Citrus Academy Bursary South Africa For 2026. Are you pursuing a career in agriculture, horticulture, or any field related to citrus production in Southern Africa? If so, the Citrus Academy Bursary South Africa for 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This industry-focused bursary supports academic excellence and aims to strengthen human resource development within the citrus sector.
In this guide, we explore the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026, including eligible fields, what the bursary covers, who can apply, and how to submit a successful application before the 15 September 2025 deadline.
About Citrus Academy and Its Role in Southern Africa’s Citrus Sector
Established in 2005 by the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) of Southern Africa, Citrus Academy is a non-profit company focused on addressing the challenges and skills gaps within the citrus industry. These include:
- Shortages in critical and scarce skills
- Ineffective skills development strategies
- Employment equity and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)
- Low productivity due to underdeveloped skill levels
To meet these needs, the Citrus Academy launched the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund in 2006. It has grown to become the largest private bursary fund in the primary agriculture sector and is one of the largest in Southern Africa’s entire primary industry landscape.
Fields Covered by the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026
The Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 supports a wide range of qualifications relevant to citrus production and research. Whether you’re studying plant sciences, agricultural management, or engineering, there’s a chance your course is eligible.
Bursary-Supported Fields of Study
| Field of Study | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | General agricultural science, crop production |
| Agricultural Economics | Economic analysis and resource allocation in agriculture |
| Agricultural Management | Agribusiness operations and strategy |
| Entomology | Study of insects affecting citrus crops |
| Horticulture | Plant cultivation and orchard management |
| Industrial Engineering | Systems optimization within agro-processing |
| Plant Pathology | Study of plant diseases and control measures |
| Plant Production | Cultivation and yield improvement strategies |
| Mechanical Engineering | Machinery and equipment innovation for farming |
| Microbiology | Microbial study for crop protection and soil enrichment |
| Soil Science | Soil fertility, composition, and sustainable land use |
If your qualification aligns with any of the fields above, you are encouraged to apply.
What the Citrus Academy Bursary Covers
The Citrus Academy Bursary South Africa offers partial funding, aimed at easing the financial burden of students. While not a full-cost bursary, it covers a significant portion of essential study expenses.
| Expense Type | Covered by Bursary? |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Yes |
| Prescribed Books | Yes |
| Stationery | Yes |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| Meals | Yes |
| Research Costs (Postgrad) | Yes |
| Other Study-Related Costs | Yes (partial) |
Obligations
Bursary recipients must:
- Sign a Citrus Academy Bursary Agreement
- Uphold academic excellence and ethical standards
- Abide by the Citrus Academy Code of Conduct
- Commit to a work-back contract in the citrus industry (1 year of work per 1 year of funding)
Eligibility Requirements for Citrus Academy Bursary South Africa
To apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026, you must meet several requirements. These ensure that the bursary targets students with a genuine interest in the citrus industry.
Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Swaziland |
| Education Level | Must have completed Matric |
| Enrolment Status | Studying full-time or part-time at a recognized institution |
| Study Field | Enrolled in a citrus-related discipline |
| Year of Study in 2026 | Must be entering at least your 2nd year of study |
| Institution Type | Must attend a University, College, or University of Technology in SA |
| Career Interest | Should be pursuing a career in the citrus industry |
| Compliance | Must agree to all conditions in the Citrus Academy Bursary Agreement |
Priority Will Be Given To:
- Previously disadvantaged individuals
- Female students
- Students with disabilities
- Students with a background in the citrus industry
- Strong academic performance and proven financial need
How to Apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026
Ready to apply? The application process is conducted entirely online through the Citrus Academy’s official platform.
- Visit the Citrus Academy Bursary Application 2026 Portal
- Register an account if you’re a new applicant
- Log in to the portal and complete your application form
Required Supporting Documents
Ensure you upload the following certified documents:
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| South African ID / Passport (Zim/Swazi) | Required |
| Certified Matric Certificate | Required |
| Recent Tertiary Academic Record | Required |
| Motivational Essay (max 500 words) | Required – Explain your goals, background, and future contribution |
| Postgraduate Research Proposal | Required for Postgraduate Applicants |
Selection Process: What Happens After You Apply?
Once the Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 application window closes, applications undergo a strict screening and scoring process.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Email confirmation after successful submission |
| Scoring & Ranking | Applications are scored using a weighted system |
| Postgraduate Evaluation | Projects reviewed by citrus experts and academic supervisors |
| Shortlisting | Top applicants shortlisted, including returning bursary recipients |
| Final Approval | Final decision made by Citrus Academy panel |
| Notification | Successful candidates notified by mid-December 2025 |
Applicants who do not receive any feedback by December can consider their application unsuccessful.
Application Deadline
The closing date to apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary South Africa 2026 is:
15 September 2025
Late applications will not be considered. Be sure to apply well before the deadline to secure your opportunity.
Contact the Citrus Academy
Have questions about the bursary application or need help with the process?
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 031 765 3410 / 031 765 3412 / 086 546 7808 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | www.citrusacademy.org.za |
FAQs About Citrus Academy Bursary
Does the Citrus Academy Bursary offer full funding?
No, the Citrus Academy Bursary South Africa offers partial funding, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, and more but not full cost of study.
Can I apply if I’m in my first year of study?
No, applicants must be entering at least their second year of study in 2026 to qualify.
Is postgraduate research funded by the bursary?
Yes, postgraduate students can receive support, including for research-related expenses. However, they must submit a research proposal and supervisor details during application.
Conclusion
The Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 is more than just financial aid it’s a stepping stone into a dynamic and growing agricultural sector. With support for academic costs and a guaranteed industry placement post-study, it is ideal for aspiring agriculturists, researchers, engineers, and scientists who envision a fruitful future in citrus.
