Citrus Academy Bursary 2026 Requirements & Application

The Citrus Academy Bursary Fund is an initiative of the Citrus Academy, a non-profit organization established in 2005 by the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) of Southern Africa.

Recognizing the critical need for skilled professionals in the citrus sector, the Academy aims to address challenges like low production skills, lack of diversity, and limited access to quality education.

About the Organisation

Citrus Academy is a nonprofit company founded by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa. 

It is focused on developing human resources for the citrus industry, addressing scarce skills, quality delivery, empowerment, and equipping students for industry roles.

Fields of Study Funded

Eligible study areas include:

1. Agriculture & Horticulture
2. Entomology
3. Soil Science
4. Plant Production / Plant Pathology
5. Agricultural Management & Economics
6. Industrial & Mechanical Engineering (as applied to agriculture)
7. Microbiology

Benefits for Recipients

The bursary covers several costs such as tuition, prescribed books, stationery, accommodation, meals, and for postgraduate students, research costs. It is partial funding—not all expenses may be covered fully.

Recipient obligations include maintaining minimum academic standards (e.g., not failing main subjects outright) and completing vacation work each year. 

After graduation, recipients must work in the citrus industry for a period equal to the bursary funding received (“work-back service”).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all of the following:

1. Be a citizen of South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Swaziland
2. Be studying full-time or part-time at a recognised tertiary institution (university/college/university of technology) in South Africa]
3. Be in at least their second year of study in 2026 (no first-year funding)
4. Be enrolled or intending to enrol in one of the eligible citrus-related fields listed above 

Preference is given to applicants who are previously disadvantaged, female, have disabilities, or have a background in the citrus industry.

How to Apply

1. Applications open 1 June and close 15 September annually.
2. You apply online via the Citrus Academy’s “Apply for a bursary” page, or through the Student Community / Citrus Communities portal.
3. Register an account (if required), fill out the application form, and upload required certified supporting documents.

Required Documents

You must include:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID (or passport, if citizen of Zimbabwe/Swaziland)
2. Certified Matric certificate or secondary education results
3. Current tertiary academic record (for those already studying)
4. A motivational essay (max ~500 words) explaining why you wish to study further, your background in the citrus industry, and how you plan to give back after completing your studies
5. For postgraduate applicants: Details of your proposed research project and supervisor

Closing Date

The deadline for Citrus Academy Bursary applications for 2026 is 15 September 2026.

Applications received after that date will not be accepted.

Contact Details

For enquiries, contact Citrus Academy:

• General enquiries: Tel 031 765 3410 / 031 765 3412 / Toll-free 086 546 7808
• Email: learnmore@citrusacademy.org.za
• Technical / Portal issues: candice@citrusacademy.org.za