SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant

The SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant is a specialised funding opportunity for South African students who are passionate about food science and food technology and are working towards an honours or B‑Tech qualification. Administered by the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Foundation, this grant honours academic excellence while easing the financial burden of advanced study in these fields.

What the Study Grant Is

This study grant recognises outstanding achievement in the field of food science and technology. It is available to full‑time students who are enrolled in a BSc (Honours) or B‑Tech programme in one of the approved departments at selected universities and universities of technology in South Africa. Each recipient receives a grant valued at R20 000, which is paid directly to the student’s institution to help with study costs.

Who Qualifies for the Grant

To be eligible for the SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant, students must meet several important criteria:

You must have been a member of SAAFoST for at least twelve months before applying.
You must be a full‑time student in one of the qualifying departments of food science or food technology.
Your studies must be towards a BSc (Honours) degree at a university or a B‑Tech qualification at a university of technology.
You must have a strong academic record, typically maintaining an overall average of at least seventy percent in previous academic years.

Only one student per eligible department at each institution can be nominated for the grant, and nominations are made by the head of the department based on academic merit and need.

Where You Can Study

The grant is offered at leading South African universities and universities of technology with food science and food technology programmes. Participating institutions include:

Departments of Food Science at the University of Stellenbosch, the University of Pretoria, the University of Venda, and the University of the Free State.
Departments of Food Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Johannesburg.

These programmes help students deepen their knowledge of food safety, nutrition, product development, quality assurance and other critical areas within the food industry.

How It Works and How to Apply

Unlike many bursary schemes where students apply directly, the SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant is nominated through the academic department at your institution. Only the head of the relevant department can submit your nomination to the SAAFoST Foundation.

Departments will typically consider nominations based on academic performance and, in some cases, financial need. Once nominated, the department submits your documents — including proof of SAAFoST membership, your academic record, and proof of full‑time registration — to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer by the grant’s closing date.

For the 2026 academic year, nominations must be submitted by twenty‑seven February 2026 to be considered.

Why the Grant Matters

The Aubrey Parsons Study Grant makes it easier for deserving students to continue their education in specialised areas of food science and technology. By supporting students who have demonstrated strong academic performance and commitment, SAAFoST is helping to strengthen South Africa’s food and allied industries with well‑trained, skilled professionals.

This opportunity can be especially meaningful for students who might otherwise struggle with study costs and who are ready to make a meaningful contribution to a sector that touches everyday life — from food safety and nutrition to innovation and quality assurance in food production.