Agriculture Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry)

Hortgro Bursary Programme

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:
30 September 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

Horticulture
Plant Pathology
Soil Science
Water Science
Entomology
Microbiology
Agricultural Economics
Agri-Management
Plant Science
Food Science
Related agricultural research and technical 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)
  • Access to a mentor for motivation and guidance throughout your studies
  • Vacation work opportunities in the deciduous fruit industry

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry) bursary application

  1. 1

    Visit the Hortgro website's bursary programme page

  2. 2

    Download the Hortgro bursary application form

  3. 3

    Complete the form and prepare your essay about yourself, career plans and vision in agriculture

  4. 4

    Gather all supporting documents

  5. 5

    Submit your completed application package via the channel specified on the Hortgro site

  6. 6

    Wait for shortlisting and interview if selected

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

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.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 September 2026

Apply on Hortgro (South African deciduous fruit industry)'s official site

Information verified 2026-05-14. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.