The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) invites South African postgraduate students to apply for the MIT Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2025
Location: South Africa (recognised and accredited tertiary institutions)
About the MIT Bursary Programme
The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support Master’s and Doctorate students whose research contributes to the growth and sustainability of the South African red meat industry, focusing on cattle, sheep, and goats.
This bursary aims to advance the industry through innovative research that enhances production, processing, marketing, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. By supporting postgraduate research, MIT helps strengthen the industry’s scientific foundation and develop skilled professionals who can drive progress in the sector.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports research related to Red Meat Species (Cattle, Sheep, or Goats) in one or more of the following focus areas:
- Consumer / Economics / Marketing
- Environment / Climate / Carbon footprint
- Genetics / Genomics / Breeding
- Health / Disease control / Pharmacology / Toxicology / Biosecurity / Welfare
- Hygiene / Product safety / Quality / Food safety
- Livestock Nutrition
- Meat Science / Nutritional value
- Physiology / Growth / Reproduction
- Production systems / Efficiency / Management
- Rangeland / Pasture / Forages / Water
- Socio-economic aspects of the Red Meat Industry
- Transition agriculture in livestock production
- Waste management and utilization
Bursary Value and Duration
The bursary provides financial support as follows:
- R60 000 per annum, paid in two instalments directly to the university.
- Master’s degree: Up to R120 000 over two years.
- Doctorate degree: Up to R180 000 over three years.
Renewal Conditions:
- Renewed annually based on satisfactory academic performance and re-registration.
- First payment made after proof of registration.
- Second payment made after receipt of a supervisor’s progress report confirming satisfactory progress.
Recipients must submit annual progress reports and a final report upon completion of studies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must meet the requirements for Master’s or Doctorate registration.
- Must intend to study full-time towards a Master’s or Doctorate degree in 2026 in a relevant field.
- Must study at a recognised South African tertiary institution.
- Must not be employed.
- Must agree to all bursary terms and conditions.
- May hold other bursaries but must declare all existing bursary awards.
Qualification-Specific Requirements:
- Master’s applicants: Must hold a BSc Honours or BSc (Agric) (registered with SAQA or equivalent qualification approved by SACNASP or SAVC).
- Doctorate applicants: Must hold a Master’s degree registered with SAQA or an equivalent qualification.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic record and achievements.
- Scientific quality and relevance of the proposed research project.
- Contribution of the research to the South African red meat industry.
How to Apply
Step 1:
Download and complete the official Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary Application Form.
Step 2:
Apply online via the official application portal:
Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary Application 2026
Step 3:
Upload certified copies (in PDF format) of the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Certified ID document
- Certified copies of tertiary qualifications
- Full academic record for each qualification
- Proof of registration (if available)
Important Notes
- Closing Date: 31 October 2025 (no late applications will be accepted).
- The Bursary Working Committee (BWC) will review all applications and notify successful candidates.
- MIT reserves the right to make final decisions regarding bursary awards.
Conclusion
The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary Programme 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for South African postgraduate students who are passionate about contributing to the advancement of the red meat industry. By supporting high-quality research in production, sustainability, and innovation, the MIT continues to empower future leaders in agriculture and animal sciences. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a research proposal that aligns with the trust’s goals, make sure to submit your application before 31 October 2025 to secure funding for your studies.