Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen, aged 18–35
- Unemployed at the time of application
- Masters applicants: completed Honours degree in an agriculture-related field
- Doctoral applicants: completed Masters/MSc in an agriculture-related field
- Registered or accepted onto a postgraduate programme at a South African university
- Not already receiving another bursary or NSFAS funding
- Preference given to applicants from designated employment equity groups
Documents Needed
- Cover letter and detailed CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of driver's licence (if applicable)
- Certified copies of qualification certificates
- SAQA evaluation report (for foreign qualifications)
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a university, on institutional letterhead
- Contact details of three referees
About Agricultural Research Council Arc Bursary
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) offers a postgraduate bursary programme for South African students pursuing Masters and Doctoral studies in agricultural and related sciences. For the 2027 intake ARC awarded a total of 14 bursaries — seven for Masters candidates (reference ARC-925) and seven for Doctoral candidates (reference ARC-926).
The programme funds postgraduate research in fields such as agribusiness management, agricultural economics, agricultural extension, environmental and natural resources management, information systems, and intellectual property management and commercialisation, among other agriculture-related disciplines.
Beyond financial support toward study costs, bursary holders receive a structured mentorship programme with senior ARC researchers, may be offered work placement opportunities at ARC and affiliated organisations, and gain access to ARC's research facilities and laboratories, along with support toward thesis, dissertation and research publication costs.
Funding Details
- Financial support toward Masters (up to 3 years) or Doctoral (up to 5 years) study costs
- Structured mentorship with senior ARC scientists
- Possible work placement opportunities at ARC and affiliated organisations
- Support toward thesis/dissertation, research publication and printing costs
- Access to ARC laboratories and research infrastructure
- Research skills training workshops
ARC has not published an exact rand value for the annual award; the above non-monetary and study-cost benefits are what ARC itself lists for the programme.
Where You Can Study
Any South African public university offering postgraduate qualifications in agricultural sciences, agricultural economics or related fields. ARC does not restrict the bursary to a fixed list of universities.
About Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is South Africa's principal agricultural research institution, established as a Schedule 3A public entity under the Agricultural Research Act 86 of 1990. It reports to the Departme…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
- South African citizens aged 18 to 35
- Currently unemployed at the time of application
- Masters applicants: hold a completed Honours degree in an agriculture-related field
- Doctoral applicants: hold a completed Masters degree in an agriculture-related field
- Registered or accepted for postgraduate study at a South African university
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the ARC Bursary?
South African citizens aged 18–35 who are currently unemployed and either hold a completed Honours degree (for the Masters bursary) or a completed Masters degree (for the Doctoral bursary) in an agriculture-related field.
Is the ARC Bursary open to undergraduate students?
No. The programme funds only Masters and Doctoral study.
What does the ARC Bursary cover?
It funds study costs alongside mentorship, possible work placement, research support and access to ARC facilities. ARC has not published a specific rand amount for the award.
Can I apply if I already receive NSFAS or another bursary?
No. ARC requires that applicants not be receiving other bursary or NSFAS funding at the same time.
When does the next ARC Bursary intake open?
The 2027 intake closed on 17 June 2026. ARC has not yet published dates for its next annual cycle — check the ARC website or contact ARC directly closer to the time.
