About SAAFoST
The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) is a non-profit organization with a vision to advance food science technology, provide professional development opportunities, and spread and gain knowledge related to scientific information about food. Through research, award-winning research papers, journals, workshops with guest speakers, and exhibitions, SAAFoST achieves these goals. Membership is open to professionals in the food science field and graduate and undergraduate students studying Food Science and Technology. SAAFoST has over 2000 members across South Africa.
SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant 2024-2025
The SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant is a bursary provided to students in the field of Food Science and Technology. This grant, established in 1986, is awarded through university departments. The eligible universities and departments for the upcoming year are:
Department of Food Science:
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Venda
- University of Pretoria
- University of Free State
Department of Food Technology:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Johannesburg
This grant is applicable to students pursuing B-Tech or enrolled in B.Sc. Honours programs at the above-listed universities in food science and technology-related courses. Applicants must be in the final semester of their undergraduate education at one of the approved institutions and must have outstanding academic performance.
Grant Details
The SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant provides R20,000 per selected student. The amount remains constant regardless of the duration of the course, whether three or four years. The grant is disbursed in the last semester of the final year and is deposited directly into the university’s bank account.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a student member of SAAFoST for at least 12 months before applying.
- Have a minimum score of 70% in previous years of education at the relevant university.
- Be a full-time student at one of the listed universities, majoring in Food Science and Technology courses.
How to Apply
The nomination or application form can be downloaded from the official SAAFoST website in either Adobe PDF or MS Word format. Note that students cannot apply directly; each department head of the approved institutions must nominate a single student based on academic excellence and financial need.
Key points to remember during the application process:
- Only one student per university can be nominated.
- SAAFoST will review all submitted applications and make the final decision on grant recipients.
- Nominations must reach SAAFoST Membership Development Officer Irene Burke at irene@saafost.org.za by April 18.
Required Documents
The essential documents required for the SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant application are:
- Proof of SAAFoST student membership for at least 12 months.
- Nominee’s academic records for preceding years.
- Proof of full-time enrollment at a SAAFoST-approved institution.
Enclose these documents with the application or nomination form. Incomplete forms or missing documents will result in disqualification.
Closing Date
The application form must be submitted to SAAFoST Membership Development Officer by April 18. No requests will be accepted after this date.
Contact Details
For inquiries about the SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant, contact:
Irene Burke Membership Development Officer, SAAFoST Email: irene@saafost.org.za Tel: 071 870 2633
