Verified
The Citrus Academy is the skills development arm of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa. The Citrus Academy works with growers, packhouses and research bodies to address skills shortages across the citrus value chain, from orchards to export.
- Registered name
- Citrus Academy
- Type
- Industry skills development organisation (citrus)
- Fields funded
- Agriculture, horticulture, plant science and engineering, from second year
- Website
- citrusacademy.org.za
- Phone
- 031 765 3410
About this page’s research
The Citrus Academy’s website blocked BursariesAfrica’s research tools on 15 September 2026. This profile draws on a provider record checked in August 2026 and on BursariesAfrica’s research into the 2027 bursary. Readers should confirm details on the Citrus Academy’s website or by email.
An export industry that needs skills
Citrus ranks among South Africa’s biggest agricultural exports, and oranges, lemons, grapefruit and soft citrus travel from South African farms to markets around the world. Meeting export standards requires horticulturists, plant scientists, pest and disease specialists, packhouse managers and engineers.
The Citrus Academy bursary
The Citrus Academy bursary fund supports agriculture, horticulture, plant science and engineering students from their second year of study onwards. The bursary also connects students to growers and packhouses through industry exposure programmes, so bursars see how the citrus industry works before they graduate.
The 2027 round is open and closes on 18 September 2026, after the Citrus Academy extended the original 15 September deadline. The Citrus Academy accepts applications online only. Contact the Citrus Academy on 031 765 3410 if the online system gives trouble.
How to research the Citrus Academy
Because the bursary starts from second year, first-year students should plan ahead: keep marks strong and apply once first-year results are available. Email the Citrus Academy to confirm which qualifications and universities the bursary accepts, what the industry exposure programme involves and whether bursars have any obligation to work in the citrus industry.
Learn about the citrus industry before writing a motivation. The Citrus Growers’ Association publishes information on citrus production regions, such as Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, and on export markets. Mentioning a specific challenge, such as pest management or export compliance, shows real interest.
Students with farming backgrounds or holiday work on fruit farms should highlight that experience, because the Citrus Academy values connections to the industry.
Agriculture students can compare the Citrus Academy with other funders on our Science Bursaries page.
🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist
Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
📥 Download Checklist (PDF)
