Waitrose Foundation Bursary 2027: Apply for the Southern Africa Agri-Worker Bursary (Closing 3 October)
The Waitrose Foundation Southern Africa (WFSA) has officially opened Bursary Applications for the 2027 academic year, offering funding to students connected to agri-workers within the Waitrose supply chain across South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The bursary supports both university and TVET college students, giving applicants a genuine route into higher education across a wide range of study fields.
Applications close on 3 October 2026, so eligible applicants should prepare their documents and apply well before the deadline.
About the Waitrose Foundation Bursary Programme
The Waitrose Foundation SA Bursary Programme aims to support agri-workers in the Waitrose supply chain and their families in accessing quality education and training. By helping students gain their first qualification, the programme is designed to improve skills, career opportunities and future earning potential among families connected to Waitrose growers.
Each year, WFSA offers a limited number of bursaries, split between two current or prospective university students and two current or prospective TVET college students. Applicants may be new entrants starting their studies for the first time, or continuing students who have already begun their qualification.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the Waitrose Foundation Bursary, applicants must fall within one of the following categories:
- Permanent employees of a grower that forms part of the Waitrose supply chain
- Children of permanent employees within the Waitrose supply chain
- Children under the legal guardianship of permanent employees within the Waitrose supply chain
- Retired employees previously affiliated with a Waitrose supply chain grower
In addition, eligible applicants (or the qualifying employee they are connected to) must fall within the minimum wage income bracket. This bursary is specifically designed for agri-worker families, so applicants should confirm their connection to a Waitrose supply chain grower before applying.
Where the Bursary Is Available
The Waitrose Foundation Bursary is open to applicants studying, or intending to study, in the following countries:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Applicants must be enrolled, or have received provisional acceptance, at a recognised university (undergraduate level) or TVET college in one of these countries.
Faculties and Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries are awarded to applicants studying towards qualifications in the following faculties:
- Agrisciences
- Education
- Community Health and Social Sciences
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Business Sciences, including commerce, logistics and retail
Applicants pursuing any of these fields at undergraduate or TVET level are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria linked to the Waitrose supply chain.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | Waitrose Foundation Southern Africa (WFSA) |
| Programme | WFSA Bursary Programme for 2027 |
| Countries covered | South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
| Study level | University (undergraduate) and TVET College |
| Number of bursaries | Two university, two TVET college |
| Eligible faculties | Agrisciences, Education, Community Health and Social Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Business Sciences |
| Eligibility link | Permanent employees, their children, or legal wards of permanent employees within the Waitrose supply chain |
| Income requirement | Minimum wage income bracket |
| Closing date | 3 October 2026 |
How to Apply
Application forms can be obtained directly from the Waitrose Foundation office. Once completed, all applications must be sent by email.
Send applications to: info@waitrosefoundation.org.za
Applicants who need further assistance can also contact Emily Hendricks directly at emily@waitrosefoundation.org.za, or speak to their Farm Support Manager for guidance on the application process.
Visit the Waitrose Foundation Southern Africa website here
Applications close on 3 October 2026, so submit your completed application ahead of the deadline to avoid missing out.
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