The University of Pretoria (UP) has officially opened applications for the 2027 Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) Postgraduate Bursary, a prestigious funding opportunity supporting outstanding South African students pursuing Master’s and Doctoral research in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Sponsored through the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OAC/OPDT), this externally funded bursary is designed to strengthen scientific research and develop the next generation of agricultural researchers. The programme supports postgraduate candidates conducting approved research projects under the supervision of recognised academic promoters at accredited South African universities.
Applications are open until 21 September 2026, and submissions must be processed through the University of Pretoria’s Postgraduate Scholarship Office.
About the OPDT Postgraduate Bursary
The Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust invests in high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of South Africa’s oilseed and protein seed industries. Rather than providing general postgraduate funding, the bursary specifically supports students undertaking scientifically rigorous research with the potential to strengthen agricultural innovation, productivity, sustainability, and knowledge generation.
The bursary offers two distinct funding streams, recognising different stages of postgraduate research development.
Master’s Bursary
The Master’s bursary is intended to support deserving postgraduate students as they develop into competent and independent researchers. Successful applicants will receive funding while undertaking an approved research-based Master’s degree under qualified academic supervision.
Doctoral Bursary
The Doctoral bursary is awarded to candidates who have already demonstrated strong research capability and are pursuing advanced doctoral research. The programme seeks to support high-impact scientific projects that contribute meaningful knowledge to agriculture and related scientific disciplines.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is exclusively available to South African citizens who meet the admission requirements for postgraduate study at a recognised tertiary institution.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the Republic of South Africa.
- Qualify for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
- Conduct an approved research project.
- Work under the supervision of a recognised academic promoter.
- Be affiliated with a recognised South African university.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for students pursuing research within agricultural and natural sciences, where innovative solutions are needed to strengthen food systems, crop development, and sustainable agricultural production.
Important Application Requirement
One of the most important conditions of this bursary is that individual applicants cannot apply directly to the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust.
Instead, all applications must be submitted through the University of Pretoria’s Postgraduate Scholarship Office, which is responsible for reviewing and forwarding eligible applications to the OPDT for consideration. Direct submissions to the Trust will not be accepted.
Prospective applicants are therefore encouraged to prepare their research documentation and coordinate closely with their academic supervisors and the University’s scholarship office well before the deadline.
Study Location and Funding Details
The bursary supports postgraduate students studying through the University of Pretoria, specifically within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. As an externally funded scholarship, it aims to promote excellence in research while building South Africa’s scientific capacity in agriculture and related disciplines.
Key funding information:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Pretoria |
| Sponsor | Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) |
| Study Level | Master’s and Doctoral |
| Funding Type | External Postgraduate Bursary |
| Nationality | South African citizens only |
| Faculty | Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
| Application Deadline | 21 September 2026 |
Why This Bursary Matters
South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to rely on scientific innovation to improve crop resilience, food security, sustainable farming practices, and value-chain development. By supporting postgraduate researchers, the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust helps cultivate highly skilled scientists whose research can contribute to national agricultural advancement and evidence-based policymaking.
For aspiring researchers, the bursary also provides an opportunity to work alongside experienced academic supervisors while building the expertise required for careers in research, academia, biotechnology, agricultural development, and the broader scientific community.
Application Deadline
Eligible South African students interested in pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral research degree at the University of Pretoria should submit their applications through the Postgraduate Scholarship Office before the closing date.
Deadline: 21 September 2026 at 23:59
Early preparation is strongly recommended to allow sufficient time for supervisor approval and institutional submission procedures.
