SITFE Bursary Programme 2026 – Empowering Future Agricultural Leaders
SITFE Bursary Programme 2026
The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) stands as one of South Africa’s most enduring private education initiatives. Established in 1965, SITFE has spent decades promoting high-quality, sustainable education within the sugarcane-growing regions of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Since its founding, the Trust has made a remarkable contribution to education and rural development. To date, over 10,200 learners have received bursaries, while countless schools, tertiary institutions, and community projects have benefited from its support. SITFE’s initiatives extend beyond funding — encompassing school infrastructure, teacher training, and arts and culture programmes that continue to uplift local communities.
About the SITFE Bursary Programme
SITFE invites students from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to apply for the 2026 bursary programme, aimed at those pursuing studies in Agriculture. This opportunity supports learners who are passionate about farming, agribusiness, and the future of South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Bursaries are available for studies at the following accredited institutions:
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Cedara College of Agriculture
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Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
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University of Mpumalanga
Selection Process
The bursary selection process follows several stages:
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Shortlisting: Candidates will be contacted in the first week of December 2025 and invited to interviews during mid-December 2025.
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Initial selection: Based on Grade 11 final and Matric June results for school learners, or latest tertiary results for current students.
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Final selection: Determined by Matric final results.
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Notification: Successful candidates will be informed by 31 January 2026. If you have not received feedback by this date, your application was unsuccessful.
Please note that SITFE reserves the right to withdraw bursary offers if recipients later receive full funding from other bursaries or student loans.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SITFE Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Must be a South African citizen.
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Must reside in KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga.
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Must be currently in Matric or have already completed it.
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Must have applied or registered to study Agriculture at Cedara College of Agriculture, Owen Sithole College of Agriculture, or the University of Mpumalanga.
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Must come from the “missing middle” income group, with a household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per year.
Preference will be given to:
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Children of sugarcane farmworkers.
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Students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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First-year students living in sugarcane-growing regions, particularly near sugar mills or industry offices.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted in one of the following ways (do not submit multiple applications):
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Click here to apply online: Apply for the SITFE Bursary 2026
Download and complete the SITFE-Bursary-Application-Form-2026
Submit completed applications via:
Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za (Subject line: “SITFE Bursary 2026”)
Post: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300
Supporting Documents Required
Applicants must include certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following:
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ID document
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Matric trial or final results (and statement of results, if available)
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Tertiary results (if currently enrolled)
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Proof of connection to the sugar industry (if applicable)
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Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (payslips, pension receipts, or affidavit if unemployed)
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Death certificate(s) of parent(s), if applicable
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Proof of 2026 application or registration on official institution letterhead
Applications missing any of these documents may be disqualified.
Why Apply for the SITFE Bursary?
The SITFE Bursary Programme is more than just financial aid — it’s a legacy of empowerment and opportunity. For students passionate about agriculture, this bursary opens doors to quality education, industry connections, and a brighter future in one of South Africa’s most vital economic sectors.
By supporting learners from sugarcane-growing areas, SITFE continues to invest in skills development and community upliftment, ensuring that the next generation of agricultural leaders can grow and thrive.
Enquiries
For more information or assistance, contact:
Tel: 031 508 7034
Fax: 031 508 7191
Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za
Closing Date: 21 November 2025
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