ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – HORTGRO
The history of Hortgro dates back all the way to 1652 when the first
apple seeds were planted by Jan van Riebeeck in the Cape of Good Hope. Today,
the company is focused on research and technology, production, transformation,
markets and communication in the deciduous fruit industry.
The companies main goal is
to guide and direct research within the deciduous fruit industry, to address
the industries short term and long term needs. Hortgro’s members include: the
Dried Fruit Technical Services (DFTS); SA Stone Fruit Producers’ Association
(SASPA) and SA Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (SAAPPA).
ABOUT THE HORTGRO BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
Hortgro is inviting students to apply
for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded for studies
within the following fields:
§ Agri-Management
§ Agricultural
Biotechnology
§ Agricultural
Economics
§ Agricultural
Science
§ Entomology
§ Horticulture
(Production/ Post harvest)
§ Marketing
Specialist
§ Microbiology
§ Plant Pathology
§ Project Management
§ Soil and Water
Science
Hortgro is committed to the future of the agricultural sector and helps
deciduous fruit growers to produce, market and sell high-quality produce. To
achieve their goals, Hortgro requires trained, skilled and passionate people.
One of the ways Hortgro achieves this is through their annual bursary
programme.
MORE ABOUT THE HORTGRO BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPECTATION, RENEWAL &
SELECTION
Bursary recipients are expected to:
§ Provide Hortgro
with quarterly updates regarding their studies and general well-being
§ Submit results each
semester
§ Maintain good
behaviour throughout their studies
§ Attend Hortgro
functions
The bursary award is renewable each year, based on satisfactory academic
performance.
Bursary recipients will have access to a mentor, who will provide
motivation to help students throughout their studies.
Shortlisted candidates will be presented to a committee for final
selection.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HORTGRO BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before
applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to
your 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 on studying towards a qualification within one of the fields
of study listed above, in 2026
§ You must 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
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE HORTGRO BURSARY
Applications must be submitted online
at: Hortgro Bursary Application 2026
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=DxtZ44Iw7EqNH0fMSdBUraP2rZ-eGc1IhitMrFoWwKBUQTNPVzIwUDZJNlFDQjVVUlJPOVA2WlRaTC4u&web=1&wdLOR=cE2A59BA3-D7FF-4BE1-98EF-8021C5DA2DAB
Applicants are encouraged to also
download and read the Hortgro Bursary Brochure
(https://www.hortgro.co.za/inclusive-growth/bursary-program/)
Shortlisted applicants may be
required to submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation
before the bursary is awarded. Hortgro may request further documents than the
ones listed below:
§ ID document or both
sides of your ID Card (certified copy)
§ Matric certificate,
if completed Matric (certified copy)
§ Matric latest
results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
§ Latest tertiary
academic record, if at tertiary level (certified copy)
§ Proof of tertiary
registration (on tertiary letterhead)
§ Estimated breakdown
of study fees (tuition, books and accommodation)
§ Parents/ guardians
ID documents (certified copies)
§ Parents/ guardians proof
of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed)
§ Proof of any other
financial assistance, bursaries or loans being received (if applicable)
§ Essay with the
following details (about yourself, brief details of your career plans, brief details
of where you see yourself in the agricultural environment in the future, and
why you should be awarded the bursary) (to be filled in on the application form
in your own hand writing)
§ 2 contactable
references
CLOSING DATE FOR THE HORTGRO BURSARY
15 August 2025.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply
before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this
bursary programme, please contact Hortgro directly:
Tel: 021 870 2900
Email: learn@hortgro.co.za
