Donate

THE SUGAR INDUSTRY TRUST FUND FOR EDUCATION (SITFE)

SITFE supports a wide range of programmes ranging from the school support; study assistance; in school support; early childhood development; and an education centre development programmes.

The Study Assistance Programme is regarded as the sugar industry’s flagship programme and key mechanism to assist government to redress inequalities in the field of science, agriculture and engineering.

THE SUGAR INDUSTRY’S FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME

ASSISTING GOVERNMENT TO REDRESS INEQUALITIES IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE AND ENGINEERING

The study assistance programme continues to enjoy significant industry and external stakeholder support and recognition. This programme is regarded as the sugar industry’s flagship programme and key mechanism to assist government to redress inequalities in the field of science, agriculture and engineering.

The objective of the programme is to increase the number of high potential learners from disadvantaged backgrounds with access to quality education and training in the field of agriculture, science and engineering at tertiary institutions. SITFE awards a maximum of 41 full bursaries on an annual basis.

SITFE is proud to include amongst its alumni a number of South Africa’s prominent leaders including Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Bonginkosi “Blade” Nzimande; Former Judge President of the Western Cape, John Hlophe and Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo. Former Treasurer-General of the ANC, Dr Zweli Mkhize and his wife Dr May Mashego also received assistance from SITFE for their high school education.

SITFE Bursary

SITFE has shifted its strategy to providing bursaries to missing middle candidates (Household income of R350 000 – R600 000). Qualifying students are encouraged to apply for the bursary. The bursary application process opens in July – October annually.

WHO CAN APPLY?

E

Residents from the sugarcane growing provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

E

Have applied or registered in the Faculty Agriculture at a College of Agriculture

E

Have applied or registered for Diploma in Agriculture at University of Mpumalanga.

E

Applicants must be South African citizens.

WHERE TO STUDY?

E

Applicants may register at Owen Sithole College of Agriculture or Cedara College of Agriculture or University of Mpumalanga (Diploma in Agriculture).

BURSARY INFORMATION

E

Please see the 2026 bursary application brochure and poster below:

POPIA NOTICE

Application

Apply Online

SITFE is a unique, homegrown organisation dedicated to offering financial, educational, and physical support to aspiring students to help give them the opportunity to forge their own future.

NOTE: Applications are CLOSED.