Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary 2027

## About the Provider The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is South Africa's premier science institution dedicated to agriculture. It provides a strong scientific foundation and a broad technology transfer capacity that supports the entire agricultural industry across the country. Through its research and development work, the ARC helps farmers, communities, and policymakers respond to the challenges and opportunities facing South African agriculture. The ARC's areas of expertise are wide-ranging. They include agricultural research in crops and livestock, agricultural economics, biotechnology, animal health, plant health, proteomics, natural resource management, and agricultural capacity development. The council also plays a key role in transferring technology and knowledge to the agricultural sector, ensuring that scientific advances translate into real benefits for the industry and the economy. Agriculture is central to South Africa's food security, rural livelihoods, and economic development. To sustain and grow this sector, the country needs a steady supply of highly qualified researchers and scientists. The ARC understands that building this expertise begins with supporting talented students through advanced study, and its bursary programme is a direct expression of that commitment. The ARC Bursary is aimed at postgraduate students who wish to pursue Master's and Doctoral degrees in agricultural and related fields. Unlike many bursaries that focus only on funding, the ARC programme offers a comprehensive package that includes mentorship, access to research facilities, and the chance to work on projects that tackle real socioeconomic challenges. This integrated approach reflects the ARC's role as a research institution that develops people as well as knowledge. For unemployed graduates seeking to advance their education and build research careers, the ARC Bursary represents a significant opportunity. It supports the development of a new generation of agricultural scientists who can contribute to the goals of the National Development Plan and help secure a prosperous and sustainable future for South Africa. By investing in postgraduate education, the ARC strengthens both individual careers and the broader scientific capacity of the country.

## About the Program The ARC Bursary Programme funds postgraduate studies for the 2027 academic year, specifically at Master of Science and Doctoral level. The programme is focused on the agricultural sciences and related disciplines, reflecting the ARC's mandate to strengthen research and innovation in South African agriculture. A total of 14 bursaries are available, split evenly between the two study levels: seven for Master's students and seven for Doctoral students. This makes the programme highly competitive and aimed at academically strong candidates who are committed to research careers. The bursary covers a wide range of agricultural and related fields, including Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Management, Econometrics, Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Gender Studies, Information Systems, Intellectual Property Management and Commercialisation, International Relations, Knowledge Management, Social Sciences, Socioeconomics, and specialised modelling areas such as Social Accounting Matrix, Computable General Equilibrium models, and agent-based modelling. What sets this programme apart is the rich set of benefits beyond funding. Recipients are paired with senior ARC professionals through a mentorship programme, gaining guidance from experienced researchers. They may also access ARC laboratories and research facilities for their trials, and they have the opportunity to work on real projects that address socioeconomic challenges, often with ARC co-supervision. Research skills training workshops help sharpen academic writing, and there are possible work placement opportunities at the ARC and affiliated organisations. Funding may be provided for up to three years for Master's students and up to five years for Doctoral students, giving recipients the time they need to complete demanding research projects. The selection process is rigorous and includes a positive security clearance as well as competency and leadership assessments. The programme is designed for unemployed South African graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 who hold the relevant prior qualifications. Preference is given to candidates from designated groups in line with the ARC's Employment Equity Plan. By combining funding, mentorship, facilities, and real research experience, the ARC Bursary builds the next generation of agricultural scientists and contributes to the country's development goals.

## Bursary Benefits The ARC Bursary offers far more than financial support. It is designed to develop well-rounded researchers through funding, mentorship, and access to world-class facilities. - **Mentorship** through pairing with senior ARC professionals - **Possible work placement opportunities** at the ARC and affiliated organisations, subject to availability - Funding for **thesis, dissertation, and research publication and printing costs** - **Access to ARC laboratories and research facilities** for your trials - The opportunity to **work on real-life projects** that address socioeconomic challenges, often with ARC co-supervision - **Research skills training workshops** to strengthen your academic writing The duration of funding depends on the level of study. Master's students may be funded for a maximum of three years, while Doctoral students may be funded for a maximum of five years. This extended support recognises the time and dedication that serious postgraduate research requires, allowing recipients to focus on producing high-quality work that contributes to the agricultural sector.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy any of them will result in your application not being considered. - You must be a **South African citizen** - You must be between **18 and 35 years old** - You must be **currently unemployed** - **Master's bursary applicants:** you must have completed an Honours degree in one of the agricultural related fields listed - **Doctoral bursary applicants:** you must have completed a Master's or MSc degree in one of the agricultural related fields listed - You must be studying or intend to study towards a Doctoral or Master's degree in one of the agricultural sciences or related fields listed - You must be studying or registered or accepted to study at a **university in South Africa** - You must **not** be receiving any other bursary funding or NSFAS - Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents along with your application. If any items are missing, your application may be disqualified. - A **cover letter** - A **detailed Curriculum Vitae** - **ID document** (certified copy) - **Driver's licence** - **Certificates of completed qualifications** (certified copies) - **SAQA evaluation report**, if you hold foreign qualifications - **Proof of registration or acceptance** at a university (on the institution's letterhead) - Details of **three contactable referees** Make sure all certified copies are clear and recent, and that your CV and cover letter are well presented. Having your referees' details ready and confirming they are willing to support your application will help the process run smoothly.

