Citrus Academy Bursary Fund
Citrus Academy (Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa)
The Citrus Academy Bursary Fund supports students pursuing citrus and agriculture-related qualifications at accredited South African tertiary institutions, with a view to building a career in the citrus industry. Founded in 2006, it is regarded as the biggest private bursary fund in primary agriculture in South Africa and is open to citizens of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini who have completed at least their first year of study.
- Amount
- Partial funding (value depends on study-related costs covered): tuition, books, accommodation and meals
- Deadline
- Closed 15 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Citrus Academy (Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Must be a citizen of South Africa, Zimbabwe or Eswatini (Swaziland)
- ✓ Must have completed secondary education (Matric)
- ✓ Must be entering second year of study or higher (first-year students are not supported)
- ✓ Must be studying full-time or part-time toward a citrus or agriculture-related qualification
- ✓ Must study at a recognised, accredited South African tertiary institution (university, college or university of technology)
- ✓ Must be interested in pursuing a career in the citrus industry
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need (selection prioritises previously disadvantaged status, academic performance, financial need, industry connection, female applicants and applicants with disabilities)
- ✓ Undergraduates must complete a minimum four-week vacation work placement annually and maintain at least a D-average without failing main subjects
- ✓ Must register or join the Student Community on the Citrus Communities portal before applying
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Prescribed books and stationery
- ✓ On-campus accommodation and meals
- ✓ Research costs (postgraduate students only)
- ✓ Other study-related expenses
- ✓ Vacation work placements in the citrus industry
Work Commitment
Subject to a work-back service contract: bursary recipients must work in the citrus industry after graduation for a minimum period equal to the period of funding received.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Citrus Academy (Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa) bursary application
- 1
Visit the Citrus Communities portal at citruscommunities.org.za
- 2
Register and join the Student Community on the portal before applying
- 3
Complete the online bursary application form
- 4
Upload all required supporting documents
- 5
Submit your application before the 15 September deadline of the year preceding your proposed year of study
- 6
Wait for shortlisting, selection and confirmation from Citrus Academy
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of your ID or passport
- 📄 Certified copy of your matric certificate
- 📄 Latest academic records or results
- 📄 Proof of tertiary registration or acceptance
- 📄 Proof of household income / financial need
- 📄 Motivational letter outlining your interest in a career in the citrus industry
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund?
- Citizens of South Africa, Zimbabwe or Eswatini (Swaziland) who have completed Matric and are entering their second year of study or higher in a citrus or agriculture-related qualification at an accredited South African tertiary institution. First-year students are not supported.
- When is the application deadline?
- Applications close on 15 September of the year before your proposed year of study - 15 September 2025 for 2026, and 15 September 2026 for 2027 under the same rule. You must register on the Citrus Communities portal before applying. Confirm dates with Citrus Academy (learnmore@citrusacademy.org.za), as its website was unavailable when this page was last checked.
- What does the bursary cover?
- Funding is partial and depends on study-related costs. It can cover tuition fees, prescribed books and stationery, on-campus accommodation and meals, research costs for postgraduate students, and other study-related expenses.
- Is there a work-back obligation?
- Yes. Recipients sign a work-back service contract and must work in the citrus industry after graduating for a minimum period equal to the period of funding received. Undergraduates must also complete at least four weeks of vacation work each year and maintain a D-average without failing main subjects.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 15 September 2026.
Citrus Academy says applications close on 15 September of the year before the proposed year of study (15 September 2026 for 2027). Its website, citrusacademy.org.za, was unavailable on 12 October 2026, so the 2027 round could not be re-checked; 2028 dates were not yet known.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check Citrus Academy (Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Citrus Academy (Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa):
Email: learnmore@citrusacademy.org.za
Phone: 031 765 3410
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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