Meat Industry Trust invites suitable South African postgraduate students to apply for the MIT Bursary Programme 2026. The application deadline is 31 October 2025.
What Is the MIT Bursary Programme?
The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) offers a special scholarship for Master’s and Doctorate students who want to help South Africa’s red‑meat industry grow and stay sustainable. The program supports research on beef, sheep, and goat production, marketing, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
Why It Matters
- Boosts research quality – Encourages new ideas that improve how we raise, cook, and market meat.
- Builds skills – Gives students practical knowledge that creates jobs and supports the economy.
- Supports sustainability – Focuses on climate‑friendly farming, healthier animals, and safer food.
Fields You Can Explore
Research can cover any of these areas:
- Consumer behaviour, economics, and marketing
- Climate impact and carbon footprints
- Genetics, genomics, and breeding techniques
- Animal health, disease control, and welfare
- Food safety, hygiene, and nutrition
- Nutrition for livestock
- Meat science and nutritional value
- Animal biology, growth, and reproduction
- Farm management and efficiency
- Pasture management and water use
- Socio‑economic study of the meat industry
- Transition to climate‑smart agriculture
- Waste reduction and reuse
Feel free to mix several areas into one proposal if they fit your research goals.
How Much Funding Do You Get?
The bursary pays:
| Degree | Annual Support | Total Amount | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s | R60 000 | Up to R120 000 | 2 years |
| Doctorate | R60 000 | Up to R180 000 | 3 years |
Payment schedule
- First half‑year after you prove you’re registered.
- Second half‑year after your supervisor sends a progress report that shows you’re on track.
You must file an annual progress report and a final report when you finish your study.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be accepted for a Master’s or Doctorate program at a recognised South African university.
- Study full‑time in 2026.
- Not be employed (full‑time work isn’t allowed).
- Agree to all bursary rules.
- If you already have a bursary, you must list it.
Extra requirements
| Level | Needed Credentials |
|---|---|
| Master’s | BSc Honours or BSc (Agric) that is SAQA‑registered or approved by SACNASP/SAVC. |
| Doctorate | A Master’s degree that is SAQA‑registered or equivalent. |
What Main Criteria Are Reviewed?
Applications are checked for:
- Your past grades and academic achievements.
- How scientific and well‑planned your research idea is.
- How the research will help South Africa’s red‑meat industry.
Step‑by‑Step How to Apply
Step 1 – Get the Application Form
Download the official MIT Bursary Application Form from the MIT website and fill it out carefully.
Step 2 – Apply Online
Send your completed form through the MIT online portal:
Meat Industry Trust Bursary Application 2026
Step 3 – Send Your Documents
Upload certified PDF copies of the following:
- Completed application form.
- ID copy.
- Copies of your university qualifications.
- Full academic record for each qualification.
- Proof that you’re registered for the 2026 program (if you have it).
Make sure every document is clear and legible.
Important Things to Remember
- The closing date is 31 October 2025 – no late applications will be accepted.
- All applications will be reviewed by the Bursary Working Committee (BWC).
- MIT keeps the right to decide who receives the scholarship at the end.
Take the Next Step
If you’re excited about research in animal science, food safety, or sustainability, and you meet the above conditions, don’t wait. Submit your application before the deadline to secure a valuable scholarship that can help you finish your Master’s or Doctorate and take your career to the next level.