Education opens doors, but for many South African students, the biggest challenge is funding. That’s where bursaries come in. If you are interested in agriculture, science, or engineering and want to play a role in the growing citrus industry, then the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 could be your golden opportunity.
This bursary is not just about financial assistance; it’s about building a career and future in one of South Africa’s most important agricultural industries. Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of who the bursary is for, what it covers, how to apply, and the closing date.
About Citrus Academy
The Citrus Academy was established in 2005 as a non-profit organisation. It was founded by the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) of Southern Africa. The main aim of the Academy is to develop human resources for the citrus industry in Southern Africa.
The Academy addresses some of the key challenges in the citrus industry, such as:
- A shortage of critical skills.
- Poor delivery of quality training.
- Employment equity and black economic empowerment.
- Low skill levels in production.
In 2006, the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund was launched. Today, it is the largest private bursary fund in primary agriculture, and one of the biggest in the whole primary sector. This shows how serious the Academy is about developing young talent and future leaders in agriculture.
Fields Covered
The Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 is open for applications from students studying in agricultural-related fields. The bursary supports qualifications that directly link to citrus production, research, and industry growth.
Bursaries will be awarded in the following study areas:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Entomology
- Horticulture
- Industrial Engineering
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Production
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Soil Science
If your chosen field is connected to citrus production, there’s a good chance this bursary is for you.
What the Citrus Academy Bursary Covers
The bursary provides partial funding. It does not fully cover all study costs but helps reduce the financial burden.
Expenses covered include:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Stationery
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Research costs (for postgraduate students)
- Other study-related expenses
Important to note: The bursary does not cover 100% of the costs, but it gives strong financial support to make studies more affordable.
Obligations of Bursary Recipients
Students who receive the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 must:
- Sign a Bursary Agreement with the Citrus Academy.
- Maintain academic performance according to the standards set.
- Commit to the Citrus Academy Code of Conduct.
- Work back contract: After graduation, bursary recipients must work in the citrus industry. The number of years you work will equal the number of years you received funding. For example, if you received the bursary for two years, you must work in the industry for at least two years.
This ensures that the bursary is not just a donation but a partnership that benefits both the student and the industry.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a citizen of South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Swaziland.
- Have completed Matric.
- Be studying full-time or part-time towards a qualification in a citrus-related field.
- Be entering 2nd year or higher in 2026.
- Be studying at a recognised South African tertiary institution (University, College, or University of Technology).
- Show a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the citrus industry.
- Agree to meet the requirements outlined in the Citrus Academy Bursary Agreement.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be considered based on:
- Previously disadvantaged background.
- Relevant field of study.
- Strong academic performance.
- Financial need.
- Family background or connection to the citrus industry.
- Gender – female applicants are given preference.
- Disability – students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Recommended for you: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online at: Citrus Academy Bursary Application 2026
Step 1: Register an Account
Before applying, you must first register an account on the Citrus Academy bursary application portal.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Once registered, log in and complete the form.
Step 3: Submit the Required Documents
You will need to upload clear, certified copies of the following:
- ID document (South African students)
- Passport or ID (for Zimbabwe or Swaziland citizens)
- Matric results
- Latest tertiary academic record
- Motivational essay (max 500 words) explaining:
- Why you want to study further.
- Your background in the citrus industry.
- How you plan to give back to the industry once qualified.
- Postgraduate students: details of your research project.
Note: Missing documents may disqualify your application.
Selection Process
The bursary selection process is transparent and fair. Here’s how it works:
- Applications are reviewed and scored using a weighted scoring system.
- Postgraduate applications are reviewed by citrus researchers and academics.
- Top candidates are shortlisted, along with continuing bursary recipients.
- Final approval and funding decisions are made.
- Successful candidates will be notified by mid-December 2025.
If you do not receive feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful.
Also check: Bursaries Closing in September 2025
Contact Details
For queries about the bursary:
Tel: 031 765 3410 / 031 765 3412 / 086 546 7808
Email: learnmore@citrusacademy.org.za
For technical issues:
Email: candice@citrusacademy.org.za
The Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 is more than financial aid – it’s a gateway to a sustainable career in one of South Africa’s most important industries. If you are a hardworking student with a passion for agriculture, this bursary could change your future.