Hortgro—the deciduous fruit industry body—invites South African undergraduate and postgraduate students to apply for its 2026 bursary programme, supporting studies in agriculture-related fields with full or partial funding, stipends, internships, and mentorships.

About the Bursary Provider

Hortgro represents the South African deciduous fruit industry (apples, pears, stone fruit), investing over R55 million in bursaries during the past decade. It supports future industry leaders and researchers through funding, mentorships, and practical exposure.

Fields Covered

The bursary supports studies in the following areas:

  • Agricultural Management
  • Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Science
  • Entomology & Nematology
  • Horticulture (Production/Post-Harvest)
  • Microbiology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Project Management
  • Soil & Water Science

Expenses Covered

Funding may include:

  • Full or partial tuition and registration fees
  • On-campus or private accommodation allowance
  • Textbook and prescribed material allowance
  • Study-related expenses stipend
  • Internships, practical exposure, and mentorship opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Have completed or be completing Matric
  • Be enrolled or intending to study in an eligible field at a recognized South African tertiary institution (undergraduate or postgraduate)
  • Demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for the deciduous fruit industry
  • Submit all required documents in the prescribed format

How to Apply

Submit the online application via the Hortgro bursary portal between 15 May and 15 August 2025 and upload certified documents. Remember to: Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about the bursary.

Required documents include:

  • Certified ID copy
  • Matric certificate or most recent results
  • Tertiary transcript and registration proof (if applicable)
  • Estimated fee breakdown (tuition, books, accommodation)
  • Proof of parental/guardian income
  • Proof of other funding (if any)
  • Handwritten essay on career goals in agriculture
  • Two contactable references

Closing Date

15 August 2025. No late or incomplete submissions will be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

Hortgro Bursary Programme
Tel: 021 870 2900
Email: learn@hortgro.co.za
Website: hortgro.co.za

1. Who is eligible?
South African citizens completing or completed Matric, studying or planning to study in agriculture-related fields at recognized institutions, demonstrating passion for the deciduous fruit industry and academic merit.
2. Which fields are covered?
Horticulture, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology, Entomology, Microbiology, Soil & Water Science, Agricultural Economics, Project Management, Plant Pathology, and more.
3. What expenses does it cover?
Full/partial tuition, accommodation, textbooks, stipends, plus internships, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
4. Is postgraduate support available?
Yes—Hortgro’s programme includes postgraduate bursaries, with current support for 32 postgraduate students.
5. How competitive is the bursary?
Very competitive—950+ applicants in 2024 and limited slots. Strong applications include clear passion for the industry plus solid academics.
6. How do I apply?
Apply online during 15 May–15 August via Hortgro’s bursary portal, upload certified docs, and indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when prompted.
7. What documents are needed?
Certified ID, matric results/certificate, tertiary transcript/registration (if applicable), fee breakdown, parents’ income proof, other funding proof, a handwritten essay, and two references.
8. When is the closing date?
15 August 2025; late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
9. Is the bursary renewable?
Yes – renewable annually based on academic performance and quarterly progress updates.
10. Who can assist with queries?
Contact Hortgro at learn@hortgro.co.za or call 021 870 2900 for assistance.