Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education Invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their SITFE Bursary Vacancies. The closing date for applications is the 21 November 2025.
What’s the SITFE Bursary?
The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education – or SITFE – started in 1965. It’s a long‑standing school fund that wants to help students in the sugar‑cane growing parts of South Africa get a good education. SITFE works mainly in KwaZulu‑Natal and Mpumalanga.
Over the years, SITFE has given money to more than 10,200 learners, built school buildings, and teamed up with teacher‑training and arts groups. The fund keeps growing – it’s still one of the oldest and most respected education charities in the country.
2026 Bursaries – Who Can Apply?
SITFE is now looking for students for the 2026 academic year. If you live in KwaZulu‑Natal or Mpumalanga and want to study Agriculture, you could be eligible.
The three schools that support the program:
- Cedara College of Agriculture
- Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
- University of Mpumalanga
Only students in these schools and from the two provinces can apply.
How Does SITFE Pick Winners?
SITFE uses a step‑by‑step system so that everyone gets a fair chance.
- Shortlisting – The team sends a call to candidates in the first week of December 2025.
- Interview – Shortlisted applicants meet for an interview in mid‑December 2025.
- Initial Ranking – Scores are based on Grade 11 results, June matric results (if you’re in year 12 or not yet in school), or your latest college grades.
- Final Ranking – The final cutoff uses your full matric results.
- Results – Winners will hear back by 31 January 2026. If you haven’t heard from us by then, you haven’t made the cut.
Heads up: If you get another full bursary or a student loan, SITFE may have to take back your spot. Make sure you’re the best choice before you sign up.
Who Is Eligible?
Before you fill out any forms, check you meet these basic rules.
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| South African citizen | You must have a SA ID. |
| Live in a sugar‑cane area | Stay in KwaZulu‑Natal or Mpumalanga. |
| Current student or finished school | You must be in Class 12 or already graduated. |
| Registered with an agriculture school | You’re studying at one of the three listed colleges. |
| Household income level | Your family earns between R350,000 and R600,000 a year. |
| Preferred groups | • Children of farmworkers • Disadvantaged students • First‑year students near sugar mills or industry offices |
How to Apply – One Simple Way
You only need to send one application, but there are two ways to send it.
Online – Click the link below to fill out the form on the SITFE website.
👉 SITFE Bursary Application 2026Paper – Download the PDF form, print it, fill it out, and send it back.
👉 Download: SITFE Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)
After you finish the form, send it one of the following ways:
| How to Send | Details |
|---|---|
| bursaries@sasa.org.za – subject line: “SITFE Bursary 2026” | |
| Post | Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300 |
Documents You Must Send
Your application will only be considered if you include these real copies (not photos or PDFs).
| Needed Paper | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid South African ID |
| Matric results & certificate | Proof you passed Year 12 |
| College grades (if in school) | Latest grades |
| Proof of connection to sugar industry (if any) | Work or family link |
| Household income proof | Payslips, pension receipts, or an affidavit if your parents don’t work |
| Death certificate of parent (if relevant) | For financial reasons |
| Letter of intent from your school | Official confirmation that you want to study in 2026 |
Missing any of these documents could mean you’re not selected. Double‑check before you send.
Why Apply to SITFE?
The SITFE bursary isn’t just about money. It’s a chance to:
Study agriculture in top schools with support.
Work on real projects that help local farms grow.
Build a network with other students, teachers and industry experts.
Get ready for a career that keeps South Africa’s farms strong.
Through this fund, SITFE keeps giving back to people who will care for the country’s rural communities. If you like plants, soil, or machinery and you live in a sugar‑cane area, this could be your stepping‑stone.
Need More Bursary Ideas?
If you’re looking for other bursary or training opportunities, check out the SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year. These are also good funds that help students and young workers gain skills and pay.
Get Ready
- Start your paperwork early – the deadline is 21 November 2025.
- Keep a clean folder with every document.
- Send your application the quickest way that works for you (email or post).
Below are the detailed steps again, in case you need a refresher.
Quick Checklist
- Confirm you’re eligible – citizenship, province, income, school.
- Choose your application method – online or paper.
- Collect all documents – ID, grades, proof of income.
- Send the application – email or post as instructed.
- Wait for results – you’ll hear by 31 January 2026.
Good luck, and may the best future farmer win!
