Call for Scholarship Applications under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year at The University of the Free State
1.0 Background
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in collaboration with various esteemed institutions, is excited to announce the TAGDev 2.0 Programme.
This transformative initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of African universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The primary goal is to empower economically disadvantaged yet academically able young Africans to pursue higher education.
Both men and women are eligible to apply, but women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
2.0 Eligible Programmes
Applications are invited for the Master of Sustainable Agriculture at the University of the Free State, South Africa.
2.1 General Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission to the Master’s programme, applicants must possess:
- An applicable four-year (NQF level 8) agricultural qualification, complemented by relevant practical experience.
- A minimum mark of 65% in the research module, if applicable.
- An overall average of 65% in the exit year of their degree.
2.2 Appeal to Potential Applicants
Interested candidates should familiarize themselves with the admission requirements on the university’s website: University Admission Requirements.
2.3 Contact Information
For inquiries, please reach out to:
Renee Coetzee
Officer
University of the Free State, South Africa
Email: coetzeer2@ufs.ac.za
2.4 Who is Eligible to Apply?
Scholarships are open to South African candidates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from conflict-affected areas.
All applicants must meet the admission criteria set by the University and must not currently hold any other scholarships.
3.0 Selection Criteria
- Must be a South African national or a refugee residing in South Africa.
- Must demonstrate economic disadvantage or come from marginalized or conflict-affected communities.
- Age limits: Under 30 for undergraduate and under 35 for master’s applications.
- Completed prior studies within the last four years, especially for refugees and internally displaced persons.
- Must meet University admission criteria, including holding an NQF Level 8 qualification for the Master’s degree program.
- Demonstrated commitment to agriculture, agribusiness, and community transformation.
3.1 What the Scholarship Covers
This comprehensive scholarship includes:
- Tuition fees and research costs.
- Living expenses, including a stipend and housing.
- Access to a laptop, internship opportunities, and training in community engagement and entrepreneurship.
Successful applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and contribute to community development.
3.2 Support for Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Persons With Disabilities
Specific benefits include travel documents for refugees and assistive devices for persons with disabilities to facilitate learning.
3.3 Nature of the Scholarship
Scholarships cover direct and indirect costs associated with the educational program. Renewal of the scholarship is based on satisfactory academic performance.
4.0 Application Process and Procedure
The application process consists of two stages:
- Application for Admission: Submit to the University of the Free State. Required documents include:
- ID copy
- Matric/Grade 12 certificate
- NQF-level 7 and 8 qualifications or progress report
- Motivation letter
- Application for the TAGDev Scholarship: Submit through the RUFORUM Information Management System (RIMS):
- Access RIMS Web Portal
- Create an account and follow the prompts provided in the applicant dashboard.
For assistance regarding the scholarship, contact:
Miss. Yolisa Xatasi
Associate Programme Officer
Email: xatasiy@ufs.ac.za
OR
Prof. Jan Swanepoel
TAGDev 2.0 Programme Coordinator
Email: SwanepoelJW@ufs.ac.za
Submission Deadline: 31st May 2025
Key Virtual Information Session:
06 May 2025 from 15:00 – 16:00 via Microsoft Teams
Link: Join here
Meeting ID: 347 330 339 188
Passcode: da392GT6
Prospective applicants are urged to seize this opportunity to further their education and ultimately contribute to the agricultural sector in Africa.
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