Postgraduate students whose research connects to oilseeds can apply for the OAC/OPDT Postgraduate Scholarship 2027/2028. This scholarship supports Master’s and Doctoral research linked to the objectives of the Oilseeds Advisory Committee and the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC) / Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT)
Opportunity type: Postgraduate research scholarship
Who it’s for: South African citizens admitted to Master’s or Doctoral studies at a recognised tertiary institution
Location: South Africa
Study level: Master’s or Doctoral
Research area: Oilseeds-related research aligned with OAC/OPDT objectives
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 21 May 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a research-focused postgraduate scholarship, not a general agriculture bursary. Your research topic must fit the broad objectives of the OAC/OPDT, with Master’s topics expected to contribute to high-quality oilseeds research and Doctoral topics considered where the research is a high priority for the organisation.
Applications are not submitted directly by the student to the OAC/OPDT in the usual way. Completed forms must be returned via the university, so applicants should speak to their supervisor, postgraduate office or faculty funding office well before the deadline.
About the sponsor
The Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust and the Oilseeds Advisory Committee support research and development in South Africa’s oilseeds sector. Their work is linked to crops such as soybeans, sunflower, canola and groundnuts, with a focus on research, industry development and knowledge support.
Source Link: OAC/OPDT – Post Graduate Scholarship Requirements
What it covers
The scholarship value is currently R70,000 per annum. The guideline duration is 2 years for a Master’s degree and 3 years for a Doctoral degree. Payment is made directly to the candidate after sufficient proof of acceptance and registration at the university is received. Continued funding in later years depends on satisfactory progress and proof of registration.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have qualified for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral degree at a recognised tertiary institution
- Master’s research must fall within the broad framework of OAC/OPDT objectives
- Doctoral research may be considered where the topic is deemed a high priority by OAC/OPDT
- Selection is based on merit and relevance to the organisation’s research priorities
Documents to prepare
- Completed new scholarship application form or continuation form, as applicable
- Proof of acceptance or registration at the university
- Research/project details aligned with oilseeds objectives
- Supervisor or academic-leader support, where required by the university submission process
- Any additional documents requested by your university before it submits applications to OAC/OPDT
Closing date
Completed applications must reach the OAC/OPDT by 30 September 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to submit directly without following the university route
- Submitting a research topic that is too far removed from oilseeds or OAC/OPDT objectives
- Waiting until late September before contacting your supervisor or postgraduate office
- Leaving out proof of acceptance or registration
- Assuming funding automatically repeats without satisfactory progress documentation
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the current OAC/OPDT scholarship requirements page and 2027/2028 application-form page, including the eligibility rules, R70,000 annual value, university submission process and 30 September 2026 closing date.
How to apply
- Open the OAC/OPDT postgraduate scholarship requirements and application-form pages.
- Download the new application form or continuation form, depending on your status.
- Complete the form and prepare the university-required supporting documents.
- Submit through your university so that completed applications reach OAC/OPDT before the closing date.