The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation invites department heads at approved institutions to nominate academically excellent BSc (Hons) or B‑Tech students in Food Science or Food Technology for the 2026 Aubrey Parsons Study Grant, valued at R20,000 per recipient.

About the Bursary Provider

SAAFoST is the national professional association for food science and technology practitioners and students in South Africa. Through its Foundation, it supports academic excellence and innovation within the food sector via grants, scholarships, and awards.

Fields Covered

The grant supports full-time studies in:

  • BSc (Honours) in Food Science at Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Venda, or the Free State
  • B‑Tech in Food Technology at CPUT, DUT, TUT, or UJ

Expenses Covered

The grant provides a one-time award of R20,000 per student for their entire Honours or B‑Tech year, regardless of duration—paid directly to the institution toward tuition fees.

Eligibility Requirements

Nominees must:

  • Be registered full‑time for a BSc (Hons) or B‑Tech in Food Science/Technology at the approved institutions
  • Maintain a minimum 70% academic average in previous years
  • Have maintained SAAFoST student membership for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the nomination.
  • Be the sole nominee per institution, selected by their Head of Department

Note: Only department heads may nominate; students cannot apply directly.

How to Apply

Department Heads must complete the official nomination form (PDF) and submit it with:

  • The nominee’s full academic transcripts
  • Proof of full-time registration
  • Proof of SAAFoST membership

Email all documents to: irene@saafost.org.za with the subject line “Aubrey Parsons Study Grant 2026 Nomination”.

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

Closing Date

24 February 2026. Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered.

Award Recipients

Recent awardees include:

  • 2021: Mia Schutte (SUN), M A Mgidi (TUT), Christi Kruger (UP), Lesedi J Kubayi (CPUT)
  • 2020: Matamela Takalani (TUT), Rebokile Nyathi (UP), Kim Mannix (SUN), Boitshoko Kekana (UJ)

Contact the Bursary Provider

SAAFoST Foundation – Membership Development Officer (Irene Burke)
Tel: 071 870 2633
Email: irene@saafost.org.za
Website: saafost.org.za

1. Who can be nominated for the Grant?
Full-time BSc (Hons) or B‑Tech students in Food Science or Food Technology at the approved South African universities, nominated by their Department Head.
2. Which institutions are included?
Departments of Food Science at Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Venda, and Free State; and Food Technology at CPUT, DUT, TUT, and UJ.
3. What is the value of the Study Grant?
A one-time award of R20,000 paid directly to the institution for tuition costs during the Honours or B‑Tech year.
4. What academic results are required?
Nominees must have maintained at least a 70% average in their prior academic years.
5. Do students apply directly?
No—only Department Heads may nominate one candidate per institution using the official form.
6. What documents are needed for nomination?
Nomination form, nominee’s academic transcripts, proof of registration, and proof of SAAFoST membership.
7. What is the closing date?
24 February 2026. Nominations received after this date will not be considered.
8. When will recipients be announced?
Awards are announced at a SAAFoST branch meeting or event; successful nominees are notified after adjudication 
9. Can I hold other funding concurrently?
Yes—if tuition is already covered, the grant can be redirected (with SAAFoST approval) towards conferences, materials, or research costs.
10. Who can I contact for enquiries?
Contact Irene Burke at irene@saafost.org.za or call 071 870 2633 for assistance.