Hortgro Bursary Programme South Africa 2026

The Hortgro Bursary Programme offers focused financial support to South African students pursuing studies in agricultural and horticultural fields essential to the deciduous fruit industry. It aims to build a future generation of leaders, researchers, and innovators in sectors like fruit production, plant science, and agri‑management.

What the Bursary Offers

Recipients receive funding to cover tuition fees, books, study materials, and sometimes accommodation. The bursary is renewable each year, on condition of strong academic performance and conduct. Additional benefits include:

• A dedicated industry mentor to guide and support your journey
• Opportunities to attend Hortgro events and network with professionals
• Semester or quarterly reporting on academic progress as part of the programme requirements

Who Is Eligible

To qualify for the Hortgro Bursary, you must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Have completed or currently be completing Matric
• Be registered or intend to register at a South African tertiary institution for the upcoming academic year
• Be studying or planning to study in one of the following disciplines:
  • Agricultural Science
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agri‑Management
  • Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Horticulture (Production/Post‑harvest)
  • Microbiology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Entomology
  • Project Management
  • Soil and Water Science
  • Marketing Specialist

Application Requirements

You will need to submit an online application before the deadline. Expect to provide:

• Certified copies of your ID (front and back)
• Certified Matric certificate or latest results
• Latest tertiary academic transcript and proof of registration (if already studying)
• A budget breakdown of your expected educational expenses (tuition, books, accommodation)
• Certified ID and income proof for your parent(s)/guardian(s), including payslips or affidavit if unemployed
• Details of any other funding or bursaries you are receiving
• A handwritten essay explaining your personal background, career aspirations in agriculture, and why you deserve the bursary
• Two contactable references

Application Timeline for 2026

• Applications open on 15 May 2025
• Deadline is 15 August 2025 at midnight (no late submissions will be considered)

Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit extra documents before final selection.

The Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, passion for the agricultural sector, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the deciduous fruit industry. Hortgro holds a final selection committee to review short-listed applicants and award bursaries accordingly.

Why Hortgro Invests in Students

Over the past decade, Hortgro and its related bodies have invested tens of millions of rands in bursaries, supporting hundreds of students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Their goal is to grow a skilled, sustainable workforce to support South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector. Many recipients go on to earn MScs and PhDs, and later contribute professionally within the industry.

Hortgro’s bursary holders have studied at major institutions such as Stellenbosch University, Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, CPUT, University of Pretoria, and Northwest University—firmly embedding new talent in the field.

What Recipients Must Commit To

If awarded the bursary, you will be required to:

• Submit results each semester or quarterly
• Keep Hortgro informed about your academic and personal progress
• Attend Hortgro events and networking opportunities
• Behave professionally and adhere to programme expectations
• Engage with your mentor to support your academic and career development

Final Thoughts

The Hortgro Bursary Programme is an excellent opportunity if you’re committed to making a difference in agriculture. It offers not just financial support, but mentorship, industry exposure, and a path into a vital sector of South Africa’s economy. If you are passionate about horticulture, plant science, or agri‑management, and ready to excel, this bursary could be your launchpad.