Hortgro has opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, offering South African students a chance to study towards a career in the country’s deciduous fruit industry. The bursary is open to learners who have completed Matric or who are currently in Matric, and who plan to study agriculture or horticulture related qualifications in 2027. The award is renewable each year and successful students are paired with a mentor. Applications close on 15 August 2026 for the Hortgro bursary, so interested students should prepare their documents and apply early.
About the Hortgro Bursary Programme
Hortgro is one of South Africa’s leading agricultural organisations and is committed to the future of the deciduous fruit sector. It helps fruit growers to produce, market and sell high quality produce, and focuses on research and technology, production, transformation, markets and communication within the industry. The organisation’s roots stretch back to 1652, when the first apple seeds were planted in the Cape, and today its members include the SA Apple and Pear Producers’ Association, the SA Stone Fruit Producers’ Association and the Dried Fruit Technical Services.
Through its bursary programme, Hortgro invests in young South Africans who want to build careers in agriculture. The deciduous fruit industry is a major employer and exporter, and skilled graduates in horticulture, agricultural science and related fields are in steady demand. For unemployed youth and school leavers, a Hortgro bursary is more than funding. It is a direct pathway into a growing sector with real jobs.
What the Bursary Covers
The Hortgro Bursary offers the following benefits to successful students:
- An annual bursary award that is renewable each year, based on satisfactory academic performance
- Access to a dedicated mentor who supports your studies and career development
- Funding towards a recognised agriculture or horticulture qualification at a South African tertiary institution
- The full breakdown of costs covered (such as tuition, books and accommodation) is confirmed during the application process
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
To qualify for the Hortgro Bursary 2027, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have completed Matric, or currently be in Matric
- Be studying or intend to study towards one of the approved qualifications in 2027
- Be studying or registered at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
- Meet the admission requirements for your chosen course
Approved fields of study include Agri-Management, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Science, Entomology, Horticulture (Production or Post-harvest), Marketing, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Project Management, and Soil and Water Science.
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Required Documents
- Certified copy of your ID document or ID card (both sides)
- Matric certificate, or your latest Matric results if you are currently in Matric
- Your latest tertiary academic record (if you are already studying)
- Proof of tertiary registration on the institution’s letterhead
- An estimated breakdown of your study fees (tuition, books and accommodation)
- Your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income (payslips if employed, or an affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of any other financial assistance, bursaries or loans, if applicable
- A handwritten essay about yourself, your career plans and why you should be awarded the bursary
- Two contactable references
How to Apply
- Visit the official Hortgro website and open the Hortgro Bursary Application 2027 form.
- Complete every section of the online application form accurately.
- Gather and upload all of the required supporting documents listed above.
- Write and attach your handwritten essay and list your two references.
- Submit your completed application before the closing date and keep a copy for your records.
For more information or to request the bursary brochure, email learn@hortgro.co.za. Apply at Hortgro.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Hortgro Bursary 2027 is 15 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the world, and the cost of tertiary education keeps many talented young people out of the classroom. A fully supported bursary like this one removes the biggest barrier between a Matric certificate and a professional qualification. Agriculture is also one of the few sectors that continues to create jobs, from farm management and food science to research and export.
By studying in a Hortgro-approved field, you position yourself for stable, well-paid work in an industry that feeds the nation and earns valuable export income. The added mentorship means you are not just funded, you are guided. For a young person from a low income household, this opportunity can change the direction of an entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. This is a study bursary for school leavers and students. No prior work experience is required, only that you meet the academic and citizenship criteria.
Can I apply if I am still waiting for my final Matric results?
Yes. Learners currently in Matric may apply using their latest results. You will need to provide your Matric certificate once it is available.
Is the bursary available across all provinces?
Yes. The bursary is open to South African citizens studying at recognised tertiary institutions anywhere in the country, as long as you study an approved qualification.
What happens after I am awarded the bursary?
Recipients are expected to maintain good academic results, submit regular progress updates, and attend Hortgro functions. The bursary is renewed each year based on satisfactory performance.
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