The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) invites eligible students to apply for its 2026 Bursary Programme. Established in 1965, SITFE is one of South Africa’s oldest private sector education trusts, committed to empowering youth through quality education, skills development, and community upliftment—particularly within the sugarcane-growing regions of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Closing Date: 21 November 2025
About the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE)
Since its founding, SITFE has played a vital role in advancing education and social development in rural areas. The Trust has awarded bursaries to over 10,200 learners, funded school infrastructure improvements, and supported tertiary institutions. It also collaborates with educational organisations to deliver impactful programmes in arts, culture, and teacher development.
This long-standing commitment makes SITFE a trusted and transformative force in creating pathways for young South Africans to achieve academic and professional success.
About the SITFE Bursary Programme
The SITFE Bursary supports deserving students from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga who wish to pursue studies in Agriculture. Funding is available for students enrolled at one of the following institutions:
- Cedara College of Agriculture
- Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
- University of Mpumalanga
The bursary is aimed at bridging the financial gap for students from the “missing middle” income group, ensuring that capable learners can continue their studies without financial barriers.
Selection Process
The selection process for the SITFE Bursary will take place as follows:
- Shortlisting: Candidates will be contacted in the first week of December 2025 and invited to attend interviews in mid-December 2025.
- Initial selection: Based on Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (for new applicants), or latest tertiary results (for current students).
- Final selection: Determined by Matric final results.
- Notification: Successful candidates will be informed by 31 January 2026.
Please note: The bursary may be withdrawn if a recipient secures another full bursary or student loan.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must reside in a sugarcane-growing area of KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga.
- Must be in Matric or have already completed Matric.
- Must have applied or registered to study within the Faculty of Agriculture at one of the listed institutions.
- Must come from a “missing middle” household, earning between R350 000 and R600 000 per year.
Preference will be given to:
- Children of sugarcane farmworkers.
- Disadvantaged applicants.
- First-year students from sugarcane-growing regions, especially near mills and sugar industry offices.
Required Documents
Applicants must include the following certified documents with their application:
- South African ID document.
- Matric trial results or Matric certificate.
- Tertiary results (if already studying).
- Proof of connection to the sugar industry (if applicable).
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (recent payslips, pension receipts, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Death certificate(s) of parent(s), if applicable.
- Proof of registration or application for 2026 on official institutional letterhead.
Applications missing any of the required documents will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants can submit their applications in one of the following ways:
1. Online Application:
Submit via the SITFE Bursary Application 2026 portal.
2. Hard Copy Application:
Download and complete the SITFE Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf) and send it via:
📧 Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za (Use subject line: SITFE Bursary 2026)
📬 Post: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300
Why Apply for the SITFE Bursary
The SITFE Bursary offers more than financial support—it opens doors to a future in one of South Africa’s most vital industries. By joining this programme, students can:
- Access financial assistance for tuition and related study costs.
- Pursue Agricultural studies that directly contribute to food security and rural development.
- Become part of a long-standing educational initiative with over five decades of impact.
- Gain exposure to opportunities within the sugar industry, one of South Africa’s key economic sectors.
Conclusion
The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for students passionate about agriculture and community growth. By supporting learners from sugarcane-growing regions, SITFE continues to invest in South Africa’s next generation of agricultural leaders.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents carefully and apply before the closing date to avoid missing this life-changing opportunity.
Enquiries:
Tel: 031 508 7034
Fax: 031 508 7191
Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za
Closing Date: 21 November 2025