SACTA Bursary Scheme programme 2023

SACTA Bursary Scheme invites qualified applicants to apply . Apply now for before the closing date.

 

SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) came into existence with the purpose of addressing a dilemma that developed over the years regarding the lack of new technology for self- or open-pollinated grain and oilseed crops in South Africa.

The relevant crops are: Wheat, Barley, Oats, Soya Beans and some Canola cultivars.

Although farmers have the fullest right to hold back seeds from these self-pollinated crops for future planting, this practice reduces the quantity of new seed sold and it is thus not worthwhile for seed companies to invest in the breeding and technology of these crops.

Without the latest seed technology, it is impossible for South African producers to compete against their international counterparts, who make use of the best seeds and latest technologies available.

With no investment in the development of self-pollinated seeds there will be no progress – genetic gain and local production will stagnate or decline.

Consequently, South Africa will need to import more grains, and this will not place our food security at risk, but the quality (baking worth) thereof is not always on par with South African standards.

Breeders’ Rights are protected worldwide by means of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, patents and contract law. According to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, IP holders have the right to license and charge a reasonable fee.

For further details about the SACTA Bursary Scheme, kindly contact Marilette Maritz at L&L Agricultural Services (the Administrators of SACTA) electronically via marilette@llagric.co.za.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants are invited to apply for postgraduate bursaries with SACTA to further their studies within the grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry.

The basic requirements for application of a bursary with SACTA are:

  • Applicants must be South African citizens.
  • Applicants must be admitted to study full time with the institution of their choice.
  • SACTA bursaries are only awarded to Honours, Masters and Doctoral studies.
  • The field of study must be relevant to the South African breeding and technology industry.
  • Successful applicants may not be in receipt of alternative funding from alternate sources.
  • The proposal for the dissertation/thesis must be approved by SACTA prior to the commencement of the studies.
  • Upon application, SACTA requires:
    • a) A completed application form,
    • b) A certified copy of a South African identity document/passport,
    • c) Updated curriculum vitae,
    • d) The latest academic transcript/record on an official letterhead,
    • e) Proof of registration and a fee statement (if available).
  • A formal bursary agreement is to be concluded with SACTA should a bursary be awarded.
  • A supervisor for the study programme must be designated by the Institution where the study will be undertaken and must be approved by SACTA.
  • It is the responsibility of the Student to inform the Supervisor that he/she will be required to register with the particular Bursary Scheme on our website. The URL address thereof may be provided to the supervisor either by the student or upon request.
  • Applicants will be expected to work in the South African grain and oilseeds breeding and technology industry for the same period for which a bursary was awarded.
  • Annual bursary amounts will be determined by SACTA each year.
  • Closing date for bursary application submissions is 30 September of every year.

How to Apply

  • Honours:
    • Bursaries totaling R68 250,00 per annum, for two years, in respect of Hons Applicants.
    • Bursaries will only be paid out according to the submitted and approved progress reports by both the student and their supervisor.
  • Masters by Dissertation:
    • Bursaries totaling R99 750,00 per annum, for two years, in respect of MSc Applicants.
    • Bursaries will only be paid out according to the submitted and approved progress reports by both the student and their supervisor.
  • Doctoral Research:
    • Bursaries totaling R131 250,00 per annum, for three years, in respect of PhD Applicants.
    • Bursaries will only be paid out according to the submitted and approved progress reports by both the student and their supervisor.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND APPLY IN SEPTEMBER

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