Hortgro Bursary 2027

## About the Provider Hortgro is an organisation with deep roots in South African agriculture, focused on the deciduous fruit industry. The history of the industry it serves stretches back centuries, but today Hortgro is a modern body concentrating on research and technology, production, transformation, markets, and communication within the deciduous fruit sector. Its main goal is to guide and direct research within the industry, addressing both short-term and long-term needs. The deciduous fruit industry covers fruits such as apples, pears, and stone fruit, which are important to South Africa's agricultural economy and exports. Hortgro's members include the Dried Fruit Technical Services, the South African Stone Fruit Producers' Association, and the South African Apple and Pear Producers' Association. Together, these bodies represent a significant part of the country's fruit-growing community. Hortgro understands that the future of the industry depends on having trained, skilled, and passionate people who can help farmers produce, market, and sell high-quality produce. Agriculture is a sophisticated field that draws on many disciplines, from the science of growing and protecting crops to the economics and marketing that bring produce to consumers. To meet these needs, Hortgro invests in education through its annual bursary programme. The bursary is more than financial assistance. It is part of Hortgro's wider effort to develop the talent the industry requires and to create opportunities for young people who are interested in agriculture and related fields. By supporting students through their studies, Hortgro helps to ensure that the deciduous fruit industry has a steady supply of well-educated professionals who can contribute to its success. For learners who are passionate about agriculture, science, or the business of farming, the Hortgro Bursary offers a valuable opportunity. It provides funding, mentorship, and a connection to a respected industry body, giving students both the means and the support to pursue their studies. Recipients also gain insight into the deciduous fruit industry and the chance to build relationships that may shape their future careers. Through this programme, Hortgro demonstrates a long-term commitment to the people who will carry the industry forward. By nurturing the next generation of agricultural professionals, the organisation helps to secure the future of an important part of the South African economy and to create meaningful career paths for talented and dedicated students.

## About the Program The Hortgro Bursary Programme provides funding for students who wish to study towards qualifications relevant to the deciduous fruit industry, for the 2027 academic year. The programme reflects Hortgro's commitment to building skilled, passionate people who can help farmers produce, market, and sell high-quality produce. The bursary covers a wide range of agricultural and related fields, including Agri-Management, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Science, Entomology, Horticulture (both production and post-harvest), Marketing, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Project Management, and Soil and Water Science. This broad selection shows that the fruit industry needs many different kinds of expertise, from the science of growing and protecting crops to the business of marketing and managing them. The bursary is renewable each year, based on satisfactory academic performance. This means recipients can continue to receive support throughout their studies, as long as they maintain good results. This continuity removes much of the uncertainty that students face when funding is only available for a single year. Recipients take on certain responsibilities as part of the programme. They are expected to provide Hortgro with quarterly updates regarding their studies and general wellbeing, submit results each semester, maintain good behaviour throughout their studies, and attend Hortgro functions. These obligations help build a relationship between the student and the organisation, and they keep recipients connected to the industry they are preparing to join. A valuable feature of the programme is the access recipients have to a mentor. The mentor provides motivation and guidance to help students throughout their studies. This kind of support can make a real difference, especially for students who are the first in their families to attend university or who face challenges along the way. The selection process involves presenting shortlisted candidates to a committee for final selection. As part of the application, students are asked to write an essay about themselves, their career plans, where they see themselves in the agricultural environment in the future, and why they should be awarded the bursary. This gives applicants the chance to share their passion and ambitions in their own words. By funding studies in these fields, Hortgro helps to develop the trained, skilled, and passionate people the industry needs. For students who are interested in agriculture, science, or the business of farming, the programme offers both financial support and a genuine connection to a respected industry body.

## Bursary Benefits The Hortgro Bursary provides financial support to help students cover the costs of studying towards a qualification relevant to the deciduous fruit industry. Beyond the funding itself, the programme offers valuable support and connection to the industry. - **Financial support** towards study fees, which may include tuition, books, and accommodation, based on the estimated breakdown provided in the application - A **renewable award**, continuing each year based on satisfactory academic performance - Access to a **mentor**, who provides motivation and guidance throughout your studies - The opportunity to **attend Hortgro functions** and build connections within the industry The renewable nature of the bursary is a significant benefit, as it gives students the security of continued funding as long as they keep up their academic performance. The mentorship component adds further value, offering guidance that can help students stay motivated and succeed. In return, recipients are expected to provide quarterly updates on their studies and wellbeing, submit results each semester, maintain good behaviour, and attend functions. These responsibilities help keep students connected to the industry they are preparing to enter.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. - You must be a **South African citizen** - You must have **completed Matric or be currently in Matric** - You must be studying or intend to study towards a qualification in one of the listed fields, in 2027 - You must be studying or registered to study at a **recognised tertiary institution** in South Africa - You must meet the **admission requirements** for your chosen course of study These criteria are designed to ensure that the bursary reaches students who are genuinely committed to studying in fields relevant to the deciduous fruit industry. Applicants should confirm that they qualify and that they meet the entry requirements of their chosen course before applying.

