Hortgro Bursary South Africa 2027

Hortgro Bursary 2027	Details
Bursary provider	Hortgro
Academic year	2027
Study level	Undergraduate and postgraduate studies relevant to the deciduous fruit industry
Citizenship	South African citizens
Fields	Agricultural Sciences, Horticulture and other industry-related fields
Application method	Online application
Opening date	15 May 2026
Closing date	15 August 2026 at 23:59

Are you looking for the Hortgro 2027 Bursary Programme? Hortgro offers financial support to South African students pursuing studies that can contribute to the country’s deciduous fruit industry, including areas linked to agriculture, horticulture, agricultural sciences, business and environmental sustainability.

The Hortgro Bursary 2027 is aimed at students who want to build careers relevant to the deciduous fruit sector. The programme is part of Hortgro’s investment in the future skills required by an industry involved in the production, research, technology, transformation, marketing and communication of South Africa’s deciduous fruit.

Last verified: August 2026. Bursary dates, fields, funding arrangements and application requirements can change between application cycles. Always confirm the latest information with Hortgro before applying.

Hortgro Bursary 2027 – Overview

The Hortgro Bursary Programme provides financial support to students pursuing careers relevant to South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry. Hortgro says the programme is intended to help develop the next generation of industry leaders and researchers.

The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in agriculture, horticulture, agricultural sciences and other disciplines that contribute to the deciduous fruit value chain. Hortgro also identifies business management and environmental sustainability among the areas relevant to its bursary programme.

Hortgro has invested substantially in bursary support over the years. Its current bursary information states that the organisation has spent more than R55 million over the past decade on bursaries, while an earlier programme announcement recorded more than R43 million awarded to 704 students over nine years.

Fields of Study Covered by the Hortgro Bursary

The Hortgro 2027 Bursary Programme is not intended to fund every university qualification. Preference is given to study areas that are relevant to the deciduous fruit industry and its skills requirements.

Field / Qualification Area	Relevance to Hortgro
Agricultural Economics	Yes – relevant to agricultural business, economics and industry development
Horticulture	Yes – directly related to fruit production and horticultural practice
Agricultural Sciences	Yes – relevant to agricultural production and industry development
Agricultural Biotechnology	Yes – relevant to agricultural science and innovation
Soil and Water Science	Yes – relevant to sustainable production and resource management
Plant Pathology	Yes – relevant to plant health and fruit production
Entomology	Yes – relevant to pest management and crop protection
Microbiology	Yes – relevant to agricultural and post-harvest research
Agri-Management	Yes – relevant to agricultural business and management
Project Management	May be considered where relevant to the industry
Marketing	May be considered where relevant to the agricultural and fruit industry

The exact qualification list and priority areas can change from one application cycle to another. Applicants should therefore compare their qualification with the latest Hortgro bursary information before applying.

Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Economics combines agriculture with economics, business and resource management. Graduates can contribute to areas such as agricultural markets, farm economics, policy, business planning and industry development.

Horticulture and Agricultural Science

Horticulture and agricultural science are closely connected to the production of deciduous fruit. These fields can lead to careers involving crop production, farm management, agricultural research, technology and sustainable production.

Plant Pathology and Entomology

Plant pathology and entomology are important to fruit production because plant diseases and pests can affect both productivity and fruit quality. These areas are therefore relevant to agricultural research and crop protection.

Soil and Water Science

Soil and water management are important components of sustainable agricultural production. Students specialising in these areas can develop skills relevant to irrigation, soil management, environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

Who Can Apply for the Hortgro Bursary 2027?

The Hortgro Bursary Programme is aimed at South African students who are pursuing, or intend to pursue, studies relevant to the deciduous fruit industry.

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have completed Matric or be currently completing Grade 12.
• Be applying to study, or already studying, an approved or relevant qualification.
• Intend to study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Meet the admission requirements for the chosen qualification.
• Demonstrate academic ability and an interest in contributing to the agricultural sector.

Hortgro’s official programme information states that applications are considered on the basis of academic excellence, passion for the industry and the applicant’s potential contribution to the sector.

What Does the Hortgro Bursary Cover?

The amount and exact combination of benefits can depend on the applicant and the bursary arrangement. Hortgro states that its bursary programme can provide full or partial tuition-fee coverage together with a stipend for study-related expenses.

The programme also provides opportunities for practical exposure through internships and mentorships with industry professionals. Recipients can gain access to Hortgro’s network of experts and industry knowledge.

Documents Required for the Hortgro Bursary

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before completing the application. The documentation requested for the programme can include academic, financial and personal information used to assess the applicant’s circumstances and suitability.

