Hortgro invites South African learners and students to apply for the Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 15 August 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
About the Hortgro Bursary Programme 2027
Hortgro has opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, offering South African students an opportunity to study towards careers in the country’s deciduous fruit industry.
The bursary is open to learners who have completed Matric or who are currently in Matric, and who plan to study agriculture, horticulture or related qualifications in 2027.
The bursary award is renewable each year, subject to satisfactory academic performance, and successful students are paired with a mentor to support their studies and career development.
About Hortgro
Hortgro is one of South Africa’s leading agricultural organisations and supports the deciduous fruit industry through research, technology, production, transformation, markets and communication.
The organisation works with fruit growers and industry partners to support the production, marketing and sale of high-quality fruit. Its members include the SA Apple and Pear Producers’ Association, the SA Stone Fruit Producers’ Association and Dried Fruit Technical Services.
Fields of Study Covered
The Hortgro Bursary supports studies in fields related to agriculture and the deciduous fruit industry, including:
- Agri-Management
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
- Horticulture, Production or Post-harvest
- Marketing
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
- Project Management
- Soil and Water Science
What the Bursary Offers
Successful applicants may benefit from:
- Annual bursary funding
- Renewable funding based on satisfactory academic performance
- Support towards a recognised agriculture or horticulture-related qualification
- Access to a dedicated mentor
- Career development support within the deciduous fruit industry
The full breakdown of costs covered, such as tuition, books and accommodation, will be confirmed during the application process.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric or currently be in Matric
- Must be studying or intend to study towards one of the approved qualifications in 2027
- Must be studying or registered at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
- Must meet the admission requirements for the chosen course
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of ID document or ID card, both sides
- Matric certificate or latest Matric results if currently in Matric
- Latest tertiary academic record, if already studying
- Proof of tertiary registration on the institution’s letterhead
- Estimated breakdown of study fees, including tuition, books and accommodation
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income, such as payslips if employed or an affidavit if unemployed
- Proof of any other financial assistance, bursaries or loans, if applicable
- Handwritten essay about yourself, your career plans and why you should be awarded the bursary
- Two contactable references
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Hortgro bursary application page.
Click here to apply for Hortgro Bursary 2027
Applicants should complete the online application form accurately, upload all required supporting documents, attach the handwritten essay and submit the application before the closing date.
For more information or to request the bursary brochure, applicants may email:
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 15 August 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents and apply before the deadline.