University of the Free State TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 in South Africa | Fully Funded
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you are a young African graduate with a strong interest in agriculture, sustainability, and transforming communities through innovation, the applications are now open for the University of the Free State TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. This fully funded opportunity is part of a continent-wide initiative designed to empower academically talented but economically disadvantaged youth to become leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
Implemented under a 10-year partnership between RUFORUM and the Mastercard Foundation, the TAGDev 2.0 programme aims to strengthen African universities while equipping students with the skills, mindset, and practical experience needed to drive inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural transformation across the continent.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: South Africa
Host Institution: University of the Free State
Study Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
Programme: Master of Sustainable Agriculture
Target Group: South African nationals and refugees residing in South Africa
Fields of Study: Sustainable Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Systems
Value & Coverage: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, accommodation, research, and more)
Duration: Duration of the Master’s programme (renewable annually based on performance)
Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
Start Date: 2027 Academic Year
Eligible To: Economically disadvantaged applicants with strong academic and leadership potential
📚 Scholarship Overview
The TAGDev 2.0 programme (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development) is a flagship initiative running from 2023 to 2033. It focuses on building a new generation of African leaders equipped to address challenges in agriculture and food systems.
At the University of the Free State, the scholarship supports students enrolled in the Master of Sustainable Agriculture. Beyond academic training, the programme integrates:
Practical field attachments and internships
Community engagement and outreach activities
Entrepreneurship training and innovation support
Participation in workshops and international conferences
Leadership and personal development training
Scholars are expected to become change-makers capable of creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to sustainable development within their communities.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
The TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at the University of the Free State is a comprehensive, fully funded package that includes:
Full tuition fees
Research costs and academic expenses
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Accommodation (hostel)
Laptop provision
Internship and field attachment support
Entrepreneurship and leadership training
Workshop and conference participation costs
Additional support includes:
Travel documentation support for refugees and displaced persons
Assistive devices for students with disabilities
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a South African national or a refugee residing in South Africa
Be from an economically disadvantaged or marginalized background
Be under 35 years old for Master’s studies
Hold an NQF Level 8 qualification (or equivalent) in an agriculture-related field
Have at least 65% average in their previous qualification and research component
Demonstrate interest in agriculture, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship
Show leadership potential and commitment to community transformation
Be committed to working within agricultural value chains
Additional considerations:
Applicants from conflict or post-conflict areas are encouraged to apply
Female candidates, persons with disabilities, and displaced individuals are strongly encouraged
Applicants already benefiting from another scholarship are not eligible
📝 Application Procedure
The application process consists of two stages:
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Submit your application for the Master of Sustainable Agriculture at the University of the Free State through the university’s official application portal.
📁 Required documents include:
Copy of ID or passport
Academic certificates (including NQF Level 7 and 8 qualifications)
Academic transcripts
Motivation letter
Proof of current studies (if still completing qualification)
Step 2: Apply for the TAGDev Scholarship
Access the RUFORUM Information Management System (RIMS)
Register and create an account
Activate your account via email
Log in and navigate to Scholarship Calls
Select: Call ID: RU/2026UFS/TAGDev 2.0
Complete the application form
Download, print, and submit it along with your university application
Applications can be submitted online or as hard copies through the university system.
ℹ️ Important Notes
Scholarships are renewed annually based on academic performance (minimum Grade B)
Retaking more than four courses may lead to withdrawal of the scholarship
Any falsified information will result in disqualification
Scholars are expected to actively engage in leadership, innovation, and community development
🚀 Tips for Applicants
Applicants should carefully review both academic admission requirements and scholarship criteria before applying. It is important to prepare a strong motivation letter that clearly demonstrates commitment to agriculture, leadership potential, and a vision for community impact. Early application is recommended to allow sufficient time for completing both stages of the process and gathering all required documents.
This scholarship offers more than just funding—it provides a structured pathway to becoming a leader in Africa’s agricultural transformation, combining academic excellence with real-world impact.
