The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA) has opened its 2025/2026 academic year bursary application and they are inviting all interested applicants to apply. APPLY NOW.

Closing Date: 15 February 2025/2026 (at 16:30)

Bursaries will be awarded for studies towards a Doctorate (PhD) or Master’s degree, related to the Food and Beverages Manufacturing value chain.

The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA) is responsible for promoting, facilitating and incentivizing skills development within the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector.

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:

FoodBev SETA Bursary 2025/2026 bursary qualification depends on the following requirements: Find it below:

• You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or naturalized citizen
• You must be studying or registered to study towards a PhD or Masters degree qualification
• Masters students: your research topics must be endorsed by your supervisor and be relevant and responsive to the food and beverages manufacturing value chain
• PhD students: you must have an approved Research Proposal by the university, with clear timeframes and estimated year of completion (the expected timeframe for completion of PhD is 2 to 5 years from the current academic year for reporting purposes by the SETA)
• You must be studying at a recognized public university in South Africa
• You must NOT be receiving any other bursary funding (this must be confirmed by the University Bursary Office)
• Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged groups

BURSARY COVERAGE:

This bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:

• Masters students: registration fees, tuition fees, research costs, and study material, up to a maximum value of R120 000 (for the entire duration of studies), based on the evaluation outcome of the students’ approved research topics. Bursary recipients will also do course work.
• PhD students: tuition fees, and costs associated with the research undertaken, up to a maximum value of R150 000, for the entire duration of studies, based on the evaluation outcome of the students’ approved research topics.

Bursary recipients will be required to submit a progress report at the end of each academic year, which must be signed off by the supervisor.

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

To apply, all applicants must request Application forms by emailing: ResearchBursaries@FoodBev.co.za
(Insert the words “FoodBev SETA Bursary Application Form Required” in the email subject line).

The application form must be completed and submitted to your University Bursary Office, along with the supporting documents listed below. Students must NOT apply to FoodBev SETA directly – Universities will apply on students’ behalf.

Supporting Documents

The following supporting documentation must come along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy: not older than 3 months)
• Proof of registration for the 2025/2026 academic year
• PhD students: approved research proposal (including research costs) with confirmation from the recognized tertiary institution
• Master’s students: approved research proposal (including research costs) with confirmation from the recognized tertiary institution and research topic endorsed by the supervisor
• University’s Tax Clearance Certificate
• Signed declaration of intent, progress reports and results to FoodBev SETA officials (signed by the applicant and supervisor)