Title: Advancing Agricultural Excellence: ARC Bursary Programme
Introduction:
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) serves as a leading scientific institution, providing valuable scientific knowledge and technology transfer capabilities to South Africa’s agricultural industry. With a wide range of specializations, including agricultural research, economics, biotechnology, and natural resource management, the ARC plays a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector. This article explores the ARC Bursary Programme, highlighting the provider’s background, fields covered, eligibility criteria, application process, and contact information.
About the Agricultural Research Council (ARC):
The ARC is a premier science institution dedicated to offering a robust scientific foundation and widespread technology transfer capacity across the entire agricultural industry in South Africa. The council specializes in various fields, including Agricultural Research (Crops and Livestock), Agricultural Economics, Biotechnology, Animal Health, Plant Health, Proteomics, Agricultural Capacity Development, and Natural Resource Management.
About the ARC Bursary Programme:
The ARC is inviting students to apply for its bursary programme for the academic year. The programme supports postgraduate studies (BSc or Honours, Masters, and PhD) in Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, and related fields. Through a partnership with the Agricultural Sector Education & Training Authority (AgriSETA), the ARC offers bursaries to agricultural science students via the Professional Development Programme (PDP).
Fields Covered:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Engineering
- Related fields
Coverage Value and Selection:
The bursaries awarded by the ARC have a value of R63,300 per annum, specifically allocated for tuition fees. Only successful candidates will be contacted, and applicants who do not receive feedback within two weeks of the application closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for the ARC Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Studying or intending to study towards a postgraduate qualification in the specified fields
- Registered at a public tertiary institution (University or University of Technology) in South Africa
- Strong academic record
- Students with disabilities, as well as those from Coloured, Indian, and White communities, are encouraged to apply.
Application Process:
Applicants must complete the online ARC Bursary Application for the 2023/2024 academic year. When applying, use the relevant reference number based on your qualification level:
- BSc/Honours students: HCD01Masters
- Masters students: HCD02Doctoral
- PhD students: HCD05Postdoc
In the application, indicate that you heard about the bursary through “Uni24.co.za.”
Supporting Documentation:
Along with the completed application, applicants must submit the following compulsory supporting documents:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copies of academic records/qualifications
- Honours certificate (certified copy) for MSc/MSc for PhD students
- Proof of acceptance or registration for the academic year (on institution’s letterhead)
- Statement of Account/Fee Structure (on institution’s letterhead)
- Motivational letter (maximum 200 words) explaining why the applicant should be awarded the bursary
Submission:
Submit clear copies of the supporting documentation with the application. Incomplete submissions may disqualify the application. Email the documents to arcpdp@arc.agric.za.
Closing Date:
The closing date for the ARC Bursary is August 29. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. It is advised to apply before the deadline to ensure your application receives consideration.
Contact Information:
For any queries related to the bursary programme, applicants can contact Mr. Ndikho Mbuce at arcpdp@arc.agric.za.
Conclusion:
The ARC Bursary Programme stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to advancing agricultural excellence in South Africa. By offering financial support to postgraduate students in agricultural sciences and engineering fields, the ARC aims to foster innovation and drive positive change in the agricultural sector. If you meet the eligibility criteria, seize this opportunity to apply for the ARC Bursary Programme and contribute to the future of agricultural research and development.
