Citrus Academy invites students from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland to apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 15 September 2025
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will be awarded for studies in the following agricultural and related fields:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Entomology
- Horticulture
- Industrial Engineering
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Production
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Soil Science
What the Citrus Academy Bursary Covers
The bursary provides partial funding for:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books and stationery
- Accommodation and meals
- Research costs (for postgraduate students)
- Other study-related expenses
Recipients must sign a Bursary Agreement and commit to the Citrus Academy Code of Conduct.
After graduation, recipients must work within the citrus industry on a work-back contract equal to the duration of bursary funding received.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Swaziland
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying full-time or part-time towards a citrus-related qualification
- Be entering at least 2nd year of study in 2026
- Be enrolled at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution
- Be interested in pursuing a career in the citrus industry
- Meet the criteria outlined in the Citrus Academy Bursary Agreement (.pdf)
Preference will be given to: previously disadvantaged students, those with financial need, females, students with disabilities, and those with a background in the citrus industry.
How to Apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted online via the official portal: Click here to apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026
Applicants must register an account before logging in to apply.
Required Supporting Documents:
- Certified copy of ID document (or Passport if from Zimbabwe/Swaziland)
- Certified copy of Matric results
- Certified copy of latest tertiary academic record
- Motivational essay (max 500 words) explaining:
- Why you wish to study further
- Your background in the citrus industry
- How you plan to give back after your studies
- Proposed research project details (postgraduate students only)
Selection Process
- All applicants will receive confirmation once their submission is complete.
- Candidates are scored using a weighted scoring system.
- Postgraduate applications are reviewed by citrus researchers and academics.
- Final shortlisted candidates (including continuing bursary holders) are submitted for approval.
- Successful candidates will be notified by mid-December 2025.