Document	Purpose	Applicant Note
South African ID	Confirms citizenship and identity	Provide a clear copy as requested on the application
Matric certificate / latest Matric results	Confirms school academic performance	Current Grade 12 learners should provide their latest available results
Latest tertiary academic record	Shows university/college performance	Applicable to students already studying
Proof of tertiary registration	Confirms registration at the institution	Provide the requested official proof
Estimated study-cost breakdown	Shows expected tuition and other study expenses	Include the information requested by Hortgro
Parents’ / guardians’ identification documents	Supports financial assessment	Provide copies as requested
Proof of parents’ / guardians’ income	Helps establish financial need	Examples may include payslips or an affidavit where applicable
Proof of other financial assistance	Shows existing bursaries, loans or funding	Declare other funding where requested
Motivational essay	Explains your background, career plans and suitability	Follow the application’s instructions regarding the format
Two contactable references	Supports the applicant’s application	Use people who can be contacted if requested

How to Apply for the Hortgro Bursary 2027

The Hortgro Bursary Programme uses an online application process. Applicants should complete the official application carefully and provide the supporting information requested by Hortgro.

Step 1: Check That Your Qualification Is Relevant

Before applying, confirm that your qualification is relevant to the deciduous fruit industry and falls within the areas supported by the current Hortgro programme.

Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Gather your ID, academic results, proof of registration where applicable, financial documents and any other information requested on the application form. Preparing these documents before opening the application form can reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Motivation

Your motivation should explain who you are, what you intend to study, your career plans and why you want to contribute to the agricultural or deciduous fruit industry. Avoid using a generic motivation that could apply to any bursary.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Complete the official Hortgro Bursary Application 2027 and make sure that the information you enter agrees with your supporting documents.

Step 5: Submit Before the Closing Date

Submit your application before the published deadline. Hortgro states that applications for the 2027 programme opened on 15 May 2026 and closed on 15 August 2026.

Hortgro Bursary 2027 Closing Date

The closing date for the Hortgro Bursary Programme 2027 was 15 August 2026 at 23:59.

Students who missed the deadline should monitor Hortgro’s official bursary page for information about the next application cycle rather than submitting an application after the published deadline.

Hortgro Bursary Selection Process

Hortgro says that selection is based on factors including academic excellence, demonstrated passion for the deciduous fruit industry and potential future contribution to the sector.

• Applications are submitted with the required information and supporting documentation.
• Applications are assessed against the programme’s requirements.
• Academic performance and suitability for the industry are considered.
• The applicant’s motivation and potential contribution to the sector may form part of the assessment.
• Successful bursary recipients may receive mentorship and opportunities for industry exposure.

How to Make Your Hortgro Bursary Application Stronger

Hortgro is not simply looking for students who need financial assistance. Its stated objective is to help develop future leaders and researchers for the deciduous fruit industry. Your application should therefore make a clear connection between your studies, career plans and the agricultural sector.

• Connect your studies to the industry: Explain how your qualification can contribute to agriculture, horticulture or the deciduous fruit value chain.
• Make your motivation specific: Avoid copying a generic bursary motivation. Explain your own career objectives and interest in agriculture.
• Highlight academic performance: Make sure your latest results are complete and easy to understand.
• Demonstrate long-term interest: Show how you see yourself contributing to the agricultural industry after completing your studies.
• Check every attachment: An otherwise strong application can be weakened by missing or unclear supporting documents.
• Apply early: Do not leave the application until the final hours before the deadline.

About Hortgro

Hortgro is the South African industry organisation representing the deciduous fruit sector. The industry includes crops such as apples, pears and stone fruit and involves activities across production, research, technology, transformation, markets and communication.

Hortgro’s bursary programme forms part of its broader investment in the development of skilled people who can contribute to the future of the deciduous fruit industry. The organisation says its programme supports the development of future industry leaders and researchers.

Hortgro Bursary Contact Information

Hortgro Bursary Contact
Telephone: 021 870 2900
Email: learn@hortgro.co.za

For bursary-related questions, applicants should use the contact details provided by Hortgro and check the latest official programme information before contacting the organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions – Hortgro Bursary 2027

Important Information Before You Apply

• The Hortgro 2027 Bursary Programme opened on 15 May 2026.
• The 2027 application deadline was 15 August 2026 at 23:59.
• The programme supports studies relevant to the deciduous fruit industry.
• Relevant fields include agriculture, horticulture, agricultural sciences and other industry-related disciplines.
• Hortgro can provide full or partial tuition support and a study-related stipend.
• Recipients can also benefit from mentorship, industry exposure and professional networks.
• Funding arrangements and eligible fields should always be checked against the latest Hortgro information.

Important: Bursary information can change between application cycles. Always verify the latest requirements, closing dates, funding terms and application instructions directly with Hortgro before submitting an application.

If you missed the 2027 intake, you can continue checking Grads24 for other Agriculture Bursaries South Africa and bursaries in other fields of study.