP and UJ. SAAFoST made no Koeppen award in 2023, so a round can pass without a winner.
SAAFoST’s other awards and wider postgraduate funding
The Koeppen award is for research degrees. Honours and B-Tech students in the same eight departments compete for a separate, once-off award, the SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant. Because R35 000 will not cover living costs, most Koeppen holders also need other funding: apply to the National Research Foundation and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust scholarships, and declare whatever you receive on the nomination.
Can I nominate myself for the Koeppen scholarship?
No. SAAFoST accepts nominations only from the heads of the eight listed departments. Speak to your head of department or supervisor early in the year.
I joined SAAFoST this year. Can I still be nominated?
Not for the round closing in February 2027 unless your membership has run for a full consecutive year by then. Join now if you plan to be nominated in a later year.