GWK Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

The GWK Bursary, also known as the Ben Scholtz Bursary Fund, is offered by GWK, a large South African agricultural company that forms part of the VKB Group. 

GWK is focused on the Northern, Eastern, and Western Cape regions, supporting farmers with input, financing, logistics, and trading.

This bursary is specifically designed to develop essential skills for the agricultural and related business sectors to ensure a steady supply of qualified professionals for the GWK Group.

GWK Bursary Eligibility Requirements

The GWK Bursary is highly selective, focusing on academic merit and a clear commitment to a career within the agricultural and agribusiness industry.

  1. Must be a South African citizen.
  2. Must have completed and passed Matric.
  3. Must maintain a good academic record throughout your studies.
  4. Must be accepted or currently studying towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the approved fields of study.
  5. Must be studying at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
  6. Must be willing to sign a service contract or have the bursary converted into a loan if no suitable vacancy is available upon graduation.

Fields of Study Supported

The GWK Group supports careers critical to its operations, covering the entire agribusiness value chain, from technical agricultural roles to essential corporate support functions.

  1. Agricultural Economists / Agriculturists (e.g., Agronomy, Animal Science).
  2. Finance and Accounting (specifically aligned with agribusiness).
  3. Information Technology (IT) / Programmers.
  4. Logistics and Procurement / Buyers.
  5. Risk Management and Audits.
  6. Human Resource Management.
  7. Marketing and Communication.
  8. Mechanics and Irrigation.
  9. Safex Trading and Grain Procurement.
  10. Corporate Managers / Administration.

Bursary Coverage and Service Obligation

The GWK Bursary aims to alleviate the main financial burdens of study, but it is important to understand the compulsory work-back clause.

  1. Coverage: The award typically covers essential expenses, including:
    • Registration Fees.
    • Tuition Fees.
    • Prescribed Textbooks.
  2. Service Obligation: Upon successful completion of the qualification, bursary holders will be considered for a permanent vacancy within the GWK Group. If a suitable vacancy is available, the recipient is expected to work for the company for a period determined by the contract.
  3. Loan Conversion: Crucially, if no suitable vacancy is available upon graduation, the bursary will be converted into a loan that must be paid back to the GWK Group.

GWK Bursary Application Process

The GWK Bursary application is generally managed through an online system. 

Accuracy and the submission of all required documents are essential for consideration.

  1. Find the Online Portal: Applications are typically submitted via the online careers portal on the official GWK or VKB Group website.
  2. Complete the Form: Fill out the Ben Scholtz Bursary Application form completely and accurately.
  3. Prepare Documents: Gather and ensure all copies of supporting documents are clear and certified.
  4. Submit: Upload all required documents as specified on the online portal. Incomplete or late applications are usually disqualified.

Required Documents

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID document.
  2. Certified copy of your Matric Certificate.
  3. Most recent exam results (on the tertiary institution’s letterhead).
  4. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  5. Full course details and registration information.
  6. Official statement or invoice of all fees involved in your course (tuition, registration, and prescribed books).

GWK Bursary Closing Date

The official closing date for the 2026 academic year has not been confirmed by GWK.

Based on previous application cycles for the Ben Scholtz Bursary Fund, the closing date typically falls in August or September of the preceding year.

GWK Bursary Contact Details

For current and specific queries regarding the Ben Scholtz Bursary Fund and its 2026 application status, you should check the official GWK and VKB Group corporate channels.

FAQs

1. What is the alternative name for the GWK Bursary? +

The bursary is officially known as the **Ben Scholtz Bursary Fund**, named after a prominent figure associated with the company.

2. Can I apply if I want to study Medicine or Law? +

No. The bursary is strictly limited to fields that are directly required for the GWK Group’s agribusiness operations, such as Agricultural Economics, IT, Finance, and Logistics.

3. What happens if GWK does not have a vacancy for me after I graduate? +

If there is no suitable vacancy available upon your graduation, the bursary amount will be converted into a loan that you will be required to pay back to the GWK Group.

4. Is financial need a requirement for the GWK Bursary? +

While the primary selection criterion is a strong academic record, the bursary is intended to support careers in the agricultural sector, and applicants’ commitment and alignment with the GWK ethos are highly valued.

5. Is the bursary open to postgraduate students? +

The bursary is primarily aimed at undergraduate students. If postgraduate applications are considered, they must be in one of the highly scarce skills areas needed by the Group.

6. Where can I find the official application form? +

Applications are typically submitted online via the dedicated application portal on the official GWK or VKB Group website, usually found under the ‘Careers’ section.

7. What is the primary geographical region GWK operates in? +

GWK primarily focuses on the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape regions, although the VKB Group, of which it is a part, covers a wider area.

8. Must I provide my parents’ proof of income? +

While past adverts did not explicitly list proof of income, it is always advisable to have this documentation ready, especially for funding that requires a demonstration of financial need, which may be assessed during the selection process.

9. Does the bursary cover my accommodation costs? +

The core coverage typically includes registration, tuition, and prescribed textbooks. Accommodation and other living costs are generally not covered by the GWK Bursary.

10. Can I apply if I am in Matric? +

Yes. Final-year Matric students who have achieved a good academic record and have received provisional acceptance from a university for a relevant course are encouraged to apply.

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