The Maize Trust Bursary is a significant opportunity for postgraduate students in South Africa who are passionate about the maize industry and committed to making a difference. The bursary offers financial support for Masters and Doctoral studies, focusing on research and development that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the maize industry in the country. With applications opening on the 1st of September and closing on the 1st of October every year, the Maize Trust is dedicated to investing in the future of agriculture by empowering students with the knowledge and skills to drive innovation and progress.
About the Maize Trust
The Maize Trust was established in August 1998 following the dissolution of the Maize Board. Its primary mission is to support the maize industry by funding research and development initiatives that promote both market access and production efficiency. By offering financial assistance to institutions and organisations working on maize-related projects, the Trust aims to ensure the South African maize industry remains competitive both locally and internationally.
Over the years, the Maize Trust has funded numerous initiatives, including the Maize Trust Bursary Scheme, which plays a critical role in promoting education and research within the industry. The Trust also supports other initiatives such as the Farmer Development Programme of Grain SA and the Grain Farmer Development Association (GFADA), further contributing to the transformation and development of the sector.
Requirements
To be eligible for the Maize Trust Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- South African citizenship is mandatory.
- Applicants must be admitted to study full-time at a recognised institution.
- The bursary is only available for Masters by Dissertation or Doctoral studies.
- The field of study must be relevant to the South African maize industry.
- Applicants must not receive alternative funding unless explicitly approved by the Maize Trust.
- A proposal for the dissertation or thesis must be approved by the Maize Trust before studies commence.
Application Requirements
To apply for the bursary, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed application form (available on the Maize Trust website).
- A certified copy of their South African identity document or passport.
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- The latest academic transcript on official letterhead.
- Proof of registration and a fee statement (if available).
- A formal bursary agreement signed with the Maize Trust (if awarded).
- A supervisor approved by the Maize Trust and the University where the student will be studying.
The Maize Trust requires that both the student and supervisor provide regular progress reports throughout the study period. These reports ensure that the research is advancing as expected and that the bursary continues to support meaningful contributions to the maize industry.
Bursary Amounts and Duration
The Maize Trust Bursary provides generous financial support, with amounts tailored to the specific needs of postgraduate studies. For Masters by Dissertation, bursaries of R99 750 per annum are awarded for two years. For Doctoral research, bursaries of R131 250 per annum are available for three years.
Bursary payments are contingent upon the submission and approval of progress reports from both the student and their supervisor, ensuring that the funding is used effectively to advance the student’s academic and research goals.
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How to Apply
Applications for the Maize Trust Bursary open on the 1st of September and close on the 1st of October each year. Only completed applications submitted with all required supporting documents will be considered. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for telephonic interviews, and successful applicants will be notified within eight weeks of the closing date.
To apply for the Maize Trust Bursary, visit the official website here and download the application form. Complete the form and gather all the necessary documents before the deadline. Remember that the application process is thorough, and only well-prepared applicants who meet all the criteria will be considered for this valuable opportunity.
Recipients of the Maize Trust Bursary are required to work within the South African maize industry for a period equivalent to the duration of their bursary. This ensures that the skills and knowledge gained through their studies are applied directly to the industry, benefiting not only the individual but also the broader agricultural sector.
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In cases where a student does not meet the required academic progress or fails to work in the maize industry after graduation, they may be required to repay the full amount of the bursary, with interest. This policy underscores the Trust’s commitment to ensuring that the bursary is awarded to students who are serious about their studies and their future contributions to the maize industry.
The Maize Trust Bursary plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, research, and development within the South African maize industry. By offering financial support to postgraduate students pursuing Masters by Dissertation or Doctoral degrees, the bursary not only helps individuals achieve academic success but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of one of South Africa’s most important agricultural sectors.