SAMAC NPC Bursary Applications

About SAMAC

SAMAC stands for Macadamias South Africa and is the industry body for the macadamia nut industry of South Africa. It comprises of several nut growers, nurseries, handlers, and sellers. SAMAC is a non-profit company that was formed when a group of macadamia growers came together to form a joint body to address their issues. Today, it offers expert advice and marketing and technical assistance to its members to create a vibrant, sustainable industry.

SAMAC has six directors and one external director as its board members. They lead the research and development activities that’d lead to higher yields and productivity. They also engage in collaborative government relations to address product theft and other malpractices.

SAMAC NPC Bursary 2022

SAMAC provides bursaries to a certain number of students each year who are in need of financial assistance and hold the potential to transform the macadamia industry. Bursaries are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

For the academic session 2022, here are the fields of study where the SAMAC NPC bursaries will be awarded:

• Agricultural Economics (BSc)
• Agricultural Management (National Diploma)
• Bioresource Engineering (BSc)
• Entomology (BSc)
• Extension and Rural Development (BSc)
• Food Science (BSc)
• Forestry (National Diploma)
• Forestry and Wood Science (BSc)
• Plant Pathology (BSc)

If you’re pursuing a postgraduate degree (Honours/Masters/PhD), it must be in the macadamia field.

The value of the bursary will be decided on a case-by-case basis and depend on the need. Moreover, it will be reviewed annually and adjusted accordingly.

As a bursary requirement, students will have to work at a macadamia-related organisation or institution after the completion of their studies. The duration will be equal to the period of funding received.

Eligibility Criteria

To select the candidates for the bursary, SAMAC has prepared the eligibility guidelines. Anyone applying for funding must adhere to the guidelines. More specifically, students must fulfill all the eligibility criteria. Failing to do so will result in the cancellation of the application. Therefore, always cross-check before applying.

Here are the eligibility requirements for SAMAC NPC bursary 2022:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must have either completed Matriculation or currently studying in Matric
• Must be in pursuant of an undergraduate Agriculture qualification (National Diploma/BTech/BSc). Postgrad students must be studying towards a Honours, Masters, or PhD qualification
• Must be studying at a South African tertiary institution that’s recognised by SAMAC
• Must hold a strong academic track record
• Must belong to a previously disadvantaged background

Fulfilling all the criteria, however, doesn’t guarantee funding. Preference is given to students with disabilities and students in their third and fourth year. The list published by SAMAC after the closing date will be considered final.

How to Apply?

Students meeting all the criteria are encouraged to apply for the SAMAC NPC bursary. To apply, you must go through the application process. It’s a short process that should take no more than an hour to complete. But it’s essential to be diligent to avoid errors since incomplete or incorrect applications are rejected.

There are separate forms for undergrad and postgrad students. So apply the one that’s relevant to you. It’s a Google doc, and you’d have to sign in to your Google account to access the form.

Application for Undergraduate bursary 2022, click here: https://forms.gle/nv9BgwogFvMvJRUU6

Application for Postgraduate bursary 2022, click here: https://forms.gle/bAG58k62zrmXmJ8c7

Documents Required

The next step is to submit the documents necessary for this bursary. For undergrad students, here are the documents you have to provide:

• ID documents
• Matric certificate
• Progress report of all subjects of June 2020, if at tertiary level
• Proof of registration at the tertiary institution
• Proof of income of parents/guardians (latest payslips or tax return; if self-employed, submit financial statements; if unemployed, submit sworn affidavits; death certificates if deceased; divorce certificates if divorced)

Postgrad students have to submit additional documents, which are:

• Degree certificate (certified copies)
• Research proposal in detail

Lastly, send the application and scanned documents to “transformation@samac.org.za“.

Closing Date

The last date to apply for the SAMAC NPC bursary is 15 November 2021. However, the results of the selection will be announced on or before 31 March 2021.

Contact Details

For more details, get in touch with the bursary provider at:

• Telephone – 012 349 1906
• Email – transformation@samac.org.za

If the bursary has already been closed, you are requested not to contact SAMAC. View our other bursaries open for application here: