Subtrop SAAGA Bursary
The Subtrop SAAGA Bursary is funded by the South African Avocado Growers' Association and administered by Subtrop to bring more graduates of colour into the South African avocado industry. It supports South African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds studying towards a BSc Agriculture (or equivalent) degree majoring in fields such as Horticultural Science, Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness. The bursary covers undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours and Master's) study and carries a work-back obligation with Subtrop after graduation.
Eligible Fields of Study
Subtrop - SA Subtropical Growers' Association (on behalf of the South African Avocado Growers' Association, SAAGA; administered in-house by Subtrop) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen who is a student of colour / from a historically disadvantaged group
- ✓ Must have completed Matric
- ✓ Studying (or intending to study) towards a BSc Agriculture degree or equivalent at a recognised, accredited South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours and Master's) study
- ✓ Must demonstrate financial need (bursary value is set according to individual student need)
- ✓ Must enter into a contractual agreement with Subtrop and work for Subtrop after graduation for a period equal to the duration of the bursary award
- ✓ Recipients are required to focus seminars and projects on avocados where possible
- ✓ Recipients who fail courses must repay the bursary over a period equal to the length of the bursary
What's Included
- ✓ Financial assistance towards tertiary studies in specified agricultural fields, set according to individual student need
- ✓ Renewable annually based on satisfactory academic performance
- ✓ Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours and Master's) study
- ✓ Entry into a career in the South African avocado and subtropical fruit industry through guaranteed post-graduation employment with Subtrop
Work Commitment
Bursary recipients enter into a contractual agreement with Subtrop and must work for Subtrop after graduation for a period equal to the duration of the bursary award. Recipients who fail courses must repay the bursary over a period equal to the length of the bursary.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Subtrop - SA Subtropical Growers' Association (on behalf of the South African Avocado Growers' Association, SAAGA; administered in-house by Subtrop) bursary application
- 1
Download the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary Application Form from subtrop.co.za
- 2
Complete the application form in full
- 3
Gather all required supporting documents
- 4
Email the completed form and documents to [email protected] with the subject line 'Subtrop SAAGA Bursary Application'
- 5
Submit by the annual deadline of 31 October (applications for the 2026 academic year closed 31 October 2025)
- 6
Wait for selection - successful candidates are notified by 31 December
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed Subtrop SAAGA Bursary Application Form
- 📄 Certified copy of your ID
- 📄 Matric certificate
- 📄 Full academic transcripts
- 📄 Motivation letter
- 📄 CV (maximum 2 pages)
- 📄 Details of any other bursaries held
- 📄 Three references
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary?
- The bursary is open to South African students of colour / from historically disadvantaged groups who have completed Matric and are studying, or intend to study, towards a BSc Agriculture degree (or equivalent) at a recognised, accredited South African tertiary institution. It funds both undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours and Master's) study.
- How much is the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary worth?
- There is no fixed published rand amount. The bursary value is determined by individual student need and reviewed annually. It is awarded one academic year at a time and is renewable subject to satisfactory academic performance.
- When is the application deadline?
- The annual deadline is 31 October. Applications for the 2026 academic year closed on 31 October 2025, with successful candidates notified by 31 December 2025. To apply, email the completed application form to [email protected] with the subject line 'Subtrop SAAGA Bursary Application'.
- Is there a work-back obligation?
- Yes. Recipients enter into a contractual agreement with Subtrop and must work for Subtrop after graduation for a period equal to the duration of the bursary award. Recipients are also required to focus seminars and projects on avocados where possible, and those who fail courses must repay the bursary over a period equal to the length of the bursary.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 October 2025
Apply on Subtrop - SA Subtropical Growers' Association (on behalf of the South African Avocado Growers' Association, SAAGA; administered in-house by Subtrop)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Subtrop - SA Subtropical Growers' Association (on behalf of the South African Avocado Growers' Association, SAAGA; administered in-house by Subtrop):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 015 307 3676 / 015 307 3677
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Agriculture bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
AgriSETA Bursary Programme
AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority)
The AgriSETA Bursary supports South African students studying agriculture-related qualifications at NQF Level 6 and above, with a focus on scarce and critical skills across the agricultural value chain. Administered directly by AgriSETA (and via its accredited service providers and employers), it funds tuition, textbooks, accommodation and a stipend to help build the country's agricultural skills base.
View details →AgTech@NWK Bursary
NWK Limited (AgTech@NWK division, administered in-house by AgTech@NWK, Lichtenburg; contact: Rachel du Preez)
The AgTech@NWK Bursary supports South African students completing a BSc Agriculture Honours degree, offering financial assistance for the Honours study year together with paid practical training at the AgTech@NWK precision-farming facility in Lichtenburg during university breaks. Run by NWK Limited (founded 1909) through its agri-technology division, the programme gives bursars real-world industry exposure, mentorship and the prospect of permanent employment within the NWK Group after graduation. It is aimed at honours-level students with a genuine passion for and commitment to a career in agriculture.
View details →Beefmaster Group Bursary Programme
Beefmaster Group
The Beefmaster Group Bursary supports final-year South African students completing agriculture degrees in animal science, animal production and agricultural economics. It is a full bursary covering tuition, accommodation, books and related study costs for students with a genuine passion for the South African agricultural sector.
View details →