Do you want to start a Masters or Doctoral degree in agriculture but need financial support right now? The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is offering a bursary that could cover your tuition, research costs and give you real‑world experience before the 17 June 2026 deadline.
What the ARC Bursary 2027 offers
The ARC Bursary Programme for 2027 is open to South African students who are unemployed and wish to study at postgraduate level in agricultural sciences or related fields. A total of 14 bursaries are available – 7 for Masters and 7 for Doctoral studies.
Who can apply (Eligibility)
- South African citizen, aged 18‑35.
- Currently unemployed and not receiving any other bursary or NSFAS funding.
- For a Masters bursary: an Honours degree in one of the listed fields.
- For a Doctoral bursary: a completed Masters (or MSc) in a listed field.
- Registered or accepted at a South African university for the intended study.
- Preference given to designated groups as per ARC’s Employment Equity Plan.
Fields of study covered
- Agribusiness Management
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Extension
- Agricultural Management
- Econometrics
- Environmental and Natural Resources Management
- Gender Studies
- Information Systems
- Intellectual Property Management and Commercialisation
- International Relations
- Knowledge Management
- Social Sciences
- Social Accounting Matrix, Computable General Equilibrium Models and Agent‑Based Modelling
- Socioeconomics
Benefits you will receive
- Financial support for up to three years (Masters) or five years (Doctoral).
- Mentoring by senior ARC professionals.
- Possible work‑placement opportunities at ARC or partner organisations.
- Funding for thesis, dissertation, publication and printing costs.
- Access to ARC laboratories and research facilities.
- Co‑supervision on projects that address real socioeconomic challenges.
- Research‑skills workshops to improve academic writing.
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Driver’s licence
- Certified copies of all qualification certificates
- SAQA evaluation report (if you hold foreign qualifications)
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a university (official letterhead)
- Contact details of three referees
Make sure every document is clear and complete – missing paperwork can lead to disqualification.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Gather the required documents listed above.
- Write a concise cover letter explaining why you need the bursary and how your study aligns with ARC’s focus areas.
- Prepare a CV that highlights any research, internship or agricultural experience.
- Upload all files to the appropriate online portal:
- Masters bursary: Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Application 2027 (Reference ARC‑925)
- Doctoral bursary: Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary Application 2027 (Reference ARC‑926)
- Submit the application before the closing date – 17 June 2026.
- Wait for a short‑list notification (expected within four weeks of the deadline). If you hear nothing, consider the application unsuccessful.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific field you are applying for; show how your background matches ARC’s research priorities.
- Proofread all documents – spelling or formatting errors can create a negative impression.
- Include referees who can speak to your research potential and work ethic.
- If you have any relevant internships, volunteer work or project experience, highlight them clearly in your CV.
- Be ready for a security clearance and possible competency or leadership assessments.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing your documents today. The ARC bursary is competitive, but a well‑organised application can set you apart. Submit before 17 June 2026, and you could be on your way to a funded Masters or Doctoral degree in agriculture.
Bursary enquiries
For any questions, contact Mr Ndikho Mbuce at arcpdp@arc.agric.za.
