Hortgro Bursary Programme
Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry)
The Hortgro Bursary supports South African students entering the deciduous fruit industry - funding studies in horticulture, plant pathology, soil and water science, entomology, agricultural economics and related research and technical fields.
- Amount
- Tuition (capped) + on-campus accommodation + prescribed books (capped)
- Deadline
- Closed 15 August 2026
- Duration
- One academic year (renewable subject to performance)
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Completed or completing Grade 12
- ✓ Enrolled or intending to enrol in an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification related to the deciduous fruit industry
- ✓ Studying at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Strong academic record in Mathematics and Life/Physical Sciences
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees (up to a limited amount)
- ✓ Accommodation on tertiary campus
- ✓ Prescribed books (up to a limited amount)
- ✓ A mentor who motivates and guides you throughout your studies
- ✓ Work-integrated learning, internship and leadership development opportunities in the deciduous fruit industry
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry) bursary application
- 1
Visit the Hortgro bursary programme page (hortgro.co.za/inclusive-growth/bursary-program/) during the application window, 15 May to 15 August
- 2
Complete the online application form linked from the page, or email [email protected]
- 3
Prepare your essay about yourself, your career plans and your vision in agriculture
- 4
Attach all supporting documents and submit before 15 August (the 2027 round closed on 15 August 2026)
- 5
Shortlisted applicants are presented to a committee for final selection
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Certified matric certificate (if applicable)
- 📄 Latest academic records
- 📄 Proof of tertiary registration
- 📄 Estimated breakdown of study fees
- 📄 Parents'/guardians' ID copies and proof of income
- 📄 Proof of any other financial assistance
- 📄 Essay about yourself, career plans and your vision in agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do Hortgro bursary applications open and close?
- Hortgro accepts applications from 15 May to 15 August each year. Applications for 2027 opened on 15 May 2026 and closed on 15 August 2026; as of 12 October 2026 the 2028 dates had not been confirmed.
- Which fields does the Hortgro bursary fund?
- Hortgro funds fields connected to the deciduous fruit industry, including horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, soil and water science, microbiology, agricultural economics, agri-management and related research and technical disciplines.
- Is the Hortgro bursary renewable?
- Yes - the bursary is renewable each academic year based on satisfactory academic performance and continued financial need.
- What does Hortgro look for in an applicant?
- Hortgro looks for South African citizens with a strong academic record (especially in Mathematics and Life/Physical Sciences) who demonstrate financial need and a clear interest in a career in the deciduous fruit industry.
- What documents do I need for a Hortgro bursary application?
- Certified ID, matric certificate, latest academic records, proof of tertiary registration, an estimated study-fee breakdown, parents' ID copies and proof of income, proof of any other financial assistance, and a personal essay about your career plans in agriculture.
- What does Hortgro expect from bursary holders?
- Bursars give Hortgro quarterly updates on their well-being and studies, submit their semester results, maintain good behaviour throughout their studies and attend Hortgro functions.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 15 August 2026.
Hortgro takes bursary applications from 15 May to 15 August each year. The 2027 round ran from 15 May to 15 August 2026 and has closed; dates for the 2028 round had not been confirmed as of 12 October 2026.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Agriculture bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
SAAFoST Bursary
South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST)
The SAAFoST Foundation funds full-time students entering food science and technology, one of South Africa's persistent scarce-skill areas. It runs a Matriculant Bursary for Grade 12 learners and an Undergraduate Bursary for students already studying food science and technology, each paying actual tuition fees of up to R60,000 a year and awarded on academic merit, employment equity and demonstrated potential. For 2027, matriculant applications close on 30 October 2026 and undergraduate applications on 29 January 2027.
View details →Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund
Cape Wools SA - Wool Industry Bursary Trust (established by Cape Wools SA with support from the Wool Trust; administered in Gqeberha)
The Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund (Wool Industry Bursary Trust) supports students preparing for a career in the South African wool industry - wool/sheep-focused agricultural studies, or textile and fashion design with a wool focus. Awarded annually on merit, it can cover registration and tuition fees, materials and books, and accommodation. Half of the allocation is aimed at agricultural college students (or wool-focused fashion and textile students), 60% of funding is earmarked for previously disadvantaged individuals, and recipients commit to seeking work in the wool industry for a year per year funded.
View details →Land Bank External Bursary Programme
Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) (administered in-house by Land Bank Human Resources)
The Land Bank External Bursary Programme funds South African students studying undergraduate agriculture at Agricultural Colleges registered with the Council on Higher Education (CHE). It covers full tuition fees plus prescribed books, a monthly living allowance, and accommodation and meal allowances where applicable. Preference is given to academically strong students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas.
View details →