The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) is officially inviting qualifying South African postgraduate students to submit applications for the Agbiz Centenary Bursaries for the 2027 academic year.
Established to honor a century of agribusiness excellence, this prestigious funding opportunity supports Master’s and PhD students pursuing high-impact research relevant to South Africa’s agricultural business sector[cite: 1]. The bursary aims to bridge critical skills gaps and drive innovation within agribusiness management by supporting advanced academic research at recognized South African universities[cite: 1].
With a closing date set for 06 December 2026, eligible students must prepare detailed academic profiles and research proposals to secure this competitive funding.
Programme Summary At-A-Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hosting Organization | Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz)[cite: 1] |
| Programme Name | Agbiz Centenary Bursary 2027[cite: 1] |
| Target Audience | Postgraduate Students (South African)[cite: 1] |
| Study Levels | Master’s and PhD[cite: 1] |
| Field of Study | Agribusiness Management-related studies[cite: 1] |
| Eligible Institutions | Recognized & Accredited South African Universities[cite: 1] |
| Closing Date | 06 December 2026[cite: 1] |
| Expected Outcome Notification | Mid-January 2027[cite: 1] |
| Bursary Payment Date | February 2027 (University Account)[cite: 1] |
About the Agbiz Centenary Bursary
Agbiz is a leading voice for agribusinesses in South Africa[cite: 1]. The Agbiz Centenary Bursary was created to nurture academic talent and produce specialized graduates who can address the multi-faceted challenges facing the agricultural business environment[cite: 1].
Funding is awarded on a competitive basis to qualifying students registered or eligible to register for postgraduate studies in Agribusiness Management or related fields[cite: 1]. Preference is typically given to research topics that demonstrate direct relevance and potential to improve the competitive landscape of the agribusiness sector in South Africa[cite: 1].
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary strictly covers:
- Master’s Degree Studies: NQF Level 9, specifically focusing on Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, or related fields.
- PhD Studies: NQF Level 10, strictly focused on advanced Agribusiness Management research.
Minimum Admission Requirements
To be considered for the Agbiz Centenary Bursary 2027, applicants must strictly fulfill all of the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a valid South African citizen[cite: 1].
- Academic Foundation: Have completed a relevant undergraduate degree OR be in the final year of a relevant undergraduate qualification[cite: 1].
- Academic Performance: Have achieved a minimum cumulative average of 60% in all major subjects[cite: 1].
- Admission Status: Must be registered, or qualify to register, for a Master’s or PhD degree in an Agribusiness Management-related field[cite: 1].
- Institution: Must be studying at, or qualify to register with, a recognized and accredited university in South Africa[cite: 1].
Click here to apply here for Agbiz Centenary Bursaries 2027
Transformation Equity: Preference may be given to qualifying applicants from previously disadvantaged groups, women, and persons living with disabilities, in line with Agbiz’s commitment to transforming the sector[cite: 1].
Competitive Candidate Selection Process
The selection of bursary recipients is a rigorous process based on several factors, including:
- Academic Excellence: Proven track record of high academic performance to date[cite: 1].
- Research Relevance: The direct alignment of the applicant’s proposed research topic with current agribusiness trends and challenges[cite: 1].
- Motivational Impact: The quality and conviction of the applicant’s motivation for needing the funding[cite: 1].
- Sector Engagement: A willingness to collaborate and receive guidance from Agbiz when formulating the research topic[cite: 1].
Conditions of Funding & Repayment Clause
Successful bursary recipients must adhere to strict ongoing conditions:
- Formal Agreement: Must sign a legally binding agreement with Agbiz before funding is dispersed[cite: 1].
- Satisfactory Progress: Maintain satisfactory academic progress in line with the approved year of study[cite: 1].
- Biannual Reports: Ensure that their academic supervisor or Head of Department submits biannual progress reports to Agbiz[cite: 1].
Repayment Penalty
The bursary may be terminated immediately if the student does not continue with their studies as planned, fails to demonstrate satisfactory progress, or breaches the terms of the signed agreement[cite: 1].
In these circumstances, the student may be required to repay the full bursary funding received, including accrued interest, upon