The Citrus Academy is inviting applications for its 2026 Bursary Fund, supporting deserving South African, Zimbabwean or Swazi students from second year upward studying agriculture- and citrus-related fields at accredited South African tertiary institutions.

About the Bursary Provider

The Citrus Academy, established in 2005 by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, aims to develop skilled professionals for the citrus industry. The bursary fund, founded in 2006, is now the largest private bursary fund in primary agriculture in South Africa.

Fields Covered

Bursaries are available for full‑time or part‑time study from second year onwards in disciplines including:

  • Agriculture / Agricultural Management
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Horticulture / Crop / Plant Production
  • Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Microbiology
  • Industrial and Mechanical Engineering

Expenses Covered

This is a partial bursary which may cover:

  • Tuition fees
  • Books and stationery
  • On‑campus accommodation and meals
  • Research costs for postgraduate students

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all of the following:

  • South African, Zimbabwean or Swazi citizen
  • Completed Matric
  • Studying full‑ or part‑time in a relevant citrus/agricultural field at an accredited institution in South Africa
  • Entering second year or above in 2026
  • Demonstrate genuine interest in working within the citrus industry

Selection criteria include previously disadvantaged status, academic performance, financial need, relation to the industry, gender (female preference), and disability status.

How to Apply

Submit your application online via the Citrus Academy Student Community portal between 1 June and 15 September 2025. You must register, upload the required documents, and complete the motivational essay (max 500 words).

Include certified copies of:

  • ID or passport (if Zimbabwe/Swaziland)
  • Matric certificate and most recent tertiary transcript
  • Motivational essay describing your background, goals, and plans to contribute to the citrus sector
  • Postgraduate applicants must also include project proposal details

Closing Date

15 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

Contact the Bursary Provider

Citrus Academy Bursary Fund
Tel: 031 765 3410 / 031 765 3412 / 086 546 7808
Email: learnmore@citrusacademy.org.za
For technical support: candice@citrusacademy.org.za

1. Who is eligible to apply?
Citizens of South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Swaziland studying in second year or above in citrus-related fields at accredited SA institutions. Entering your 2nd year in 2026 is essential.
2. Which disciplines are supported?
Fields such as Plant Production, Soil Science, Entomology, Microbiology, Agricultural Economics/Management, Horticulture, and Industrial/Mechanical Engineering with relevance to citrus.
3. Is full funding offered?
No. The bursary is partial: it contributes to tuition, study materials, accommodation/meals and research costs (postgrads), but does not cover all expenses.
4. What obligations come with the bursary?
You must maintain at least a D-average (no failures), complete four weeks of vacation work annually, and commit to working in the citrus industry for a year for each year funded.
5. How do I apply?
Register and apply online via the Citrus Academy portal between 1 June and 15 September, attaching certified ID, transcripts, motivational essay, and research proposal if applicable.
6. What selection factors are considered?
Preference is given to previously disadvantaged, female, or disabled candidates, those with citrus-sector backgrounds, strong academic performance, and financial need.
7. When will I know the outcome?
Successful candidates are typically informed by mid-December; if you haven’t heard by January, assume you were not selected.
8. Can part-time students apply?
Yes—both full-time and part-time students in relevant fields from second year upward are eligible.
9. Do postgraduate students qualify?
Yes—MSc or PhD research in citrus-relevant fields qualifies, with additional project proposal details required for assessment.
10. Who do I contact for help?
Email learnmore@citrusacademy.org.za or call 031 765 3410 / 031 765 3412; technical support at candice@citrusacademy.org.za.