Study grants and bursaries

The PRF bursary scheme was approved in 1994 and the first bursary for postgraduate studies was awarded for the 1995 academic year. We are proud to look back on a period of 27 years during which 89 bursaries were awarded to deserving candidates for Masters’ and Doctorate studies. The aim of the bursary scheme is to train deserving candidates in the scientific method to allow them to contribute to high quality scientific research after completing their studies. This includes, in particular, research aimed at promoting the production of protein for animal consumption.

Students are also encouraged to publish their research results in scientific journals, popular magazines or both. Management summaries of theses and manuscripts are published on the PRF website and database.

Bursaries for Master’s studies are awarded for a period of two years and three years in the case of Doctorate studies. Bursaries awarded for the current year were approved by the Technology Committee and were the following:

1. M.Sc Studies

   1. Mr L Matthews (Second application)
      "Effects of livestock integration into cropping systems on productivity of canola and the cropping system’s global warming potential." – Stellenbosch University
   2. Ms M Du Plessis (First application)
      "The effect of gypsum form on soil amelioration." – Stellenbosch University
   3. Mr AB Folscher (First application)
      "Investigating pathways of infection of Leptosphaeria spp. causing blackleg of canola in the Western Cape." – Stellenbosch University

2. PhD Studies

   1. Ms HM Screuder (Second application)
      "Characterisation and management of Leptosphaeria spp. causing blackleg of canola in the Western Cape." – Stellenbosch University

3. Completed theses received

   During the year under review, the following theses were received from bursary recipients who had successfully completed their studies.

   1. Ms IR Crouse
      "Nitrogen fertilizer management strategies for canola (Brassica napus L.) under conservation agricultural practices in South Africa."
   2. Mr DDV Lötter
      "Seed viability versus vigour of canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars in South Africa and the impact on establishment."