SITFE Bursary 2026 – Apply Now!
SITFE invites students in KwaZulu‑Natal and Mpumalanga to apply for its Agriculture Bursary for the 2026 academic year. The closing date for applications is 21 November 2025.
Who is SITFE?
SITFE, the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, started in 1965 and is one of South Africa’s oldest private‑sector education trusts. Its goal is to give better, lasting education to people who live in the sugarcane fields of KwaZulu‑Natal and Mpumalanga. Over 60 years, SITFE has helped more than 10 200 learners, built school buildings, supported universities, and run programs in arts and teacher training.
What the Bursary Covers
SITFE will pay the tuition and related school costs for students who study a Diploma in Agriculture at one of these schools:
- Cedara College of Agriculture
- Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
- University of Mpumalanga
The bursary can also help with books and study supplies, depending on how the money is allocated each year.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the SITFE Bursary, you must:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| South African citizen | Only South Africans can get the money. |
| Live in a sugarcane area | You must live in KwaZulu‑Natal or Mpumalanga. |
| In or finished matric | You should be a matric student or have finished it. |
| Apply to an Agriculture college | You must have signed up or be accepted at Cedara, Owen Sithole, or the University of Mpumalanga. |
| Household income between R350 000 – R600 000 per year | This is the “missing middle” group that SITFE helps. |
| Special preferences | Children of farmworkers, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and first‑year students near sugar mills get extra consideration. |
How the Selection Works
- Shortlisting – Candidates get a call in the first week of December 2025 and must attend an interview around mid‑December.
- Initial pick – Looks at your Grade 11 results, matric results (or your latest university results if you’re already studying).
- Final pick – Uses your final matric score to decide the last round of winners.
- Notification – Winners will be told by 31 January 2026. If you don’t hear anything by then, your application was not successful.
Important: If you get another full bursary or a student loan, SITFE can withdraw the money.
How to Apply
You only need to send one application.
| Method | What to do |
|---|---|
| Online | Fill out the form at https://www.sitfe.co.za/online-bursary-application/ |
| Paper | Download the PDF, fill it out, and send it by email or post. |
Send your finished application to:
- Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za – use “SITFE Bursary 2026” as the subject line.
- Post: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300
Documents You Must Include
Submit certified copies of:
- ID card
- Matric trial results and the final result statement or matric certificate
- Latest university exam results (if you are already studying)
- Proof that you live in a sugar industry area (if you have one)
- Proof of household income – payslips, pension papers, or an affidavit if your parents are not working.
- Death certificate for a parent, if relevant.
- A letter from your university or college confirming you’ve applied or been registered for 2026.
Missing any of these will probably mean you’re not considered.
FAQ – Quick Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does the SITFE bursary pay? | Tuition and related academic costs, depending on the money available that year. |
| Do I have to study Agriculture? | Yes, the bursary is only for a Diploma in Agriculture. |
| Can I apply before I am accepted to a college? | Yes, as long as you have applied to one of the three schools. |
| Does SITFE help students outside KZN and Mpumalanga? | They focus on students in the sugarcane‑growing provinces, mainly KwaZulu‑Natal and Mpumalanga. |
| When is the closing date? | 21 November 2025. |
Why Apply?
SITFE has a long history of helping students in the sugar industry community. If you love agriculture, live in a sugarcane region, and meet the income rules, this bursary can give you a free pass to university. It’s a chance to study, gain a good job in the field, and help your community grow.
Need More Help?
If you have any questions, check the contact details above or search online for “SITFE bursary application.” Always double‑check the official website for the latest information.
