The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) is offering a special scholarship – the Agbiz Centenary Bursary – for the 2026 academic year. If you’re a South African student who wants to study a Master’s or PhD in a field that helps grow the country’s farming and food businesses, this is a chance to get a big grant and support from a well‑known industry group.
Important dates and details
- Application deadline: 1 December 2025
- Where it’s available: South Africa only
- How much it gives you: up to R47 500 for one full academic year
The bursary is meant for students who are already finished or are about to finish a relevant undergraduate degree and who want to dive deeper into research or projects that will benefit South Africa’s agricultural economy.
Why Agbiz gives out this bursary
Agbiz believes that new ideas, smart research, and good leadership can help the country’s farms and food companies become stronger. By paying for students who do outstanding work, they hope to make research projects that fit with Agbiz’s own goals. If your research can help farmers, supply chains, or food production, it will catch their eye.
After you win the award, you’ll hear from them by mid‑January 2026. The money will be sent straight to your university in February 2026 (or when you agree on another time).
What the money covers
- A total of R47 500 for one academic year.
- You must apply again every year to keep the funding. The next payment will only be made if you show good grades and continue working on a relevant topic.
Who can apply?
To qualify, you need to meet these simple rules:
- Be a citizen of South Africa.
- Have finished or be in your final year of a related bachelor’s degree.
- Be ready to start or already have a Master’s or PhD program in an agribusiness‑related subject.
- Study at a university that is recognised and accredited in South Africa.
- Score at least 60 % in every major subject you studied.
- Agbiz may give extra consideration to students from groups that have had fewer chances in the past, to female students, and to people who have disabilities.
How they pick winners
Your application will be judged on four main points:
- Your academic record and how closely your research matches the needs of the agriculture sector.
- Whether your study line matches the topics Agbiz cares about.
- How motivated you are and why you want this bursary.
- Will you work with Agbiz to shape your research question?
How to apply
Step 1 – Grab the form
Download the 2026 application PDF from the link below.
Apply here: Agbiz Centenary Bursary Application Form (PDF)
Step 2 – Gather the paperwork
You must send clear copies of the following documents:
- Your South African ID, certified.
- A full academic record printed on the university’s letterhead.
- Proof that you are registered for a postgraduate program (an admission letter on letterhead).
- One page recommendation letter from a professor or department head.
- One page motivation letter that explains why you’re a good fit and what you plan to do.
- A declaration of any other bursaries or financial help you’re receiving (if any).
Step 3 – Send it in
Email your completed form and all documents to:
policy@agbiz.co.za
Use “Agbiz Centenary Bursary 2026” as the subject line.
A few extra points to keep in mind
- You’ll get an email that confirms you sent the application.
- Late or incomplete applications will be automatically rejected.
- Winners will need to send a progress report every six months, signed by a supervisor or department head, to the contact at policy@agbiz.co.za.
- If you lose your course or fall behind on your studies, the bursary can be stopped.
- Winners must sign a formal agreement with Agbiz before receiving money.
- If you hide another source of funding, you will be disqualified.
Why this matters
Getting this bursary means you can focus on your studies without worrying too much about the cost. It also gives you a chance to work with professionals who care about farming and food production in South Africa. If you’re serious about a career that can make a difference in the industry, consider applying before the deadline.
Good luck – this scholarship could help you turn your ideas into real change for the country’s agribusiness future.