Hortgro Bursary Programme 2027: Apply for Agriculture Bursaries
If you are passionate about agriculture, science, technology, or environmental sustainability, the Hortgro Bursary Programme 2027 could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Hortgro is inviting South African students to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate bursaries in critical agricultural fields, while also offering mentorship, work-integrated learning, internships and career development opportunities.
Whether you dream of becoming an agricultural economist, horticulturist, soil scientist or biotechnology specialist, Hortgro provides the support needed to build a successful career in one of South Africa’s most important industries.
Fields of Study Supported by the Hortgro Bursary
Preference is given to students studying scarce and critical skills within agriculture, including:
- Agricultural Economics
- Horticulture (Production and Post-harvest)
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Soil and Water Science
- Marketing
- Agricultural Science
- Project Management
- Entomology
- Agricultural Management
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
Applicants studying in these disciplines are encouraged to apply.
What Does the Hortgro Career Development Programme Include:
Successful bursary recipients benefit from much more than financial assistance.
The programme includes:
- Undergraduate bursaries
- Postgraduate bursaries
- Internship opportunities
- Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
- Industry mentorship
- Leadership development
- Professional networking opportunities
- Exposure to agricultural facilities
- Career guidance
- Employability skills development
Students also gain valuable practical experience through workplace learning within the agriculture sector.
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 2027
- 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:
Applications must be submitted online at: Hortgro Bursary Application 2027
Applicants are encouraged to also download and read the Hortgro Bursary Brochure (.pdf)
Shortlisted applicants may be required to submit clear copies of the following:
- 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
Applications are accepted directly through Hortgro’s online application system.
Application Period
Opening Date: 15 May
Closing Date: 15 August (annually)
Contact Details
Email: learn@hortgro.co.za
Website: www.hortgro.co.za
Applicants can complete the online application form during the application period.