## Required Documents Shortlisted applicants may be required to submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents before the bursary is awarded. Hortgro may also request additional documents. - A certified copy of your **ID document** or both sides of your ID card - **Matric certificate**, if you have completed Matric - **Matric latest results**, if currently in Matric - **Latest tertiary academic record**, if at tertiary level - **Proof of tertiary registration**, on the institution's letterhead - An **estimated breakdown of study fees** (tuition, books, and accommodation) - Parents' or guardians' **ID documents** - Parents' or guardians' **proof of income** (payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed) - **Proof of any other financial assistance**, bursaries, or loans being received, if applicable - An **essay** covering details about yourself and your career plans - **Two contactable references**

## How to Apply Applications for the Hortgro Bursary must be submitted online through the official application form. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Read about the bursary and the deciduous fruit industry to make sure it aligns with your career goals. 2. Prepare clear, certified copies of all the documents that may be required, so you can provide them when requested. 3. Visit the online application form for the Hortgro Bursary. 4. Complete the application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 5. Write the required essay in your own handwriting where indicated, covering details about yourself, your career plans, where you see yourself in the agricultural environment in the future, and why you should be awarded the bursary. 6. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested. 7. Provide details of two contactable references. 8. Review your application carefully, then submit it before the closing date. Applicants are also encouraged to download and read the careers and bursary brochure for more information. Note that shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit supporting documents before the bursary is awarded, and that Hortgro may request further documents than those listed. Keep copies of everything you submit.

## Tips for Success A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the Hortgro Bursary. - **Write a thoughtful essay.** The essay is an important part of the application. Take time to write clearly about yourself, your career plans, where you see yourself in agriculture, and why you deserve the bursary. Be genuine and specific. - **Show your passion for agriculture.** Hortgro is looking for skilled and passionate people. Let your enthusiasm for the deciduous fruit industry and your chosen field come through in your application. - **Confirm your field qualifies.** Make sure your course is one of the listed fields and that you meet the admission requirements before applying. - **Prepare your documents early.** Although some documents are only needed if shortlisted, having certified copies ready will save time and stress later. - **Choose your references carefully.** Select two people who know you well and can speak credibly about your character and abilities. Confirm they are willing and contactable. - **Read the brochure.** The careers and bursary brochure provides useful information that can help you understand the industry and strengthen your application. - **Apply early.** Avoid last-minute technical problems by submitting your application well before the closing date. - **Keep your academic record up to date.** Make sure your results are accurate and, where required, on official letterheads. - **Proofread everything.** Spelling and grammar errors create a poor impression, especially in the essay. Review your work or ask someone to check it. - **Be honest.** Provide only truthful information, as dishonesty can disqualify you and damage your reputation. A complete, sincere, and well-presented application that shows genuine interest in the industry will help you stand out among other candidates.

## Career Prospects The fields funded by the Hortgro Bursary lead to a wide range of careers within agriculture, science, and the business of farming, with a particular focus on the deciduous fruit industry. This sector is an important part of South Africa's agricultural economy, and it needs skilled professionals across many disciplines. Graduates in **Horticulture** can work in fruit production and post-harvest management, helping to grow, store, and prepare produce for market. These professionals understand how to maximise crop quality and yield, which is essential to the success of the industry. Graduates in **Agricultural Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology** play a vital role in protecting crops from pests and diseases and in improving plant health. Their scientific knowledge helps farmers produce healthier, more abundant harvests and respond to challenges such as climate change and new threats to crops. Those who study **Soil and Water Science** focus on managing the natural resources that agriculture depends on. As water scarcity and sustainability become more pressing concerns, these skills are increasingly in demand. Graduates in **Agricultural Economics and Agri-Management** can become farm managers, agricultural economists, and business advisors. They help ensure that farming operations are profitable and well run, balancing production with the realities of the market. Those who study **Marketing and Project Management** bring valuable business skills to the industry, helping to market produce effectively and manage projects that improve efficiency and growth. Graduates in **Agricultural Biotechnology** work at the cutting edge of science, developing new techniques to improve crops and address challenges in food production. Many Hortgro bursary recipients go on to work within the deciduous fruit industry itself, contributing to research, production, marketing, and management. Because the bursary connects students to a respected industry body and provides mentorship, recipients often gain valuable insight and networks that help them find employment after graduation. The agricultural sector offers stable and rewarding careers, and it plays a crucial role in food security and economic growth. By choosing one of these fields, students place themselves in an industry that is essential to the country and full of opportunity for those who are skilled and passionate.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Hortgro Bursary? South African citizens who have completed Matric or are currently in Matric, and who intend to study one of the listed fields at a recognised tertiary institution, may apply. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for their chosen course. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers fields relevant to the deciduous fruit industry, including Horticulture, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Microbiology, Soil and Water Science, Agri-Management, Agricultural Biotechnology, Marketing, and Project Management. ## Is the bursary renewable? Yes. The award is renewable each year, based on satisfactory academic performance. ## What responsibilities do recipients have? Recipients must provide quarterly updates on their studies and wellbeing, submit results each semester, maintain good behaviour, and attend Hortgro functions. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **15 August 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through the official application form. You will also need to write an essay about yourself and your career plans. ## Do I receive a mentor? Yes. Bursary recipients have access to a mentor who provides motivation and guidance throughout their studies. ## What documents will I need? Shortlisted applicants may be required to submit documents such as a certified ID, Matric results or certificate, proof of registration, an estimated breakdown of study fees, and proof of parents' or guardians' income. ## How are recipients selected? Shortlisted candidates are presented to a committee for final selection, and the essay forms an important part of the application.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 15 August 2026. Late applications will not be accepted, so prepare your essay and documents early and submit well before the deadline.

About the Organization

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