VKB Group, one of South Africa’s leading agribusinesses, has opened applications for its Bursary Programme 2027. The bursary funds students who want to build careers in agriculture, finance, engineering or commerce, and it opened on 1 July 2026. If you are a matric learner or current student with strong academic results and a passion for the agricultural value chain, this is your chance at fully funded study. Applications for the VKB Bursary Programme 2027 close on 31 August 2026.
About the Programme
VKB Group is a major agricultural enterprise headquartered in Reitz in the eastern Free State, with operations stretching across the Free State, Limpopo and beyond. The group runs grain silos, retail branches, milling and food processing plants, mechanisation services and financing operations, employing thousands of people across the agricultural value chain. From the farmer’s field to the food on your table, VKB is involved at almost every step.
The VKB bursary programme exists to build the next generation of agricultural professionals – agronomists, accountants, engineers and managers – and to create a pipeline of skilled young people for the group’s own operations. For young South Africans from farming towns and rural communities, it is one of the most relevant bursaries available: it funds studies in fields with real job prospects and connects bursary holders to a large employer with operations close to home.
What Is Covered
- Fully funded bursary support for the 2027 academic year
- Fields supported: agriculture, finance, engineering and commerce
- The exact breakdown of cover (tuition, accommodation, books, allowances) is confirmed during the application process
- Exposure to VKB Group operations and potential vacation work or employment opportunities
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Matric learners planning to study in 2027, or current students continuing their studies
- Planning to study or already studying in agriculture, finance, engineering or commerce fields
- Strong academic record – the programme selects on academic merit
- Financial need may be considered – supporting documents are confirmed during the application process
RELATED: Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship 2027
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic results – Grade 11/12 results or your most recent tertiary transcript
- Proof of application, acceptance or registration at a recognised tertiary institution
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Any additional documents requested on the online application form
How to Apply
- Go to the VKB Group careers portal.
- Select the Bursaries tab under current vacancies to open the 2027 bursary listing.
- Complete the online application form with your personal and academic details.
- Upload your ID, academic results and supporting documents.
- Submit before 31 August 2026 and keep proof of your submission.
Closing Date
The closing date for the VKB Bursary Programme 2027 is 31 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Agriculture is one of the few sectors in South Africa that consistently creates jobs in rural areas, yet it faces a serious shortage of qualified young professionals. At the same time, thousands of academically strong learners from farming communities cannot afford tertiary study. The VKB bursary tackles both problems at once.
Because VKB funds fields across its whole value chain – from agronomy to accounting to engineering – the bursary suits a wide range of learners, not just those who want to farm. Bursary holders also gain a direct line to a large, stable employer with operations in the Free State and Limpopo, which matters in provinces where graduate jobs are scarce. With applications open for a full two months, you have time to prepare a strong application – but do not leave it until the last week of August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am still in matric?
Yes. Matric learners planning to start tertiary studies in 2027 can apply using their latest school results, alongside current university students.
Which fields of study does the VKB bursary fund?
The programme supports studies in agriculture, finance, engineering and commerce – fields aligned to VKB Group’s operations across the agricultural value chain.
Do I have to work for VKB after I graduate?
Any work-back obligation or service agreement is confirmed during the application process. Many corporate bursaries include employment opportunities within the group after graduation.
Do I need to live in the Free State to apply?
The bursary is open to South African students nationally, though VKB’s operations are concentrated in the Free State and Limpopo. Check the listing on the careers portal for any regional preferences.
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