ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Jan van Riebeeck planted the first apple seeds in the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, marking the beginning of Hortgro's history. The company's current priorities in the deciduous fruit sector are research and technology, production, transformation, markets, and communication.

The company's primary objective is to guide and direct research in the deciduous fruit business in order to meet the short- and long-term needs of the sector. The Dried Fruit Technical Services (DFTS), the SA Stone Fruit Producers' Association (SASPA), and the SA Apple and Pear Producers' Association (SAAPPA) are among Hortgro's members.

FIELDS COVERED

For the academic year 2026, Hortgro is extending an invitation to students to apply for their bursary program.

Bursaries will be given for research in the following areas:

• Entomology
• Project Management
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Soil and Water Science
• Marketing Specialist
• Agricultural Economics
• Plant Pathology
• Agri-Management
• Microbiology
• Horticulture (Production/ Post harvest)
• Agricultural Science

BURSARY EXPECTATION, RENEWAL & SELECTION

Recipients of bursaries should:

• Give Hortgro quarterly reports on their academic progress and overall health.
• Send in your results every semester.
• Continue to behave well while they are studying.
• Participate in Hortgro events

 Annual renewal of the bursary award is contingent upon excellent academic performance.

 Recipients of bursaries will have access to a mentor who will encourage them to continue their education.

A committee will consider the shortlisted applicants before making a final decision.

ELIGIBILITYCRITERIA

Before applying, candidates must meet the following minimal standards:

if you don't meet them all, your application won't be taken into consideration.

• You must be a citizen of South Africa.
• You must either be enrolled in or have completed Matric.
• In 2026, you must be pursuing a degree in one of the aforementioned fields of study or plan to do so.
• You must fulfill the prerequisites for admission to the program of study you have selected.
• You must be studying or registered to study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE HORTGRO BURSARY

Applications must be submitted online at:Hortgro Bursary Application 2026

Students are advised to read and download theHortgro Bursary Brochure

Before the bursary is awarded, shortlisted applicants might need to provide clear copies of the following supporting documents.  Hortgro may ask for other documentation in addition to those mentioned below:

• ID document or a certified copy of both sides of your ID card
• If completed, a certified copy of your Matric certificate
• latest results from Matric, if you're enrolled in Matric (certified copy)
• Latest, certified copy of your tertiary academic record
• Proof of tertiary registration (on tertiary letterhead)
• Estimated study fee breakdown (accommodation, books, and tuition)
• ID documents of parents or guardians (certified copies)
• Proof of income from parents or guardians (most recent payslips if they are employed, or an affidavit if unemployed)
• Proof of any other financial assistance, bursaries or loans being received
• Essay: Include brief details about yourself, your career plans, where you see yourself in the agricultural sector in the future, and why you should be awarded the bursary.
• Two contactable references

CLOSING DATE 15 August 2025

Please apply before the closing date to guarantee your application is taken into consideration; applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Please get in touch with Hortgro directly if you have any questions about this bursary program:

Email address: learn@hortgro.co.za;

Tel:021 870 2900

For more bursaries go toview more bursaries