Citrus Academy Bursary South Africa 2025

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.

Founded in 2006, the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund has become the largest private bursary fund in primary agriculture within South Africa.

About the Citrus Academy Bursary

The Citrus Academy Bursary offers financial support to South African students pursuing studies in fields related to citrus production or research.

This partial bursary can assist with various expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, books and stationery, meals, and research costs (for postgraduate students).

Here’s what to keep in mind about the bursary:

  1. Partial Funding: It’s important to remember that this is not a full scholarship. You will still need to secure additional funding to cover any remaining costs.
  2. Work Back Service Contract: After graduation, bursary recipients are required to work within the citrus industry for a minimum period equal to the duration of bursary support received. This “work back” commitment ensures motivated individuals contribute directly to the industry’s growth.

Citrus Academy Bursary Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Citizenship: Be a South African citizen, or a citizen of Zimbabwe or Swaziland.
  2. Education Level: Have completed your Matric (Grade 12) qualification.
  3. Study Mode & Field: Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a citrus production or research-related program.
  4. Year of Study: Be entering your second year or higher of study in 2025.
  5. Institution: Be registered at a recognized and accredited South African tertiary institution (universities, colleges, or universities of technology).
  6. Career Aspiration: Demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing a career within the citrus industry.
  7. Financial Need: Meet the financial need criteria outlined in the Citrus Academy Bursary Agreement (available on their website).

Candidates will be assessed based on a variety of factors, including:

  1. Previously disadvantaged background (preference given)
  2. Relevance of your chosen field of study to the citrus industry
  3. Academic performance
  4. Financial need
  5. Any existing connection to the citrus industry (e.g., family involvement)
  6. Gender (preference given to female students)
  7. Disability status (students with disabilities are encouraged to apply)

Citrus Academy Bursary Application Requirements

Applications for the Citrus Academy Bursary must be submitted online.

Here’s a checklist of supporting documents you’ll need to have ready:

  1. Certified copy of your ID document (South African citizens)
  2. Passport or ID document (if you’re a citizen of Zimbabwe or Swaziland)
  3. Certified copies of your secondary education results (Matric certificate)
  4. Certified copy of your most recent academic record from your tertiary institution
  5. A motivational essay (maximum 500 words) explaining:
    • Your reasons for pursuing further studies
    • Any prior experience or background in the citrus industry
    • How you plan to contribute to the citrus industry after completing your studies
  6. Details of your proposed research project (required for postgraduate students)

How to Apply

Visit the Citrus Academy website for the online application portal.

Make sure you submit all the required documents by the closing date to avoid disqualification.

How to Contact

For any inquiries related to the Citrus Academy Bursary, you can contact them directly through the following methods:

  1. Phone: 031 765 3410 / 031 765 3412 / 086 546 7808
  2. Email: learnmore@citrusacademy.org.za

Before contacting the Citrus Academy, it’s highly recommended to review their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on their website.

This might answer your questions quickly and efficiently.

Citrus Academy Bursary Closing Date

The application window for the Citrus Academy Bursary closes on September 15, 2024.