The Citrus Academy invites qualifying students from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini to apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Bursary Location: Accredited tertiary institutions, with studies linked to the citrus industry
Citrus Academy Bursary Programme 2027
The Citrus Academy Bursary Fund supports students pursuing qualifications linked to the citrus industry.
The programme is intended to help develop skilled professionals for South Africa’s citrus sector and provides both financial assistance and opportunities for industry exposure.
Bursaries are available for:
- Undergraduate studies
- Postgraduate studies
- BEE bursary support
Bursary Programme Overview
Organisation: Citrus Academy
Programme: Citrus Academy Bursary Fund 2027
Study level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Minimum study level for 2027: Second year or higher
Eligible countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini
Closing date: 15 September 2026
Application method: Online
Eligible Fields of Study
The bursary supports citrus-related studies including:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Entomology
- Horticulture
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Production
- Soil Science
Applicants should be studying towards a qualification that is relevant to the citrus industry.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of South Africa, Zimbabwe or Eswatini.
- Be entering second year of study or higher in 2027.
- Be enrolled or accepted in a relevant citrus-related field.
- Have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the citrus industry.
- Be willing to meet the programme’s work-back requirement after graduation.
First-year students are not funded under the information supplied.
What the Citrus Academy Bursary Covers
The bursary may provide funding for:
- Tuition fees.
- Books.
- Stationery.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.
- Research costs for postgraduate students.
The tuition support is described as partial funding and does not provide unlimited full funding.
Postgraduate Funding
Postgraduate students may also receive support for:
- Research-related costs.
- Academic expenses linked to their studies.
Applicants should check the online application platform for the exact funding limits and approved costs.
Industry Exposure
Beyond financial assistance, bursary recipients may gain exposure to the citrus industry through:
- Vacation work.
- Experiential learning.
- Student networking.
- Industry engagement.
- Citrus Academy student community activities.
These opportunities are designed to help students build experience and contacts within the industry.
Work-Back Requirement
Successful bursary recipients must be willing to complete a work-back obligation within the citrus industry after graduation.
Applicants should review the final bursary agreement carefully to understand the duration and terms of this obligation.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Copy of ID or passport.
- Latest academic transcript or results.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a tertiary institution.
- Proof of household income where requested.
- Any additional documents required by the online application platform.
Applicants should rely on the final online document checklist when submitting their applications.
How to Apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the Citrus Academy bursary platform.
Click here to apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary 2027
Applicants should:
- Open the Citrus Academy bursary page.
- Join the Citrus Communities Student Community where required.
- Register a student profile.
- Enter accurate personal and academic information.
- Complete the bursary application.
- Upload all requested supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Bursary Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
15 September 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Successful candidates are expected to be notified by approximately mid-December 2026.
Important Application Notes
Applicants should note that:
- First-year students are not funded.
- Applicants must be entering second year or higher in 2027.
- The qualification must be relevant to the citrus industry.
- Tuition funding is partial and subject to the approved bursary value.
- Postgraduate students may receive research-cost support.
- A work-back obligation applies.
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Supporting documents must be complete.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.