ARC Bursary 2026 – Fully Funded Postgraduate Support in Agricultural Sciences & Engineering

While ARC has not yet confirmed dates for the 2026 bursary cycle, the 2025 application deadline was 25 October 2024. 

Prepare your documents now and be ready to submit when the official call opens.

About the Organisation

The ARC is South Africa’s leading science institution for agricultural research and innovation. 

Its mission is to build the country’s agricultural capacity through cutting‑edge research, mentorship, and human capital development. 

The ARC bursary programme is part of its Professional Development Programme (PDP), which supports postgraduate and doctoral students across agricultural sciences and related fields.

Fields of Study Funded

Funding is available for full‑time study in these areas at accredited South African universities:

• Agricultural Science (e.g., Crop, Soil, Animal Sciences)
  
• Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Microbiology
  
• Food Technology, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics
  
• Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, Environmental Sciences
  The bursary supports Honours, Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral research aligned with ARC’s priority research domains.

Benefits for Recipients

Bursary recipients may receive:

• A non‑taxable stipend of approximately R140,000 per year for Master’s level, or up to R160,000 for Doctoral studies
  
• Funding is issued in 12 monthly instalments after contract signing and proof of registration
  
• A mentor assigned by ARC to guide research projects
  
• Workplace training or internships during academic breaks
  
• Additional research support for postgraduate and doctoral candidates

Eligibility Criteria 

To qualify, you must:

• Be a South African citizen
  
• Have completed an Honours degree in agricultural science or a related field for Master’s bursaries
  
• Be registered or accepted for full‑time Master’s, PhD, or Postdoctoral study in targeted fields at a South African university
  
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement (typically ≥ 65% average)
  
• Be aligned with ARC’s research and equity priorities
  
• Students from designated groups may receive preference under ARC’s Employment Equity Plan

How to Apply

1. Monitor the ARC PDP bursary portal on the official ARC website for the 2026 application launch.
   
2. Complete the online application using reference codes:
   
   • HCD01Masters,
     
   • HCD02Doctoral, or
     
   • HCD05Postdoc, depending on level of study.
     
3. When asked where you heard about bursaries, enter “www.bursariesafrica.co.za.”
   
4. Submit your supporting documents online through the ARC system.

Required Documents

Provide certified copies of:

• South African ID document
  
• Academic transcripts and certificates
  
• Proof of registration or admission letter for your study programme
  
• Cover letter and detailed CV with at least three academic referees
  
• For PhD/Postdoc applicants: a research proposal endorsed by a supervisor

Closing Date

The 2026 application deadline is not yet confirmed. 

The latest known cut‑off was 25 October 2024 for the 2025 intake; submit only upon official confirmation in 2026. 

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Details

For official enquiries or assistance, use the following ARC contacts:

Contact Persons: Mr Ndikho Mbuce or Ms Nebreska Heyns
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 012 427 9815 / 012 427 9858