## How to Apply Applications for the ARC Bursary must be submitted online through the relevant recruitment portal for your study level. Follow these steps: 1. Confirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including the age, citizenship, employment, and prior qualification requirements. 2. Decide whether you are applying for the Master's bursary or the Doctoral bursary, as each has its own application link and reference number. 3. Prepare clear, certified copies of all the required supporting documents, including your cover letter, CV, and references. 4. For the Master's bursary, apply using reference number ARC-925. For the Doctoral bursary, apply using reference number ARC-926. 5. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 6. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the requested referral information. 7. Upload all supporting documents, double-checking that each file is clear and complete. 8. Review your application carefully to ensure nothing is missing. 9. Submit your application before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four weeks after the closing date. If you do not receive any feedback within that time, you should consider your application unsuccessful. Remember that candidates are subject to a security clearance as well as competency and leadership assessments.

## Tips for Success The ARC Bursary is highly competitive, with only 14 awards available. A carefully prepared application will help you stand out. - **Confirm your eligibility carefully.** Check the age limit, citizenship, unemployment, and prior qualification requirements before applying. Master's and Doctoral applicants have different prior qualification needs. - **Apply for the correct level and reference.** Use ARC-925 for the Master's bursary and ARC-926 for the Doctoral bursary. Applying under the wrong reference can cause problems. - **Write a strong cover letter.** Use it to explain your research interests, your motivation, and how your goals align with the ARC's work in agricultural science. - **Prepare a detailed, professional CV.** Highlight your academic achievements, research experience, and any relevant skills. Keep it clear and well organised. - **Choose your referees wisely.** Select people who know your academic and research abilities well, and confirm they are willing to provide a reference before you list them. - **Get your documents certified early.** Certified copies of your ID, qualifications, and other documents take time to obtain, so plan ahead. - **Secure proof of registration or acceptance.** Make sure you have an official letter from your university, as this is a required document. - **Apply early.** The closing date of 17 June 2026 is approaching, so do not delay. Submitting early also protects you against last-minute technical issues. - **Be honest and thorough.** Provide accurate information throughout, as candidates undergo security clearance and assessments. - **Proofread everything.** Errors in your cover letter or CV can weaken an otherwise strong application. A complete, well-presented, and timely application demonstrates the seriousness and professionalism that a research bursary of this kind demands.

## Career Prospects Postgraduate qualifications in the agricultural sciences open the door to influential careers in research, policy, and industry. Graduates of the ARC Bursary are well positioned to become leaders in their fields. Graduates in **Agricultural Economics and Econometrics** can become agricultural economists, policy analysts, and researchers who shape decisions about food security, trade, and rural development. Their ability to model and interpret data is highly valued by government departments, development organisations, and private agribusinesses. Graduates in **Agribusiness and Agricultural Management** can move into management roles within farming enterprises, cooperatives, and agricultural companies. They combine technical agricultural knowledge with business skills, making them well suited to leadership positions in a sector that is vital to the economy. Graduates in **Environmental and Natural Resources Management** work on the sustainable use of land, water, and other resources. With climate change and sustainability high on the global agenda, these professionals are in growing demand in both the public and private sectors. Graduates in specialised areas such as **modelling, knowledge management, and information systems** apply advanced analytical skills to agricultural and economic problems. They can pursue careers in research institutions, universities, and organisations that rely on data-driven decision-making. Because the ARC Bursary includes mentorship, real research experience, and access to professional networks, recipients gain practical exposure that strengthens their employability. Many will go on to careers as researchers and scientists at institutions like the ARC, while others will move into universities, government, or industry. The doctoral graduates in particular are positioned to lead research teams and contribute original knowledge to their disciplines. A career in agricultural research offers the chance to make a tangible difference. From improving crop yields to shaping agricultural policy, these professionals help address some of the country's most pressing challenges around food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable development.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the ARC Bursary? Unemployed South African citizens between 18 and 35 years old who have completed the relevant prior qualification (an Honours degree for Master's applicants, or a Master's degree for Doctoral applicants) in an agricultural related field may apply. ## How many bursaries are available? A total of 14 bursaries are available: seven for Master's students and seven for Doctoral students. ## What does the bursary offer beyond funding? Recipients receive mentorship from senior ARC professionals, access to ARC laboratories and research facilities, funding for thesis and publication costs, research skills training, and possible work placement opportunities. ## How long does the funding last? Master's funding lasts up to three years, and Doctoral funding lasts up to five years. ## When is the closing date? The closing date is **17 June 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online using the relevant reference number: ARC-925 for the Master's bursary and ARC-926 for the Doctoral bursary. ## Are there any assessments? Yes. Candidates are subject to a positive security clearance as well as competency and leadership assessments. ## Can I apply if I already have other funding? No. You must not be receiving any other bursary funding or NSFAS to qualify for this bursary.

Applications Closing

The ARC Bursary closes on 17 June 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted, so apply as soon as possible.

About the Organization

Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Contact person: Mr Ndikho Mbuce Email: arcpdp@arc.agric.za